Lithuanian bishops consult Holy See and law enforcement on abuse inquiry

The Lithuanian bishops are consulting the Holy See and law enforcement authorities on the scope of a planned investigation into sexual abuse in the Church, the Vilnius Archdiocese said, LRT reported.

Archbishop Gintaras Grušas discussed the inquiry at an October meeting of Vilnius Archdiocese priests. It is intended to establish how many crimes against minors and vulnerable adults were committed in the Church in Lithuania since March 11, 1990.

Grušas said the work would also focus on improving systems to protect children and young people, and on properly receiving and investigating reports of possible abuse. The archdiocese said the issues were being addressed across the Lithuanian Church.

The meeting also covered measures to prevent violence against children and vulnerable adults. Priests were reminded that people whose ministry involves direct and regular contact with minors must have a QR code required for legally working with children.

From November, the Vilnius Archdiocese Youth Centre and the Child Support Centre will run a child abuse prevention programme called “We Are Safe”. It will include practical, interactive sessions for children and meetings with parents and parish communities.

The archdiocese is also continuing training on recognising and responding to sexual abuse of children. The sessions cover how to identify possible signs of abuse, speak with a child, offer support and report concerns. Parishes have also received leaflets outlining six principles for creating a safe environment and explaining how adults should respect children’s boundaries and respond to a disclosure of possible abuse.

The bishops decided in late September to launch the inquiry after criminal cases against two priests who had worked in the Vilnius Archdiocese reached court. Tadas Švedavičius is accused of 34 offences involving sexual abuse of children, possession of pornographic material and involving children in drinking. The alleged crimes may have taken place over more than 20 years.

In a separate case, priest Ryšardas Peciunas is charged with possessing pornographic material. The Vilnius Regional Court began hearing his case in mid-September. A hearing in Švedavičius’s case did not begin in late September because he had hired a new lawyer.