Cordaid.nl
4-3-2011
On March 1, 2011 we learned from the media that the Vatican has banned the Dutch bishop Schilder from his function in 2009.
This was confirmed by Schilder’s superior of the Netherlands Mill Hill congregation. Schilder, bishop of the Diocese of Ngong in Kenya, was relieved from his post after allegations of sexual abuse. Cordaid is shocked by this news because in recent decades they have been actively involved in development projects in the diocese of Ngong.
Cordaid has supported, like many other (international) development agencies, the programs in the diocese for some time. In 2003, these projects were carried out under the responsibility of Schilder. During the years 2000-2009 Cordaid supported six different projects in this diocese, investing in the areas of health, water and sanitation. The regular audits showed that the programs met the quality of Cordaid, including the financial management. The projects, focusing on land rights, water and micro-credits, were completed successfully and yielded direct results for the local population.
In their frequent contacts with the staff of the diocese, Cordaid never had any indications of sexual abuse on the part of the bishop. Cordaid deeply regrets that while the abuse was known both to Mill Hill and the Vatican, they were not informed. This is in conflict with Cordaid’s ethics, which are based on openness and transparency.
Our trust in the Mill Hill Congregation has been damaged severely. Cordaid has suspended all funding of Mill Hill.
Cordaid requires organizations that receive funding, to have a code of conduct on the prevention of sexual abuse. If an (employee of an) organization funded by Cordaid is known to be involved with sexual abuse, Cordaid immediately suspends funding.
In their frequent contacts with the staff of the diocese, Cordaid never had any indications of sexual abuse on the part of the bishop. Cordaid deeply regrets that while the abuse was known both to Mill Hill and the Vatican, they were not informed. This is in conflict with Cordaid’s ethics, which are based on openness and transparency.
Our trust in the Mill Hill Congregation has been damaged severely. Cordaid has suspended all funding of Mill Hill.Cordaid requires organizations that receive funding, to have a code of conduct on the prevention of sexual abuse. If an (employee of an) organization funded by Cordaid is known to be involved with sexual abuse, Cordaid immediately suspends funding.
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