Unanimous green light for committee of inquiry into sexual abuse in Church | Domestic

The question of the establishment of the investigative committee suddenly became topical after the broadcast of the program ‘Godforgotten’ on Canvas, in which victims of sexual abuse by clergy testified. The outrage was so great that politicians across party lines quickly agreed on a new investigative committee.

The various parties agreed that the victims of sexual abuse will be central. For example, it will be examined how their recognition procedures work and to what extent they and their relatives have been recognized by, among others, the Church, religious organizations, the police and the judiciary. The committee will also investigate how the competent authorities have dealt with complaints of sexual abuse, both within and outside the Church. Finally, ‘Operation Chalice’ itself will also be examined.

Another question that will concern the committee: how did Belgium cooperate with foreign authorities in specific files? This mainly concerns abuse stories about Belgian clergy that have surfaced in the press in recent years.

Attention is also paid to what the Church and religious organizations themselves have done over all these years to prevent sexual abuse and to track down and make accountable past perpetrators. Finally, the inquiry committee examines what options there are to make the Church and religious organizations financially responsible, among other things.

Without any accidents, the foundation will also receive the green light in the plenary Chamber on Thursday, so that the installation meeting can take place quickly afterwards. If the investigative committee wants to conclude before the elections in June next year, the members must speed up the process.