Dutch Catholic church flooded with sex abuse allegations
At least 1,100 allegations of sexual abuse committed by members of the Dutch Roman Catholic clergy in the three decades from 1950 have emerged this month, a church official said Saturday.
"According to latest figures, there have been 1,100 accounts," said Pieter Kohnen, a spokesman for the Dutch Catholic church.
The reports have been logged by a commission set up in 1995 by the church to help victims of sexual abuse by the clergy, he added.
Dutch religious leaders on March 9 ordered a "broad, external and independent" investigation of alleged sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests, and apologised to victims.
The announcement was made by the Dutch Religious Conference after a meeting to discuss abuse claims by about 200 alleged victims dating from the 1960s and 1970s.
On Saturday Pope Benedict XVI apologised in a letter for child sex abuse by Irish priests and spoke of the "shame and remorse" he felt over the scandals.
Similar scandals have also emerged in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
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Joseph Aquilina
Mar 21st 2010, 02:28
dating from the 1960s and 1970s.? Why did those abused not come forward at that time? Why wait for 49 years to come forward? This tells us that it is an attack on the Church and not on the accused. I am not protecting the Catholic Church...I am not Catholic. This is sensationalism. I agree that the victims should have come forward much earlier at the time of offence. Are they after the money? What is the use now when I'm sure most of the offenders had died and received the punishment from their Maker? Of course I hope that these offenses will stop and make the church go back to Holiness and not scandals.
Joseph Aquilina, Ontario, CANADA
Carmel serracino-Inglott
Mar 20th 2010, 21:32
The treasures are priceless, how can they be sold. Actually they render a lot of money from tourists. THIS MONEY is being used to help the victims. Why after all thwese years I cannot understand if it is not for money . Let the culprits be punished yes but I smell old fish. I am sure that there are many who are not claiming anything because they forgave. Those who claim are.....
B. Windibank
Mar 20th 2010, 19:13
An apology is fine but the Church, like ordinary mortals, needs to do penance for its sins. Perhaps the Vatican should sell its treasures and use the proceeds to protect children.
Kevin Cassar
Mar 20th 2010, 20:41
Don't hold your breath!! Even though in the Gospel, Jesus is quoted to have said to sell all your property and give it to the poor and follow him, the Church conveniently chooses to ignore the bits they don't like and only want power, wealth and diplomatic immunity!!! Well I have news for them, the world is waking up from it's hypnotic state and it's clear that new cases are discovered every day and people are starting to take courage and talk.
g. Cutajar
Mar 20th 2010, 19:09
G. Cutajar.
Malta safja?
John Smith
Mar 20th 2010, 18:58
I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.