As of: January 26, 2024, 2:24 p.m
Comments
Press
Split
A cross shines on Heinrich Bedford-Strohm's neck.
© Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
After the presentation of a study on sexual abuse in the Protestant Church, criticism was raised against the former EKD council chairman and long-time Bavarian regional bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm.
Munich/Hannover - “I would like him to take responsibility,” said Detlev Zander, the affected person, after the study was presented in Hanover.
“I hope that he sees it and that he can contact us.” Katharina Kracht, representative of those affected and a member of the research association’s advisory board, said: “The problem has been known since at least 2010.
Mr. Bedford-Strohm first addressed the issue a week or two before the 2021 Synod.”
Bedford-Strohm told the German Press Agency on Friday: “The issue of sexual violence has been close to my heart since the beginning of my term as regional bishop.
I have been in contact with those affected the entire time.
I have commented on the topic in numerous interviews and synod reports.
During my time as Council Chairman, the EKD Council and the Synod initiated many things that are now bearing fruit, not least the study that has now been presented.”
Bedford-Strohm was Bavarian regional bishop from 2011 to 2023 and also EKD council chairman from 2014 to 2021.
He is grateful for the study that is now available.
“It has produced shocking results.
At the same time, it provides important impetus for further steps,” he emphasized.
“Looking back, however, I regret that we were not able to get these necessary processes underway more quickly.”
The forum study presented on Thursday by independent scientists on sexualized violence in the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and Diakonie has documented at least 1,259 accused people over the past few decades.
It is the first comprehensive study on sexual violence among Protestants.
dpa