Debate about Dyba-Allee: Diocese of Fulda calls for the cases of abuse to be dealt with

Debate about Dyba-Allee: Diocese of Fulda calls for the cases of abuse to be dealt with

Things are boiling in Fulda. The debate about Johannes-Dyba-Allee has gained new momentum thanks to a recently published abuse report. The diocese of Fulda is taking an active role in this context and wants to ensure that the renaming of the avenue is not rushed. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive and thorough decision-making. The diocese emphasizes that conversations must be held in order to establish an appropriate culture of remembrance that makes the suffering of those affected visible. So reported Catholic.de that the diocese would also like to participate in the historical-critical assessment.

The request to rename Dyba-Allee to Kastanienallee, as it was called until 2000, came from the SPD in the Fulda city parliament. This is not surprising, as Johannes Dyba (1929–2000) is accused of not following up on reports of sexual violence and abuse by priests during his time as Archbishop of Fulda. The accusation is based on a report by an independent commission that was published in June and shows clear deficiencies in Dyba's actions.

Planned hearings and dialogues

As part of the debate, the city parliament committee decided to question Gerhard Möller, the head of the abuse commission. This public committee meeting is already planned for this year. In contrast, an exchange with the current bishop, Michael Gerber, will take place non-publicly. Gerber, who is recovering from cancer, critically questioned Dyba when the abuse report was published and emphasized the responsibility he bears for the events of that time - a clear statement that also shapes the current debate.

The diocese itself has committed itself to addressing sexual violence by priests and church employees. A further step towards transparency and a culture of remembrance oriented towards those affected is that information is provided so that a broad discussion is possible. In a statement from the diocese, the willingness to exchange ideas and have an objective dialogue with the city of Fulda is emphasized.

A look at the diocese

The diocese of Fulda was founded in 1752 and has an area of ​​10,318 square kilometers, which offers a spiritual home to around 327,000 Catholics. At a time when the focus is on dealing with incidents of abuse in churches, it is more important than ever that the voices of those affected are heard. Cathedral radio highlights that Dyba, in his role as archbishop, relocated suspected perpetrators instead of consistently solving the cases.

It remains to be seen how the debate surrounding Dyba Alley will develop. One thing is certain: the city of Fulda's culture of remembrance is under scrutiny, and the voices affected must be taken seriously in this process in order to do good business with history.