2023-09-16 15:26:00
“We have failed. By sometimes putting things into perspective and not seeing the extent of personal tragedies. By not always acting coherently or by taking appropriate and decisive measures. And even by covering up crimes,” said Friday evening the new archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, Mgr Luc Terlinden, in his homily on the occasion of the farewell of Cardinal Jozef De Kesel.
The abuses committed within the Church are once again highlighted through the VRT series ‘Godvergeten’ which did not fail to challenge the new archbishop.
“We have learned a lot in recent years and done a lot to confront the great injustice of abuse,” he said Friday. “And yet we must continue to ask ourselves: Is this enough? What more can we do?”
Also read Luc Terlinden was consecrated archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels
“By looking at the Cross, we also see Mary,” he continued. “She also suffers. But at the same time, she is an example of mercy. May the Church dare to live up to her example. What does mercy mean for our Church today? Let us take the time to listen victims. That we spare no effort to ensure that justice is done. That we are unconditionally committed to prevention.”
The new primate of Belgium also praised the action of his predecessor in this area. “I would particularly like to thank my predecessor who always had at heart welcoming and listening to victims,” underlined Mgr Terlinden. “He checked on numerous occasions whether justice had been done to them and whether the necessary restrictive measures had been taken against the perpetrators,” he assured.
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