“I’m sure: The silence is still great, those affected often cannot reveal themselves, or they have lost all trust that their lives play a role in the church,” writes the bishop in a pastoral letter that was published in the church services at the weekend Diocese is read.
It’s not about numbers, it’s about people
Kohlgraf sees the study as a step in the process. “We will not stop inviting people to tell their life stories,” he writes. It’s not about numbers or statistics, it’s about people. The diocese wants to talk to them in order to learn. It’s not just about the past, but about the lives of people today.
The bishop reiterated that a whole system had failed. The ecclesiastical system made abuse possible and “encouraged it to an alarming extent”.
Guarantee protection for children and young people
Kohlgraf emphasizes that there should no longer be any untouchable monuments. Children, young people and those in need of protection should be able to find safe places and companionship in the church.
It shouldn’t be about the big ones, but about the “little ones who need protection and attention”. At the same time, the bishop warned against general suspicion and an “atmosphere of distrust”. A large part of the priests, pastors and employees do outstanding work.
