The Benedictine Abbey in Belgium has been temporarily dissolved. The dissolution follows allegations of abuse. The specific nature of the abuse allegations is not detailed in the provided text. The abbey's temporary closure suggests an ongoing investigation or review of the allegations.
5 months ago
The Benedictine community at Keizersberg Abbey in Leuven, Belgium, has been temporarily dissolved following allegations of abusive behavior among adults 1 2. This significant disciplinary action was announced by Abbot President Ignasi M. Fossas of the Sublacense-Cassinese Benedictine Congregation 2. The decision stems from a canonical visitation initiated in 2022 and completed in January, alongside a commission of inquiry into abuse allegations established in November 2024 2.
The allegations primarily concern "transgressive behavior between adults" and do not involve the sexual abuse of minors 2. Abbot Fossas described the situation as revealing "personal and structural fragility" within the monasteries 2. The extraordinary measures extend beyond Keizersberg Abbey to include other monasteries in the Flemish-Dutch province, such as Dendermonde, Affligem, Steenbrugge, and Doetinchem/Slangenburg, all of which are undergoing a comprehensive review 2.
Community life at Keizersberg Abbey was suspended in November 2024, and its four remaining monks were required to relocate to other abbeys 2. At Keizersberg, one monk has been temporarily suspended from diaconal ministry and prohibited from public activity as a Benedictine monk due to "defects of form in his ordination to the diaconate" and as a precautionary measure 2. His case will be referred to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life 2.
Furthermore, the abbot at Doetinchem/Slangenburg has been suspended from his office and prohibited from public priestly ministry, with his dossier also forwarded to the Dicastery 2. These canonical measures are described as precautionary and temporary, not punitive, pending final determination by the appropriate legislative bodies 2. While the Abbey of Affligem was investigated, no concrete evidence of criminal abusive behavior was found, though it faces "canonical and structural difficulties" due to a small number of monks 2.
Abbot Fossas expressed profound "sadness, shame, and pain for the harm caused to the victims," offering sincere apologies and full collaboration with judicial authorities 2. The Leuven prosecutor’s office has confirmed receipt of the case from the Church’s reporting center for sexual abuse for detailed review 2. The extraordinary canonical visitation is expected to continue for several months as Church authorities work to address the identified structural and personal issues 2. The abbey complex itself, located in Leuven, continues to house entrepreneurs, artists, and student housing in its other wings, with only a separate wing previously occupied by the monks 2.
How should the Church respond to clergy abuse allegations?
The Catholic Church has outlined a comprehensive approach to responding to clergy abuse allegations, emphasizing accountability, victim support, prevention, and a commitment to justice and healing. This response has evolved over time, with increasing awareness and more stringent measures being implemented .
The Church acknowledges that the sexual abuse crisis is a grave issue that undermines its ability to bear witness to God's liberating presence and has caused deep shame and scandal . There is a recognition that past failures to act properly have sullied the Church's witness to God's love, and a call for forgiveness for sins of omission . The Church must humbly ask for forgiveness, acknowledge its shortcomings, and strive to rebuild trust .
A fundamental element of the path to healing, repentance, justice, and reconciliation is listening with special attention and sensitivity to the voices of victims and survivors of various forms of abuse . The Church is committed to offering spiritual and psychological assistance to victims . The testimony of survivors is recognized as an "open wound on the body of Christ," and there is an urge to diligently and courageously make these wounds known, seek out those who suffer, and recognize in them the witness of the suffering Savior .
The Church is committed to ensuring that those who have committed such crimes are brought to justice . Procedures have been universally adopted to prevent and combat these crimes that betray the trust of the faithful .
Key measures include:
A continuous and profound conversion of hearts is needed, attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church, to prevent these phenomena from happening again . Efforts are made to improve the training imparted in seminaries to prevent future tragedies . The Church aims to be a place of safety and an example of best practice in the protection of children .
The Church recognizes that much has been accomplished, but it must continue to learn from the bitter lessons of the past and look with hope towards the future . This responsibility falls primarily on the successors of the Apostles, but also on all who assume ministries in the Church . The Church will not be limited to healing its own wounds but will seek to deal squarely with this evil that causes the slow death of many persons on moral, psychological, and human levels .