Vilnius Archdiocese strengthens abuse prevention measures

The Vilnius Archdiocese is strengthening prevention measures, organising training and continuing support for people who may have been sexually abused, LRT reported, citing BNS. The steps follow the publication in August of cases involving possible sexual abuse of children in the Catholic Church.

In early September, Archbishop Metropolitan Gintaras Grušas visited the Rūdiškės and Kalesninkai parishes, where priests now accused of crimes against children had previously served. He celebrated Mass in both parishes and met local communities.

The archdiocese told BNS that Grušas emphasised truth, accountability and the protection of victims during the meetings. He said the Church’s reputation should be protected not by concealing wrongdoing, but by acknowledging it, cooperating with law enforcement and working to ensure that harm is not repeated.

“Our goal cannot merely be that there are no more scandals. Our goal must be much more important: that there are no more victims,” Grušas said.

The archdiocese said it does not publicly comment on its communication with specific people who may have been affected, in order to protect their privacy. The Vilnius Archdiocese service for listening to people who have experienced abuse also continues to operate.

Parishes have been given leaflets on creating a safe environment. The Vilnius Archdiocese Youth Centre is organising training on recognising and responding to sexual violence against children. The sessions will be led by psychologists from the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service who work with children affected by sexual violence and their relatives.

Grušas has also met representatives of the initiative “An Important Matter” and heard their proposals on support for victims, accountability and prevention. According to the curia, the initiative’s representatives promised to formulate their proposals in greater detail so they could be discussed with Lithuania’s other bishops.

The archdiocese said it sought not only to respond to individual cases, but also to strengthen prevention and responsible responses to signs of possible abuse.

Two criminal cases involving priests and crimes against children were referred to court this summer, BNS reported. Priest T. Švedavičius is accused of sexual offences against 11 minors. Law enforcement authorities say the case contains 34 alleged criminal episodes, ranging from forcing children to consume alcohol to sexual assault. The alleged offences took place between 2002 and 2025. The case was referred to the Vilnius Regional Court.

In another case referred to the Vilnius City District Court, priest Ryšardas Peciunas is accused of possessing child pornography. There are no victims in that case.

Grušas has previously said that a priest should not be regarded as an infallible authority and that Church communities should engage in more discussion, listen to one another and work together.

BNS also reported that the charges against the priests had renewed debate in Lithuania over creating a public register of sexual offenders. Members of the Seimas have also expressed support for the idea.