Sexual abuse in the Church: in France, compensation for victims is slow to emerge
The French bishops Olivier Leborgne, Eric de Moulins Beaufort and Dominique Blanchet (from left to right), on November 9, 2019 in Lourdes.
Bob Edme / AP Photo
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3 min
The French Catholic Church was to compensate victims of sexual abuse, whose number is estimated to be at least 3,000. The principle was enacted during the plenary assembly of the bishops of France, in November 2019. A year later, nothing did not advance.
The Church even seems to be backing down on this issue.
In any case, no concrete announcement was made this Thursday, November 5, while the bishops, gathered virtually for their autumn plenary assembly, devoted their day to debates on the fight against pedophilia.
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Officially, it is a name problem that is slowing down the implementation of
this measure
.
Is it compensation, compensation, or a simple allowance?
“
As soon as we can give it a name, we also give it a meaning.
And I assure you that it really takes time to agree to listen to each other, to talk to each other and to seek together the right words that will correspond to everyone, not just for the victims who are with us to think.
May they suit all bishops, all the faithful, and also society by watching us do it,
”explains Monsignor Dominique Blanchet, vice-president of the French Bishops' Conference.
► Also to listen: Sexual abuse in the Church: "The word is gradually freed" (Jean-Marc Sauvé / Ciase)
The faithful struggle to show generosity on this ground
Beyond the semantics, the main problem is money.
When the finances of the Church were in the red, the bishops were counting on the generosity of the faithful.
But obviously, the latter are not ready to put their hands in their pockets to repair the errors of the Church.
“
We are in the order of solidarity, of taking care of one's brother or sister who has been tragically damaged.
We understood, a year ago, that we were not understood.
We really have work to do on this meaning in order to communicate it well
, ”continues Monsignor Blanchet.
Another divisive question: the amount of this compensation.
Some victims would be satisfied with symbolic reparation, while others claim a substantial sum allowing them to pay for the therapy sessions necessary for their reconstruction.
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