Trees – and especially those with the name copper beech – are intended to remind people of the crimes of sexual violence in the Münster diocese. Not all victims of abuse find this appropriate. Kirche+Leben asked the initiators.
Copper beeches are to be placed in all parishes in the Münster diocese to remind people of crimes of sexual violence. According to the initiators, this has triggered many positive reactions, but there have also been requests for this symbol. People who say they have suffered sexual violence themselves have spoken out on social networks – including on Kirche+Leben.
On the one hand, they ask why a tree is being planted when trees represent life. On the other hand, there are concerns that the word component “blood” in connection with sexual abuse could “trigger” those affected.
Vutz: “Tree ambivalent symbol”
In response to a request from Kirche+Leben, Johannes Vutz from the Vechta officialate, who is the Working aid for the campaign (PDF file here) co-wrote, that the tree symbol could also be misunderstood: “Trees are initially positively charged, they stand for life, they grow and blossom.” The theologian argues that every possible symbol has an “ambivalence”.
However, he stresses that the planting of a copper beech (Fagus sylvatica Purpurea Pendula) was an idea from the culture of remembrance working group in the Münster diocese, in which victims of abuse are also involved. The symbol of mourning was important to the group. The dark leaves and the “mourning-like growth” of the copper beech make this clear.
“Permanence of painful experiences”
One affected person who helped develop the idea told Kirche+Leben: “The beech is the plant of wisdom, the color red is a signal color.” The work aid also states: “Unlike other tree species, the weeping copper beech does not simply symbolize life and new beginnings, but the permanence of painful experiences.”
The person affected takes this up. Victims of abuse have to live with the consequences of the crime permanently, he says. And: The hanging branches only grow through grafting as a result of human influence.
Planting around November 18th
Vutz also explains that planting copper beech trees in parishes and institutions in the diocese is not enough: “You have to look after the tree. You also have to keep on top of the issue of abuse, which the tree reminds us of.”
The diocese recommends planting the trees on or around November 18. The Council of Europe has declared this day the European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
