Clerical sexual abuse in the Antilles

These videos are called Child sexual abuse by Catholic priests in the United States. In “Hand of God,” video 1 of 10, etc.

Just one day aften a mention on this blog that Roman Catholic clerical sexual abuse, apart from many other countries, may also have happened in the “Dutch” Antilles, the local bishop has confirmed that it did happen.

Translated from Curaçao Nieuws today:

Luis Secco: ashamed about abuse

Sunday, March 21, 2010 12:29

Willemstad – Bishop Luigi Secco of Willemstad, in a letter on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, has apologized to victims of (sexual) abuse in the church. The Diocese of Willemstad has established a committee of experts that investigates cases of sexual abuse.

Secco says that cases of abuse that have emerged have the interest and attention of the diocese. “We are very hurt.”He also says that the church is “ashamed” about what has happened and he stressed that every case of sexual abuse is morally bad.

Also on the Netherlands Antilles, victims of abuse by priests and other members of the church have recently told their stories. The committee will investigate how many cases there were. Secco, an Italian Salesian, says that the church would “allow justice to be done in these cases”.

Curaçao Jewish history: here.