Bishop's crypt in Hildesheim: Open only for relatives - outrage grows!

Bishop's crypt in Hildesheim: Open only for relatives - outrage grows!

Hildesheim. In the future, the bishop's crypt will only be accessible to relatives in Hildesheim Cathedral. This measure was taken to distance the public from a place of honor, which has been made in the shadow of serious allegations for sexual violence.

The diocese of Hildesheim announced that after consultation with relatives and those affected, the decision was made to complete the crypt. The bishop of Hildesheim, Heiner Wilmer, said that this should send a clear message: The crypt should not serve to honor the bishops buried there. The rest of the dead is respected so that the late bishops remain in their place.

information board and QR code

A sign in front of the bishop's crypt will inform future visitors about the allegations against the late bishop Heinrich Maria Janssen. In addition, a QR code is attached to which interested parties can call up detailed information on the life story of the bishops and to deal with the abuse cases in the diocese.

Already in June the diocese had set up an information list for the allegations. Nevertheless, those affected called for Bishop Janssen, whose offenses were also occupied by a study from 2021, which revealed blatant grievances in the diocese.

criticism of those affected

The Councilor Council North critically commented on the decision to leave Bishop Janssen in the crypt. The decision was perceived as shameful, since a "perpetrator bishop" among the believing calm. It is pointed out that important opportunities for the active remorse were left out.

The argument that the rest of the dead must be respected appears to many as incomprehensible, especially since around ten years ago, surrounding beds took place without taking this topic into account. The committee found that the votes of those affected belong but were not integrated into the decisions. The idea of bringing Janssen "behind bars" are perceived by some as comforting.