Catholic Church lanches inquiry into sexual abuse charges   

By The Holland Times Wednesday 10 March 2010, 10:03

The Roman Catholic Church in the Netherlands has called for a broad, external and independent inquiry. This is the Church's response into suggested abuse within its institutions.

The announcement was made Tuesday by former Chamber President, Wim Deetman (CDA) who will supervise the investigation.

"We are deeply touched by the poignant stories of sexual abuse. It is a dark page in the history of the Catholic Church," said Bishop Gerard de Korte in a press conference Tuesday in Zeist.

The allegations are a painful observation and a sin against the careful treatment of children and young people, said De Korte, Bishop of Groningen. He emphasised the impact of the charges on the future of the Church, where the number of priests and religious figures has been dwindling over the past century.

"The research is complex and therefore requires extra care," said Deetman of the investigation. The inquiry is expected to take between four to six weeks.

According to De Korte, sexual abuse reports continue to be heard by the Cathoilc aid institution Hulp & Recht (Help & Law). Right now, there have been 350 reports.

For complete background information and the latest update on the startling allegations against the Catholic Church, see our full coverage in the April edition of The Holland Times out Friday 26 March.