doubts and criticisms regarding the new “Renaissance” system

A new device… and questions. During their plenary assembly meeting at the end of March in Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées), the bishops of France agreed on a new version of their system aimed at recognizing and supporting victims of sexual abuse committed in an ecclesial context while they were minors. Called “Renaissance”, this mechanism will replace the Independent National Recognition and Reparation Authority (Inirr).

The objective, explains the episcopate, is to set up a “permanent structure of reception, listening and support”. This will be made up of two pillars: “A local network made up of diocesan reception and listening cells under the responsibility of the bishops” as well as “support groups coordinated by an independent national body”. This operation leads victim groups to question themselves. How can independence be guaranteed if local variations are “under the responsibility of the bishops”? In a column published in The Cross on April 2, a number of victim groups and people involved with them are worried about a “real step backwards” and a loss of professional skills in local structures.

A repair, not a help

While “Renait” sets itself the mission of “supporting victims towards restorative approaches”, financial compensation is “possible”, provided that the request is made “explicitly” by the victim “at the end of their journey”. But here again, the provisions are not satisfactory.

“It is difficult for a victim to make such a request, because it involves accepting financial reparation, an often painful and symbolically crucial journey for recognition” and places them in a “claimant position”. “It is then a question of aid and no longer at all reparation, which is experienced as an insult,” criticize the signatory collectives.

Finally, the very name of the system is strongly criticized: “Should we understand that the victims are dead, and must go through the Church to be reborn? What a weight on the shoulders of the victims but also of those accompanying them! »

Widely denounced, the structure must be operational on September 1st. Enough to give the bishops time to review their copy and adjust it in order to take into account doubts and criticism…