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Slowly we are gaining a better insight into what
went wrong. But the story is far from finished. In the
meantime I have spoken with some 20 victims with
often disturbing stories. Not just about the abuse but
also about the effects of the abuse later in their lives.
Not everybody has experienced lasting damage, but
many have. Every victim has a different story. Listening
to their story, taking them serious and offering
apologies is of course important. The sometimes
deep wounds that the abuser inflicted on the life of
the victim can however never be undone. Sometimes
victims take further measures and make a report to
the Church sponsored organization ‘Hulp en Recht’
(Assistance and Justice), to obtain via this organization
recognition and satisfaction. Many have contacted
the ‘Commission Deetman’. The path to reconciliation
and healing is still a long road. But I hope from the
bottom of my heart that everybody will be able to
travel that road.
We cannot hide behind the fact that this happens
everywhere, that it has been so long ago and that it
only concerns a small minority. The victims are coming
forward now, and want our attention now. The only
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Column
FROM THE SUPERIOR GENERAL
It has been about one year since the first reports of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in The Netherlands
became public. The first news led to a wave of reactions. In almost all cases it concerned sexual abuse that took
place a long time ago: sometimes more than 60 years! We were shocked by the reports that reached us.
Dozens of victims of abuse by brothers came forward. Sometimes brothers were identified by name in the
media. A black page in our history! We realize of course that most brothers have done good work. We know
of course that only a small percentage of brothers have committed sexual abuse and other forms of abuse
of authority. But still: we were shocked by the magnitude.
road we can and must travel is the road of openness
and serious attention to each story. The only way is to
admit that mistakes were made in the past and that
individual brothers abused their authority. The only
way is to apologize for what happened to the victims
at the hands of a number of our fellow-brothers. By
offering help, satisfaction, openness and transparency
we can regain our credibility. By focusing worldwide
attention on this problem we can help to prevent
abuse in the future. Victims have suffered and are still
suffering. At this moment we are asked to share to
some extent in their suffering. Thát way to be merciful
is now open to us.
Brother Broer Huitema