External Review Criticizes Handling of Sexual Abuse Allegations Within Evangelical Church, Implicates Former Leader Annette Kurschus
A recently concluded external review of sexual abuse allegations levied against a former employee of the Evangelical Church in Siegen has cast a critical light on the actions of Annette Kurschus, the former Chairperson of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD). The independent consulting firm Deloitte, commissioned by the leadership of the Evangelical Church of Westphalia (EKvW) to conduct the investigation, identified significant shortcomings in the way the allegations were handled internally.
The accusations of sexual misconduct against the employee of the Siegen-Wittgenstein church district surfaced publicly in November 2023. In the aftermath, Kurschus resigned from her positions as Chairperson of the EKD Council and as President (Präses) of the Westphalian Church. She attributed her resignation to a loss of public trust but maintained her innocence, asserting that she had "acted at all times to the best of my knowledge and conscience."
However, Deloitte’s comprehensive report paints a more nuanced picture, revealing a series of missteps and communication breakdowns that ultimately contributed to the crisis and Kurschus’s departure. The report indicates that Präses Kurschus was initially informed about potential allegations of sexual abuse by a parish pastor in October 2022. According to the report, Kurschus passed this information along within the church structure. The entire EKvW church leadership was then informed in April 2023. This dissemination of information reportedly triggered an internal conflict within the State Church Office (Landeskirchenamt), leading to a "mutual loss of trust at the leadership level of the EKvW."
Deloitte’s investigation further reveals that the EKvW and Kurschus, relying on external advice and regulatory guidelines, opted for a "passive communication strategy." This approach, characterized by a lack of transparency, is seen as a critical factor that contributed to mounting media pressure and a subsequent erosion of support within the church’s governing bodies. These factors, in turn, ultimately led to Kurschus’s resignation. The Deloitte report now recommends a "legal review of possible misconduct against the involved parties."
The allegations against the church musician first came to light through a report in the "Siegener Zeitung" newspaper. The Deloitte report states that seven individuals have brought allegations against the former employee, spanning from the 1980s to 2022. All of the accusers were reportedly organ students. The accused admitted to having sexual contact with two of the accusers. The investigation was unable to definitively determine whether these individuals were minors at the time of the encounters.
While the former employee denied further advances or actions, the Deloitte report states that the investigation uncovered evidence that contradicted his claims. This discrepancy highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for further legal action.
The Deloitte report underscores the importance of transparency and proactive communication in handling sensitive allegations of sexual abuse. The decision to adopt a passive communication strategy is now seen as a significant error that exacerbated the crisis and ultimately undermined public trust in the church’s leadership. The internal conflict within the Landeskirchenamt further complicated matters, hindering the church’s ability to effectively address the allegations and provide support to the victims.
The investigation’s findings raise critical questions about the church’s internal procedures for handling such allegations and the effectiveness of its leadership in responding to crises. The recommendation for a legal review suggests that the church is taking the allegations seriously and is committed to holding those responsible accountable. The report is expected to prompt significant reforms within the EKvW to improve its handling of future allegations and ensure greater transparency and accountability.
The resignation of Annette Kurschus marks a significant turning point for the Evangelical Church in Germany. Her departure underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for the church to address the issues raised by the Deloitte report. The church now faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust and demonstrating its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse.
The case also underscores the importance of independent investigations in uncovering the truth and holding institutions accountable. The Deloitte report provides a detailed and objective assessment of the events surrounding the allegations, highlighting the shortcomings in the church’s response and recommending concrete steps for improvement. The report’s findings will undoubtedly shape the future of the Evangelical Church in Germany and its efforts to address the issue of sexual abuse.
The Evangelical Church of Westphalia is now tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Deloitte report and taking concrete steps to prevent future incidents of abuse. This will require a comprehensive review of its internal policies and procedures, as well as a commitment to greater transparency and accountability. The church must also prioritize the needs of the victims and provide them with the support they need to heal and recover.
The case of the Evangelical Church in Siegen serves as a cautionary tale for other religious institutions and organizations. It highlights the importance of taking allegations of sexual abuse seriously, conducting thorough and independent investigations, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. The church’s response to this crisis will have a lasting impact on its reputation and its ability to serve its community.
