Two years after the deeply concerning revelation of suspected sexual abuse within the Evangelical Church District of Siegen-Wittgenstein, an independent, external final report is scheduled for presentation today at 10:00 AM. The case garnered significant attention, most notably due to the resignation of Annette Kurschus, the chair of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), from her position. Simultaneously, in November 2023, she also relinquished her role as Präses (moderator) of the Evangelical Church of Westphalia (EKvW).
The Westphalian Church commissioned Deloitte, an independent business consulting firm, to investigate and clarify the facts surrounding the case. The Siegen public prosecutor’s office had already closed its proceedings against the church employee more than a year ago. The prosecutor’s office stated at the time that there was no evidence of criminal sexual abuse of individuals under his care to be attributed to the employee. The investigated allegations either did not constitute a criminal offense, or the cases were statute-barred, meaning the legal time limit for prosecution had expired.
The allegations against the individual first came to light in November 2023 through a report published by the "Siegener Zeitung," a local newspaper. Kurschus had worked in the Siegen-Wittgenstein church district in the 1990s and maintained a friendship with the employee in question. The newspaper report included allegations from several men asserting that Kurschus was aware of the abuse allegations against the man during that period. The theologian, Kurschus, justified her subsequent resignation by citing a loss of public trust, while simultaneously rejecting the accusations levied against her.
The presentation of the Deloitte report marks a crucial juncture in the ongoing efforts to address the accusations and ascertain the truth regarding the situation within the Siegen-Wittgenstein church district. The report is anticipated to offer a comprehensive overview of the findings of the investigation, including details about the scope of the alleged abuse, the actions taken by church officials, and any potential shortcomings in the handling of the situation. It is also expected to provide recommendations for preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future and for improving safeguarding measures within the church.
The resignation of Annette Kurschus amplified the gravity of the situation and raised questions about the accountability of church leaders in addressing allegations of sexual abuse. Her decision to step down reflected the immense pressure she faced in the wake of the allegations, and the broader crisis of confidence that had engulfed the EKD and the EKvW. Kurschus’s departure triggered a period of introspection within the German Protestant church, with renewed scrutiny placed on its handling of past and present allegations of sexual abuse.
The implications of the Deloitte report extend far beyond the immediate case in Siegen-Wittgenstein. It is anticipated that the report will serve as a catalyst for broader reforms within the EKD and its member churches, aimed at strengthening safeguarding protocols, improving transparency, and ensuring greater accountability for those in positions of power. The report may also contribute to a more open and honest dialogue about sexual abuse within religious institutions, helping to create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors.
The victims of sexual abuse within the church have long advocated for justice and recognition. They have demanded that the church acknowledge the harm they have suffered, provide them with adequate support, and hold those responsible for the abuse accountable for their actions. The Deloitte report presents an opportunity for the church to demonstrate its commitment to addressing these demands and to creating a more just and compassionate environment for all.
The process of confronting and addressing sexual abuse within the church is fraught with challenges. It requires a willingness to acknowledge past failures, to learn from mistakes, and to implement meaningful reforms that will prevent future harm. It also requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and genuine empathy for the victims of abuse. The upcoming presentation of the Deloitte report represents an important step forward in this ongoing process, and it is hoped that it will pave the way for a more just and equitable future for the Evangelical Church in Germany.
