BASTA – Enough is Enough

First, there was the sexual abuse that took place during our youth and would shape the rest of our lives.

Then there was unwillingness and disbelief. We called for help but were not heard.

When Rik Devillé raised this large-scale abuse with the church hierarchy, he was ridiculed. Everything was swept under the proverbial rug.

In 2010, Marc VANGHELUWE dared to publicly accuse his uncle. In his wake, many victims cried out for recognition and repair.

In May 2010, the bishops of Belgium wrote a pastoral letter in which they admitted they had offered no help and had prioritized their own reputation. Through words, recognition was promised to the many victims.

The victims grouped together and went to court to hold the head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Holy See, and the Belgian bishops liable.

The Church invoked its immunity and considered itself a state that cannot be called before a court of law. As a result, there was never a trial on the merits. In the 21st century, the Church still stands above the law.

A parliamentary commission of inquiry was set up, whose work has not yet been completed. Testimonies about the functioning of the justice system were shocking. We are awaiting the establishment of a compensation fund to fairly compensate victims for the moral and material harm suffered and for the many years without redress.

On September 27, 2024, the pope at the time swore solemn oaths. Justice and reparation would be ensured. A year and a half later, those words have remained hollow. Despite two visits to the pope — including the current one — no concrete follow-up was given to our urgent requests for compensation.

We waited for years and held endless meetings. The sexual abuse occurred, justice failed to respond, and mediation proved to be nothing more than a bandage on a deep wound.

Enough is enough — BASTA

Francis, Gabriel & Jean-Marc