KÖNIGSTEIN (GERMANY)
ACN International
February 10, 2021
1. How did the newspaper come into possession of the letter?
We do not know. The letter is from 2010. It was addressed to the Vatican and several German dioceses.
2. Was the letter known to ACN?
The letter was in the archives of the organisation.
3. In which context was the letter written?
From 2009 to 20011 Auxiliary Bishop Mandred Grothe carried out a visitation of “Kirche in Not“. Fr. Werenfried, who had already died in 2003, was not the object of the visitation. Rather it solely focussed on the organisational modernisation of the organisation with a modernization of the charity. This was carried out on behalf of the Congregation for the Clergy that was responsible for the charity. During this time a number of people tried to start a beatification process for Fr. van Straaten. It was in this context that Auxiliary Bishop Grohe learned of the serious allegations against Fr. van Straaten. He wanted with his letter to immediately put a stop to any possible beatification process.
4. What is ACN’s opinion of the allegations?
Aid to the Church in Need deeply regrets the grave allegations that have been made. The organisation completely condemns the kind of behaviour of which Father van Straaten is accused in the article. ACN is committed to an unreserved clarification. We have examined the allegations from the sources currently available and have taken a position on the following points raised
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