Schoenstatt asks for information on founder as allegations remain under study

The Schoenstatt movement in Germany has asked people who knew its founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, to share memories and documents as research into allegations against him continues, including any experiences of possible abuse.

In 2020, abuse allegations against Kentenich became public, and the Diocese of Trier suspended his beatification cause in 2022.

The appeal, published Oct. 15 on the movement’s German website, explicitly invites accounts of experiences “perceived as crossing boundaries or as abusive.”

“Historical research into the allegations against Father Joseph Kentenich is in full swing and far from complete,” the movement said.

Schoenstatt has a contact page for people seeking to participate.

“Incriminating evidence may be confirmed; it may equally turn out that allegations must be seen in a different light and that the suspicion against him cannot be substantiated,” the organization said.

Submissions will be “collected, treated confidentially and not prejudged.” Because the research will likely take years, it said, “hasty judgments should be avoided.”

“For many people in Schoenstatt, Father Kentenich is one of the formative spiritual figures of their…