Bamberg (dpa / lby) – After allegations of abuse against a long-time pastor in Wallenfels (Kronach district) in Upper Franconia became known, parishioners called for far-reaching reforms in the church structure, among other things. According to a spokesman, in a conversation with Archbishop Ludwig Schick, they described it as incomprehensible that the priest had been able to work as a parish priest for years, although allegations against him had been on record since 1963. They also criticized the lack of information.
While some were shocked that a priest who was well respected in the community had been an abuser, others stressed that they had benefited from the pastor’s pastoral care. The spokesman said on Wednesday that people are concerned about how the local church, which means a lot to them, will continue.
Archbishop Schick showed understanding for the criticism at the meeting and thanked for the open words. According to him, in many cases the privacy protection of those affected has prevented the publication of acts of abuse. Victim protection and adequate information must be better balanced in the future, he said.
Schick repeated his admission that the diocese leadership at the time committed serious omissions according to today’s guidelines. The accused pastor should not have been employed as a pastor.
