Münster's Catholic Bishop Felix Genn has admitted personal mistakes in dealing with cases of sexualised violence.

Four days after the presentation of an independent abuse study for his diocese, he told journalists in Münster on Friday: "I should have acted differently in some situations myself." institution above concern for those affected.

Therefore, he does not want to resign and use his remaining term to take action against sexual abuse.

According to Genn, however, his deceased predecessors Reinhard Lettmann, Heinrich Tenhumberg and Michael Keller made “serious mistakes” in dealing with sexual abuse.

"They were guided by an attitude that had the protection of the institution in mind, but not those affected." It should be agreed with those affected by abuse how this bishop and other deceased officials should be thought.

Until then, the bishop's crypt in Münster Cathedral, which has been closed since Monday, will remain closed.

The former Münster vicar general and now retired Hamburg Archbishop Werner Thissen sees personal mistakes in dealing with cases of sexualised violence, according to Genn.

He was in conversation with him about his title as honorary canon of Münster.

In addition, Genn complied with the request of the retired clergyman Theodor Buckstegen to relieve him of his duties as canon.

Buckstegen was the diocese's head of human resources from 1986 to 2009.

Genn called it a mistake not to have cracked down hard enough on the accused in his early days in Münster.

"I felt I was in the role between pastor and judge." He also informed parishes insufficiently about abusers used in them.

In addition, as a former bishop of Essen, he had relied too much on the archbishopric there in the case of the multiple abuser H., who was transferred to Munich.

Genn announced a broad package of measures against abuse and abuse of power.

So he has it checked whether his diocese will temporarily introduce an ecclesiastical administrative jurisdiction until there are stipulations from Rome and the bishops' conference.

Church administrative courts could make church administrative acts legally verifiable, especially in cases of abuse, said the bishop.

He also wants to give up power, said Genn.

"Although, in terms of canon law, the ultimate responsibility for many questions will remain with the bishop, I am willing to commit myself to the decisions of diocesan bodies within the framework of a voluntary commitment."

The personnel conference will be set up in a "gender-fair" manner in order to counteract "male structures".

Genn announces tighter controls

Next Genn announced a stricter control of perpetrators and suspects.

Starting next year, an employee will check that they are complying with their requirements.

The bishop also announced the names of the members of a future review commission, which also includes the Münster canon lawyer Thomas Schüller.

The former federal government commissioner on abuse, Johannes-Wilhelm Rörig, had agreed on such commissions with the church.

Scientists from the University of Münster presented a study for the diocese on Monday.

The investigation counts 196 accused between 1945 and 2020 and 610 victims.

The scientists accuse Genn's predecessors of being responsible for a "clerical cover-up story".