German bishop offers resignation for physical abuse
April 22, 2010
Amid allegations that he physically abused children decades ago at a Catholic children’s home, Bishop Walter Mixa of Augsburg, who also serves as the bishop of the nation’s military diocese, has offered to resigned. Diocesan officials said that the 68-year-old prelate has asked Pope Benedict to accept his resignation “to prevent further damage to the Church and make a new start possible.”
Bishop Mixa is also under investgation for financial irregularities; orphanage funds were allegedly used to pay for a tanning bed, wines, and an art collection.
Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freiburg said on April 21 that he and Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich have asked Bishop Mixa to take a leave of absence. The former is president of the nation’s episcopal conference; the latter heads Augburg’s metropolitan archdiocese.
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Further information:
- Catholic bishop Mixa's resignation offer confirmed by diocese (Deutsche Welle)
- Accused of physical abuse, German bishop apologizes (CWN, 4/21)
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Posted by: Lucius49 -
Apr. 22, 2010 2:03 PM ET USA
The physical abuse charge is troubling in that years ago corporal punishment was regularly administered in public and Catholic schools and by parents. Will all these be charged with abuse? The Church needs to go on offense against the rogues and knaves who are using expanding notions of "abuse" to get the Church. The financial irregularities allegations are a new wrinkle. Or is this simply let's get the conservative bishop? Abp Weakland basically got a pass for much worse!
