By Phil Butler
Everything PR
February 2, 2010
http://www.pamil-visions.net/german-sex-abuse-scandal-spread/211417/
GERMANY -- Shocking news of sexual abuse at a Berlin Catholic school riveted parents and officials last week. But those stories appear to be only the "tip of the iceberg." The depth of a child sex abuse allegations localized to the one Berlin school, has now spread throughout the country, the EU, and South America. Provincial superior of the Jesuit order, Stephan Dartmann, revealed another 20 possible victims coming forward in Berlin alone. Evidently, the two priests at the center of the controversy may have abused many more children from as far away as Chile and Spain since 1990.
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One of the priests, identified only as Wolfgang S, reportedly addressed a statement to his victims over the weekend. In the statement he admits to have used his position to take advantage of youths under his charge for many years. The confession comes on the heels of revelations that dozens of youths were abused as far back as the 1970's. These priests, in filling their various positions over the years, have travelled far abroad and have had contact with thousands of students. The Catholic Church, and especially the Jesuit order, have a PR nightmare on their hands. No word from higher Catholic authority has been reported, but sooner of later the Vatican will have to make a statement.
On learning of the situation, headmaster Father Klaus Mertes contacted some 600 former students at Canisius College to investigate the possibility some had been molested. He discovered the depth of the two priest's dark activities, and had this to say; "With deep shock and shame, I have learned of these horrific, not only isolated, but systematic violations that went on for years."
Wolfgang S., who now lives in South America, claims he informed the order as far back as the early 1990's. But there is no confirmation of this as of yet. The second priest, identified as Peter R., was apparently suspended for similar activities sometime back in the late 1980's. He left the Jesuit order in 1995 according to the reports, and the church has had no contact with him. His files show several instances of abuse dating back to 1981. Another report has it that Peter R. was injured in an apparent attempt on his life back in 1982 as well.
Pastor Mertes told reporters and officials he first learned of the situation last year when he was approached by one of the former victims. Even with his investigation, one has to wonder how many have not, or will not, come forward? Given the numbers who have surfaced so far, these priests could have had a far more serious and gravitous effect on the students they were in contact with. Mertes, has suggested the students contact police given the nature of the crimes reported to him by his internal investigation. There is no word yet as to the true identities or legal situation of the priests involved.
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