Diocese to Aid Religious Orders with Settlements for Abuse Cases - Mertes' Announcement
Religious Orders Face Financial Struggles in Compensating Abuse Victims, According to Jesuit Klaus Mertes
Jesuit Klaus Mertes, who exposed the abuse scandal in Germany, has highlighted the financial challenges faced by religious orders in making compensation payments to abuse victims.
Mertes stated that many orders do not have substantial wealth, which presents financial challenges when making compensation payments. This scarcity of funds can stem from limited revenue streams, the declining number of members contributing to communal finances, and the need to maintain their religious missions and institutions.
Mertes emphasized that the investigation into past abuses must be independent of the Church to ensure fair and impartial outcomes. He also called for more solidarity, particularly from dioceses and orders that have benefited from the work of women's orders in the past.
Some orders are overwhelmed due to the average age of their members being around 80 years. This demographic challenge further complicates efforts to address past abuses comprehensively.
Mertes also noted that some dioceses have "financial other possibilities" with high amounts, but he did not elaborate on the implications of this disparity. He also stated that some orders refuse to process sexual abuse cases.
Despite these challenges, Mertes expects more victims to come forward who had initially waited until after 2010. He proposed a joint fund for victims earlier, but conditions set by financial directors of dioceses for participation in payments led the orders to lose their "freedom of action."
The Independent Commission for Recognition Payments (UKA) does not decide based on the financial situation of the orders or poorer dioceses, according to Mertes. However, the text does not provide new information about the proposed joint fund for victims or the financial situation of dioceses or poorer dioceses.
Mertes described it as a "bitter experience" that some bishops have given the impression that sexualized violence is solely a problem of the orders. He also noted that the central offices in Rome may not be involved in the processing of sexual abuse cases even if processing has started in a country like Germany.
It is important to note that the text does not provide new information about the investigation needing to be independent of the Church or the bishops presenting themselves as supreme investigators towards religious communities. The text also does not contain advertisements.
Read also:
- CEO Efe Cakarel of film platform Mubi addresses controversy regarding new investor and Israeli military ties, establishes advisory board and fund to safeguard artists under threat.
- Energy Minister of Malawi, Ibrahim Matola, heads Malawian delegation for a knowledge exchange on BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), a trip held in India. This exchange is backed by the Global Energy African Partnership Program (GEAPP).
- India's efforts to lessen reliance on China for scarce earth minerals
- Strategies for Enhancing Business Practices in Cutthroat Economic Environments!
