Church - Report on misconduct during the tenure of Bishop Spital
Historians at the University of Trier will present a report on sexual abuse of children and adolescents during the tenure of former Bishop Hermann Josef Spital in Trier (3:40 pm this Wednesday). Spital served as bishop in Trier from 1981 to 2001. This is the second interim report of a historical study that is scientifically examining sexual abuse by clergy and laity in the Diocese of Trier from 1946 to 2021, as the project leadership announced.
At the end of 2022, historians reported on the tenure of the former Bishop Bernhard Stein (1967-1980). He was reportedly part of the system that protected and shielded abusers. The Diocese of Trier has approximately 1.2 million Catholics in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
The historical research project at the University of Trier was initiated by the independent commission for the processing of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Trier. The commission has been in office since June 2021 and consists of victims and experts.
The tenures of former Trier Bishop Reinhard Marx and current Bishop Stephan Ackermann are to be examined for the historical study, which is still running until the end of 2025. The reports will focus on how the responsible persons of the diocese dealt with known cases of abuse.
As of October 2023, Trier historians have documented acts with 579 victims and 227 suspects for the period from 1946 to 2021. The new interim report will contain updated figures, as stated.
- The misuse of power and cover-up of criminality in the Church during Bishop Hermann Josef Spital's term of office in Trier is the focus of the current historical study at the University of Trier.
- The Diocese of Trier, which spans Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, has been under scrutiny for the misuse of power and protection of abusers by its clergy and laity, as revealed in previous reports.
- The Bishop of Trier, serving during the time period of 1981 to 2001, is now being investigated for allegations of misuse and criminality in relation to sexual abuse cases reported within the Diocese.
- The independent commission for the processing of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Trier, consisting of victims and experts, has initiated a historical research project at the University of Trier to examine the role of Church leaders in misusing their positions and failing to protect vulnerable individuals.
- The misconduct and failures of Church leaders in the Diocese of Trier, including former Bishop Reinhard Marx and current Bishop Stephan Ackermann, will be thoroughly examined in the ongoing historical study to prevent similar incidents in the future and promote healing for victims.
