Study Examines Evangelical Kirchentag's Role in Shielding Convicted Abusers

A new report investigates decades of inaction and possible complicity involving prominent figures accused of child abuse within the Evangelical Kirchentag.

• The study, commissioned by the Evangelical Kirchentag, scrutinizes the roles of Gerold Becker, Helmut Kentler, and Hartmut von Hentig, all linked to significant abuse cases.
• Historian Uwe Kaminsky's research suggests that prominent personalities may have hindered public disclosure of abuse allegations, though no evidence of a systematic cover-up was found.
• Gerold Becker, a key figure in the Odenwaldschule abuse scandal, allegedly remained active in church-related roles even after initial accusations surfaced in 1999.
• Former Kirchentag General Secretary Margot Käßmann denies knowledge of abuse during her tenure, stating there were no suspicions or rumors at the time.
• The Kirchentag is expected to address the study's findings and its delayed response to the abuse cases in an upcoming press conference.

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Sächsische Zeitung Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung