The cathedral chapter and the newly constituted advisory board for those affected in the diocese of Essen had agreed to create an artistically designed place of remembrance, cathedral provost Michael Dörnemann told the Catholic News Agency (KNA) on Tuesday.
"He is to be a lasting reminder for a different behavior in church and society."
Hengsbach (1910–1991), the first bishop of the Ruhr Bishopric of Essen, is suspected of having committed sexual abuse in the 1950s and 1960s.
The allegations concern both his time as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Paderborn and his tenure in Essen.
The (arch)dioceses of Essen and Paderborn had initially made two allegations public in 2023; meanwhile, there is further evidence of possible sexualized violence.
Against this background, the Essen Cathedral Chapter had the Hengsbach statue removed from the Domhof in September 2023.
The allegations are currently being investigated in an independent sociological-historical study, the results of which are expected to be carried out for 2027.
Church to pledge competition
According to Dörnemann, a competition with public tender is planned for the memorial site.
The drafts will be discussed by a board of trustees, each of which includes two representatives of the Advisory Board and the Cathedral Chapter, as well as three art experts, and which could start work next year.
The final decision lies with the cathedral chapter as the owner of the cathedral courtyard.
A budget of up to 50,000 euros is available for the project, according to the cathedral provost.
In addition, a notice board is to be attached to the former location of the Hengsbach statue, which informs with a QR code about the removal of the sculpture and refers to offers of help for those affected.
This board could be set up early next year, according to Dörnemann.