A trend to ‘de-baptism’ is growing in Belgium as Catholics leave the Church in the wake of clerical abuse scandals.
“When you don’t agree with an organisation that you never chose to
join in the first place, the healthiest thing to do is to leave,” Damien
Spleeters told AFP.
The 24-year-old is among a growing crowd exasperated by church policy
on issues such as AIDS, and angered by revelations last year of massive
child abuse by priests and lay workers.
Spleeters last year wrote to the bishop overseeing the parish where
his parents had him christened as a baby to announce he no longer wanted
the church “to speak in his name” so was requesting to be struck off
the baptism register.
“Whilst we deplore your decision,” replied Abbot Jean-Pierre Lorette,
“the Catholic Church respects each individual’s freedom and will not
hold back against their will those who wish to leave it.”
Spleeters, the priest added, was in consequence “logically” excommunicated.
In an interview, the young Brussels resident said “I don’t consider
myself an atheist” but explained he turned to de-baptism due to growing
irritation with the Catholic hierarchy.
SIC: CTH/ASIA