Former nun Zofia Schacht-Petersen accuses Bishop Jan Szkodonia of abuse in 1991; Archdiocese of Krakow responds.
Allegations Surface
A nun accused Bishop Jan Szkodonia. Accusations against Krakow Bishop Jan Szkodonia have been emerging for several years. On Tuesday, February 2, former nun Zofia Schacht-Petersen also spoke, telling “Gazeta Wyborcza” that in 1991 the cleric had molested her in his apartment when she went to him for advice about her ministry.
Archdiocese Response
Archdiocese of Krakow issued a statement. Archdiocese spokesman Fr. Piotr Studnicki informed on Tuesday that he had “with sadness familiarized himself” with Mrs. Zofia Schacht-Petersen’s story. “The delegate of the metropolitan of Krakow has already established direct contact with her to arrange a meeting, and has also conveyed the readiness of Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś for a personal meeting” wrote the spokesman. The same applies to Ms. Agnieszka (name used in the media publication), whose story was published earlier. The cardinal met with the woman in November, when he was still the metropolitan of Lodz.
Proposal for Independent Commission
Fr. Piotr Studnicki noted that “unfortunately, under both civil and canon law, there is no possibility of conducting an investigative or criminal proceeding against a deceased person.” However, he noted that a commission of independent experts could be established to examine the phenomenon of sexual abuse. Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś hopes it will be formed in March during the plenary meeting of the Conference of the Polish Episcopate. Its aim is for it to function at the national level.
Diocesan-Level Alternative
However, if this cannot be achieved, the metropolitan intends to establish it at the diocesan level. “Such a commission will be able to examine such cases while creating a space for listening and providing necessary support to people reporting harm – especially in situations where there is no possibility of conducting proceedings against the accused” wrote Fr. Piotr Studnicki.