Home » News » A protocol of denunciations of sexual offenses signed between the prosecution and the diocese of Chartres

A protocol of denunciations of sexual offenses signed between the prosecution and the diocese of Chartres

The Bishop of Chartres, Mgr Philippe Christory, explained this Wednesday, January 19: “This is a new positive step in the Church’s collaboration with the judicial authority, even if we were already in contact before. The bishop says he meets regularly with the public prosecutor, Rémi Coutin: “He gives me his advice. When in doubt, I go to see him because he is attentive, serious, professional. »

The writings signed Tuesday between the two parties formalize the reciprocal investments: “This also corresponds to a request from the Conference of Bishops of France. Bishop Philippe Christory considered it necessary to benefit from legal expertise. It seems essential to him to present to the judicial authority a situation on which the diocese has knowledge of possibly serious facts”, continues the public prosecutor. The goal is to allow investigators to do their job and “bring conclusions”.

Sexual abuse in the Church: a victim testifies during a time of exchanges organized at the Visitation, in Chartres

“We need objectivity”

The bishop insisted on the fact that this protocol completes a system already in place, “the official listening cell, made up of experts including a deacon and a lawyer”. This listening unit draws up a written report which may lead Monsignor Christory to contact the prosecutor: “The victims are assured of a listening circuit and of taking into account their real word. And that avoids, for us, an emotional judgment. You need objectivity. It also allows us to take appropriate measures. There may be facts that we don’t know. »

For his part, the public prosecutor, Rémi Coutin, reacted to this protocol, the report of which is formulated by mail: “The sexual acts denounced can be of a tortious or criminal nature, committed on a minor or an adult, by a member clergy, lay personnel, salaried or voluntary, committed in an enclosure or during an activity. »

Mgr Philippe Christory, Bishop of Chartres: “It is important that victims of sexual abuse speak out”

The diocese informed of the sanctions

He clarified: “Since 2016, three files have been sent to the prosecution and have been the subject of an investigation which has not resulted in any prosecution. But we are extremely vigilant on these files. He sensed no reluctance, and even transparency on the part of the bishop in the fight against sexual abuse.

In the event of a conviction, an indictment or a referral to a court, the prosecution informs the diocesan authority.

Thierry Delaunay

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