He was 17, no father. His only father figure: Father Frochaux, whom he had known since he was 11 years old. Did he seek affection from his mentor? Most certainly, as the vast majority of children who lack a parent often do, and who therefore suffer from some form of “abandonite”. Even if that was the case, should we still have considered this young man (who today feels that he was raped) as “enterprising”, as Father Frochaux wrote? No, in any case. An adult should know this, especially when faced with a minor who is less than half his age.
Also read: Bishop Morerod denies having been informed of the possible abuse
These questions were obviously less significant at the material time, some 20 years ago. Now, our society is realizing that it must re-consider the contours of the definition of consent (the recent eponymous book by Vanessa Springora also commits us to this). Can a young person under the influence of both a paternal and a religious authority, who also offers him means of subsistence by paying him to play the organ, can he be considered capable of giving informed consent to a sexual act with this person? Obviously not, especially as it may fall under the law, even if the abbot remains presumed innocent.
Victims of abuse can take years to understand why they suffer from all kinds of ailments or engage in excessive behavior, sometimes dangerous to themselves. After the events of Torgon, the alleged victim waited only two years to write and ask the bishop to receive him. This letter has disappeared and the minutes of the confrontation are laconic. There is also no longer any trace of the meeting between the young man and Mgr Genoud.
“Our society must re-consider the definition of consent”
We see there that the road which the Church still has to travel is immense. Because the price of transparency necessarily goes through a Benedictine work, in the manner of copyist monks: that of recording everything, archiving everything meticulously and not letting anything go by. To act immediately and produce the “supporting” documents to public opinion. The only way to regain the confidence of citizens and faithful, disgusted by so many years of various hidden crimes.
Created: 05.02.2020, 22:31
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