Abuse scandals: Evangelical Church of the Palatinate in the crossfire of criticism

Abuse scandals: Evangelical Church of the Palatinate in the crossfire of criticism

A current study has revealed a shattering overview of sexual abuse of children and adolescents within the Evangelical Church of the Palatinate and their Diakonie. According to a report by SWR , a total of 49 possible cases have been documented since 1947. Of these cases, 22 have so far been clearly confirmed.

The affected people are mostly pastors, but also pedagogical staff, church musicians and volunteers are among the accused. It is noteworthy that six people have been convicted by the current time. Despite these legal steps, the situation remains complex and depressing.

The role of the independent processing commission

An "Independent Refusion Commission in the southwest" (Urak) was set up to extensively examine the incidents and prevent future abuse cases. This commission, which includes seven members, consists of representatives of the regional churches and diaconies as well as experts from the state governments and two representatives of affected. Helmut Perron, former President of the Heidelberg Regional Court and member of the Commission, emphasize that it is essential to check the structures and attitudes, favor sexual violence or make it difficult.

Urak not only has the task of determining the number of cases of sexual violence in the institutions of the Palatinate State Church, but also analyzing the circumstances that led to the abuse cases. The Palatinate Church President Dorothee Wüst in particular emphasizes the need to draw concrete consequences. She is also a member of the Urak and demands that sexual violence in church and diakonia must be prevented immediately.

The confirmed and documented cases

The 22 cases previously confirmed include a large number of those responsible: 7 cases concern pastors, 9 cases of educators or pedagogical staff, 2 procedures are assigned to church music, and 3 cases also concern voluntary employees. In these documentaries, which were updated by January 2025, 19 cases are identified as relevant to criminal law, with not all condemnations. In some cases prevented death, unknown of the perpetrator or limitation a commitment to the guilt.

It is particularly frightening that there was no conviction among the pastors in 4 cases, although these acts fell under the legal situation at that time. Nevertheless, the offenses prompted both criminal and disciplinary measures in all documented cases. At the moment there are still 3 cases under investigation.

In addition, the Evangelical Church of the Palatinate reported a total of 27 cases to the Forum Research Association. These different numbers result from specific case considerations within the forum study. It is important to note that suspected cases that arose after the study of the study, December 31, 2020, are not included in the previous calculations.

Overall, the current review of the incidents within the church illustrates how important it is to counteract sexual violence in all forms and to be accountable. The coming years in which the Urak will carry out its investigations could be crucial for prevention and trust in the Church institution.