Togo/ The Church in Togo: A model for preventing sexual violence against minors
In recent years, reports of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church have garnered significant attention worldwide. These reports have unveiled instances of sexual violence against minors committed by clergy members, sometimes dating back to the 1950s, with most cases concentrated in Europe and North America. However, the Church in Togo stands out for its dedicated efforts to prevent such scandals from occurring within its ranks.
Father Joseph Nouve, the diocesan chaplain overseeing the Catholic Children’s Actions (ACE) in Togo, has emphasized that, as of now, there have been no reported cases of this nature within the country. While he acknowledges that it would be premature to assert that religious leaders in Togo are entirely beyond reproach, he expresses gratitude that such disturbing cases have not come to light. This statement underscores the continuous vigilance of the Togolese Church in safeguarding the well-being of children and young members of its congregation.
Father Nouve passionately encourages religious leaders not to remain silent if they themselves are victims of or witnesses to sexual violence. This unwavering zero-tolerance stance towards such abhorrent acts is vital for ensuring the safety of the Church’s most vulnerable members. In situations where there are suspicions, transparency and immediate reporting are deemed essential to preventing any potential abuses from occurring.
It is worth noting that Pope Francis himself has implemented significant measures to combat sexual scandals within the Catholic Church. These measures include endorsing a «zero-tolerance» policy and establishing a consultative commission dedicated to the protection of minors, which has been integrated into the Church’s governing body, the Curia. However, it is important to mention that the absolute confidentiality of the confessional remains a fundamental aspect of Church doctrine and practice.
