Wolves Among the Sheep > France investigating CSA at prestigious Catholic school; Former Church of Wales Bishop admits historic CSA

 

French prosecutors open rape investigation in Catholic school abuse scandal

France

A judicial investigation into charges of rape and sexual assault at the Notre-Dame de Bétharram school in southwestern France was opened against a former school employee Friday. French PM François Bayrou, whose children attended the school, has come under increasing scrutiny after a former teacher accused him and his wife of having turned a blind eye to years of abuse.

A judicial investigation was opened on Friday into charges of rape and sexual assault against one of the three men held in custody in connection with allegations of widespread physical and sexual abuse at the Notre-Dame de Bétharram school in southwestern France, the Pau public prosecutor's office announced on Friday.

The suspect, a former monitor, was working at the school last year before being dismissed following the opening of the judicial investigation.

The other two men who were taken into custody on Wednesday were let go as the charges against them fell outside the statute of limitations, the public prosecutor said. 

France's prime minister was under increasing pressure Friday after a former teacher at Bétharram claimed François Bayrou was aware of claims of sexual abuse of young boys there in the 1990s but did not act on them.

The embattled prime minister has in recent days faced accusations from the opposition that he knew of widespread physical and sexual abuse at the Catholic boarding school, which several of his own children attended.

Prosecutors have been investigating around 100 complaints of alleged violence, sexual assault and rape committed at Bétharram over several decades.

Bayrou, who served as the country's education minister between 1993 and 1997, has repeatedly denied any wrong-doing.

French PM faces scrutiny over sexual abuse claims at Catholic school

On Thursday, a former teacher at the boarding school told French investigative website Mediapart that Bayrou, 73, and his wife, who taught religious studies there, had ignored her warnings about the "systemic violence" against the boarders.

Françoise Gullung taught mathematics at the school between 1994 and 1996, Mediapart said.

Bayrou insisted both he and his wife were innocent.

"There is nothing more shameful than targeting someone's family in order to get to them politically," he told journalists.

"Those who whip up these scandals are not interested in the victims, they are not interested in justice," he said.

"What interests them is whether they could stir up a scandal that would have political repercussions for the government and the prime minister."

Bayrou, a veteran centrist named by President Emmanuel Macron in December to end months of political crisis after inconclusive snap polls, does not have a majority in a divided parliament and depends on the support of the Socialists.

He has survived multiple no-confidence motions, including over his budget, partially due to support from the Socialists. Losing their backing over the school sexual abuse scandal would be a major blow.

Former bishop admits to a series of sickening child sex offences

2 weeks ago

3 Min Read

ANTHONY PIERCE COMMITTED HISTORIC INDECENT ASSAULTS ON BOY UNDER 16

A DISGRACED former bishop has admitted to a series of sickening child sex offences, The Herald can reveal. Anthony Pierce, once a trusted figure in the Church in Wales, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a male child under 16.

Pierce, who served as the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon between 1999 and 2008, carried out the vile acts between 1985 and 1990 while working as a parish priest in West Cross, Swansea. The Church in Wales has confirmed the offences, branding them “shocking crimes” and expressing “profound shame.”

The court heard that the allegations only came to light last year when the survivor bravely disclosed the abuse to the church’s safeguarding officer. The information was immediately passed to the police, leading to Pierce’s arrest and subsequent charges.

Pierce has been released on bail, with sentencing set for March 7 at Swansea Crown Court.

Church under scrutiny

The case has sent shockwaves through the Church in Wales, raising serious questions about its handling of past allegations. The church has admitted that some members may have been aware of a previous allegation against Pierce in 1993 but failed to act decisively. An urgent review has now been launched into how that complaint was handled.

In a statement, the Church in Wales said: “We are appalled at the offences which have been revealed in this case and express our deepest sympathy with the victim for the abuse they have suffered. It is a cause of the most profound shame that a priest in the Church in Wales should have been convicted of such shocking crimes.”

The current Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Right Reverend John Lomas, addressed parishioners in a letter, acknowledging the deep betrayal felt by those who knew Pierce. “Tony Pierce was your parish priest, your archdeacon, your bishop. The Diocese is full of people baptised, confirmed or ordained by him. This case will be deeply shocking to so many of you.”

Calls for accountability

Victims’ groups and campaigners are now calling for greater accountability within the Church in Wales, urging transparency in dealing with allegations of abuse.

The Church in Wales Disciplinary Tribunal has confirmed it will take further action following Pierce’s sentencing.

This latest scandal adds to a growing list of historic abuse cases that have rocked religious institutions across the UK, once again highlighting the urgent need for rigorous safeguarding measures and accountability for those in positions of trust.