The documentary ‘Godforgotten’ has caused quite a stir in Flanders. “The documentary focuses on the victims’ stories for the first time. I’m in shock. The whole of Flanders is in shock,” says Rousseau. “They have been abused by priests. Laughed at by the church. And left to their fate by our justice system. 4,000 pieces of evidence simply disappeared. First from the Archdiocese of Mechelen. Later at the court registry.”
“The victims feel abused twice. Once through the church. And once through the court. They have the right to recognition and clarity,” said Rousseau, who is now calling for a parliamentary investigation committee. “We owe that to them.”
According to Rousseau, that committee should also consider the subsidies that the church currently receives. “Why should Belgians still have to pay for the salaries of clergy who tolerate and even cover up criminal behavior within their organization?” Conner Rousseau concludes.