Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse at ‘Holy Site’ of Christians: Over 50 Cases Surface as Campaign Unfolds

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th April. A report by The Daily Mail has shed light on allegations of sexual abuse against minors by Christian monks on the Isle of Caldey, South Wales. The report features testimonies from victims, revealing instances of sexual exploitation involving more than 50 children.

Accusations against Christian monks at Caldey Abbey have been surfacing in the media recently. Following the appointment of Father Jain Rozy as the new head of the abbey, he initiated an independent investigation into all allegations against the monks. It has gradually emerged that some of the accusations date back to the 1960s and 1970s.

Father Rozy stated that all allegations have been taken very seriously, and to ensure continued commitment to safety, Chief Independent Security Adviser Jan Pickles OBE has been appointed.

Notably, the ‘The Caldey Island Survivors Campaign,’ initiated by 61-year-old Kevin O’Connell, has brought forth several individuals fighting for a public inquiry into the alleged sexual abuse of children.

O’Connell claims that he was sexually assaulted by a monk when he was 10 years old and witnessed inappropriate behavior towards children at the abbey. After raising his voice and appealing to people through social media, nearly 50 individuals have come forward, alleging they were also subjected to misconduct by the monks. They acknowledge, “Wrong was done to us too.” Their ages range between 45 to 60.

According to The Daily Mail report, O’Connell expressed concerns that despite ongoing campaigns, there was still evidence of ongoing abuse on the island. Just a few weeks ago, an anonymous letter arrived, authored by someone from the island, revealing that a young girl had also been a victim of sexual abuse. Despite her complaints, no investigation was conducted, and the allegations were dismissed by the abbey authorities. This incident suggests that the situation remains unchanged.

It’s worth noting that this is not the first time such reports have surfaced about the Christian abbey in Caldey. Since 2017, similar reports have emerged regarding the misconduct of monks. At that time, six women received compensation from a civil court, with a judgment stating that Father Thaddeus Kotik, a monk at the abbey from 1972 to 1987, had sexually abused them. Kotik passed away in 1992, but after the truth emerged, he has been described in sinister terms.