Monk expelled from Westvleteren Abbey after…

It would not be a case of sexual abuse, but of unwanted touches and words. The incident happened when a woman visited the abbey in September last year. Outsiders can stay in a guesthouse of the abbey for up to a week to deepen their religious life. Then they live for a week according to the rules of the abbey.

The person involved admitted the facts and his spiritual guidance was immediately stopped. The man is now being guided by a therapist in the Netherlands. The victim decided not to file a complaint. The monk can eventually return to the abbey, but according to the abbot, this will depend on his treatment.

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