The reports from the Moravian Church were shocking: for decades, dozens of children in care had been victims of sexual violence there. The cracks are still deep after the controversial educational work. Together, however, the events should now be remembered.
Stuttgart/Korntal (dpa/lsw) – Eight years after decades of abuse and sexual violence in their homes became known, the Evangelical Brotherhood in Korntal and Wilhelmsdorf wants to remind and warn of the events. On Saturday (June 25/11:00 a.m.), the community wants to set up three memorials by a Darmstadt artist on the grounds of the three children’s homes, confess their guilt and organize a silent march to the town hall. “It should remind you that we do everything and do everything we can to protect and strengthen people so that hope and trust can grow,” said Veit-Michael Glatzle, Managing Director Diakonie of the Korntal/Wilhelmsdorf Brothers’ Community.
From the reports of those affected and discussions, a disturbing picture of residential care in Baden-Württemberg had emerged in recent years. From the 1950s to the 1980s, children in the Evangelische Brüdergemeinde Korntal experienced physical and sexual violence. Dozens of perpetrators are known, mainly supervisors and employees. Hundreds of cases have been documented. But legally the deeds are time-barred.
The sculptor Gerhard Roese created larger-than-life steles that are intended to address the concepts of hope, respect and trust. Roese is a former student at the Odenwald School and was a victim of violence there himself. Affected people have recently criticized the art project as a “rush shot” that is not based on them. They felt “taken by surprise”, the date had been set too early, had not been agreed and the artist had already been determined.
The members of the Korntal Brothers’ Congregation in the Ludwigsburg district, founded in 1819, count themselves among the Pietists, who are considered to be a particularly conservative current in Protestantism. They see the Bible as the revealed Word of God and value an intensive examination of the Holy Scriptures.
