French Orthodox Church Launches Investigation into Historical Abuses
The head of the French Orthodox Church on Friday announced an internal investigation into alleged child abuse at a monastery in the southern Hérault region more than 30 years ago.
The announcement came after the Liberation Shimbun reported a story of three brothers who said they were repeatedly raped as children.
They said that in the late 1970s, two members of the Orthodox convent of Saint-Nicolas de la D’Armery abused him when he was 8, 10, and 12, respectively.
“Their statements are well founded when reading this article and the information it contains,” said Metropolitan Dimitrios, head of the French Orthodox Church.
In a statement, he promised to “seek and establish the truth.”
“The creators of these acts are now dead and the unspeakable acts they committed” are too old to be prosecuted in French courts, he added.
“That is why we are committed to an open and transparent investigation into this monastery, its past and present.”
He added that he would “keep an eye out for any new incidents that may arise in this or any other situation”, cooperate with authorities, and meet with victims if authorities so desire.
AFP could not reach the monastery for comment on Friday.
https://www.expatica.com/fr/general/french-orthodox-church-opens-inquiry-into-historic-abuse-687125/ French Orthodox Church Launches Investigation into Historical Abuses
