The Unie van Religieuze in Vlaanderen (URV - Union of Religious in Flanders) issued a formal apology on Thursday following revelations of widespread abuse in Flemish convents in a documentary series by VTM.
The series, titled 'De Nonnen' ('The Nuns'), exposed the harsh regime that prevailed in several convents, including the former Sint-Vincentius Convent in Zelem, Limburg, during the 1970s.
Orphans and other children in these convents were subjected to physical and psychological violence by nuns, according to the series. Testimonies revealed accounts of severe physical abuse, sexual misconduct, abuse of power, and forced adoptions. The abuse allegedly led to suicides and the unexplained disappearance of dozens of children.
The URV said it was deeply affected by these accounts and extended an unequivocal apology to the victims. “We explicitly offer our apologies to the victims; their stories – often silenced for years – deeply move us,” said Sister Mieke Kerckhof, chair of the URV. “By sharing their voices, they bring these injustices to light and hopefully empower other victims to do the same.”
The organisation also called for an independent judicial investigation and pledged to fully recognise the suffering endured by the victims.
“Not all assistance and recognition can happen within Church structures alone,” Kerckhof added.
To ensure comprehensive redress, the URV plans to collaborate with various institutions. These include the Commissie voor Erkenning & Bemiddeling (COMEB - Commission for Recognition and Mediation) for physical abuse, and the Judiciary, for sexual abuse.
With regard to the adoption scandals, the Union says it will work with the Vlaams Centrum voor Adoptie (Flemish Adoption Centre) and on the issue of abuse of power, it will collaborate with the Vlaams Meldpunt Grensoverschrijdend Gedrag (Flemish Reporting Office for Transgressive Behaviour).
“We remain committed to handling the past with care and respect, delivering justice and recognition to past victims, and ensuring a safe space for everyone today,” Kerckhof concluded.
