Dutch bishop may face charges for abuse in Africa
July 05, 2011
Dutch prosecutors are weighing criminal charges against a Catholic bishop who was removed from his post as head of the Ngong, Kenya diocese in 2009 after he was accused of sexual abuse.
Bishop Cornelius Schilder resigned from episcopal office in 2009 at the age of 69, citing health concerns. But earlier this year a spokesman for the Mill Hill missionary order, of which he is a member, revealed that Bishop Schilder has been suspended from ministry, thus confirming rumors that the bishop had been removed because the Vatican discovered credible charges of misconduct.
A Dutch prosecutor said that any criminal case against Bishp Schilder would be complicated, because the alleged offense took place in another country and the bishop’s accuser has not lodged a formal complaint in the Netherlands.
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Further information:
- Dutch bishop investigated for alleged abuse in Kenya (Radio Netherlands)
- Dutch bishop removed from ministry on sex-abuse charges (CWN, 3/1)
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