Head of Germany's Largest Protestant Church Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Scandal

Annette Kurschus steps down following allegations she ignored sexual abuse accusations in the 1990s, a claim she denies.

Annette Kurschus, the head of Germany's largest national Protestant church federation, the EKD, has resigned amid allegations that she ignored sexual abuse accusations against a church colleague in the 1990s.
Kurschus denies the allegations, stating she was only aware of the man's 'homosexuality and unfaithfulness in marriage' at the time and only heard about the sexual abuse allegations this year.
The accused colleague, a former vicar in the church district of Siegen where Kurschus worked, is currently under police investigation.
Kurschus's resignation is seen as a significant move by the church in addressing the issue of sexual violence, following a history of abuse allegations within religious institutions in Germany.
Kurschus is the third person to step down as the EKD's top theologian, highlighting ongoing issues within the church.