Gerald
04-15-11, 11:03 AM
Former Belgian bishop Roger Vangheluwe has gone live on TV to talk about how he sexually abused two boys but does not see himself as a paedophile.
Emerging from hiding, he revealed he had molested two of his nephews, and not one, as he confessed last year before resigning as bishop of Bruges.
He does not face prosecution because the abuse occurred decades ago.
"It had nothing to do with sexuality," he said, in comments that caused indignation among politicians.
Justice Minister Stefaan De Clercq said in a statement the Church authorities "had to take measures to stop the irresponsible behaviour of the former bishop".
"It is a slap in the face of his victims and all victims," the justice minister added.
The 74-year-old is believed to be living outside Belgium since being ordered to leave the country by the Vatican, which has yet to decide on his future.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13089763
Note: 15 April 2011 Last updated at 01:56 GMT
Emerging from hiding, he revealed he had molested two of his nephews, and not one, as he confessed last year before resigning as bishop of Bruges.
He does not face prosecution because the abuse occurred decades ago.
"It had nothing to do with sexuality," he said, in comments that caused indignation among politicians.
Justice Minister Stefaan De Clercq said in a statement the Church authorities "had to take measures to stop the irresponsible behaviour of the former bishop".
"It is a slap in the face of his victims and all victims," the justice minister added.
The 74-year-old is believed to be living outside Belgium since being ordered to leave the country by the Vatican, which has yet to decide on his future.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13089763
Note: 15 April 2011 Last updated at 01:56 GMT