The Schoenstatt Fathers Secular Institute in Chile released its historical report on abusive situations of sexual connotation between 1965 and 2024, recognizing the presence of 28 victims of sexual abuse and eight priests sanctioned.
In their report they report 28 cases, in which they respect the identity of the victims, and detailing that of the total, 18 correspond to minors. who suffered abusive situations of sexual connotation, in addition to 10 people over 18 years of age.
“The priests, once they have been sanctioned, maintain a supervision and accompaniment plan whose objective is to carry out a process of recognition of the damage caused and prevent it from happening again. Until now there have been no cases of pastoral reintegration,” they made it clear.
The sanctioned priests are Francisco José Cox Huneeus, Marcial Parada Cardemil, Luis Morel Gumucio, Ángel Cerró Udis, Francisco Basáñez Méndez, Rodrigo Menfis Gajardo Figueroa, Bernardo Parra Sepúlveda and Raúl Feres Shalup.
Interview: Addressing Sexual Abuse in the Church – Insights from a Leading Expert
Q: Thank you for joining us today. Can you start by summarizing the recent report released by the Schoenstatt Fathers Secular Institute in Chile regarding the historical cases of sexual abuse?
A: Absolutely. The Schoenstatt Fathers Secular Institute has published a comprehensive historical report covering incidents of sexual abuse spanning from 1965 to 2024. They have acknowledged 28 victims of sexual abuse within their ranks. Alarmingly, 18 of these cases involved minors below the age of 18, highlighting a critical need for accountability and reform within the institution.
Q: What does this report reveal about the response from the Church regarding the sanctioned priests?
A: The report indicates that eight priests have faced sanctioning due to their involvement in these abusive situations. Notably, their approach to handling these cases involves a supervision and accompaniment plan that aims to recognize the damage inflicted on the victims and to prevent future occurrences. It’s worth noting that the Church has maintained a strict stance—none of the sanctioned priests have been allowed pastoral reintegration, which shows a commitment to accountability.
Q: How significant is it that the report respects the identities of the victims?
A: Respecting the victims’ identities is crucial in cases of sexual abuse. It fosters a safe space for survivors to come forward without fear of retaliation or further trauma. This approach not only empowers the victims but also underscores the seriousness with which the institute is addressing the allegations. By prioritizing confidentiality, the institution demonstrates a commitment to healing rather than sensationalism.
Q: In your opinion, what are the broader implications of this report for the Church and similar institutions worldwide?
A: This report serves as a wake-up call for the Church and similar organizations globally. It emphasizes the necessity for transparency, accountability, and a cultural shift within religious institutions. The public is increasingly demanding justice for victims and reform to prevent such abuses in the future. Institutions must implement robust safeguarding measures and ensure that their ethos upholds the dignity and safety of all congregants, especially minors.
Q: Considering the sensitive nature of these cases, what practical advice would you give to readers who may be affected by similar issues?
A: For anyone who has experienced abuse or knows someone who has, seeking help is paramount. Encourage survivors to reach out to trusted professionals or organizations that specialize in supporting abuse victims. It’s also important to promote open conversations about these experiences in communities, as this reduces stigma and encourages others to come forward. Awareness and education are key to preventing abuse and holding abusers accountable.
Q: what do you think the Schoenstatt Fathers Secular Institute should do moving forward to bolster trust within the community?
A: The Schoenstatt Fathers Secular Institute must prioritize transparency moving forward. This can be achieved by continuing to release data on abuse cases, actively engaging with survivors, and establishing independent oversight committees to review and investigate future allegations. Moreover, investing in education about consent and boundaries for both clergy and laity alike will help foster a culture of safety and accountability within the Church.
Q: Thank you for your insights. It’s crucial to keep these conversations ongoing, and your expertise greatly contributes to the dialogue around preventing abuse.
A: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to address these issues openly and advocate for the protection of all individuals, especially the vulnerable.