Dutch bishop may escape criminal charges for abuse in Kenyan mission assignment
July 29, 2011
Dutch prosecutors have indicated that they will not bring criminal charges against a Catholic bishop who was accused of sexual abuse while serving in Kenya, because they have no concrete evidence to back the charges.
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.
However, the Dutch attorney general disclosed that he has not received a complaint from any alleged victim. An interview broadcast by an Irish television station would not qualify as evidence, he said; the victim would need to submit a detailed complaint.
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Further information:
- Attorney General dismisses sexual abuse case against Dutch bishop (Radio Netherlands)
- Dutch bishop may face charges for abuse in Africa (CWN, 7/5)
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