A recent review has brought to light disturbing findings about a monk’s sexual abuse of children over several decades on Caldey Island, Wales.
The independent review revealed that Father Thaddeus Kotik, who passed away in 1992, was a notorious child abuser on Caldey Island. Witness accounts dating back to the 1970s described him as a ‘serial and prolific’ abuser. Despite repeated complaints, his actions went unchecked, allowing the abuse to continue ‘in plain sight.’
Caldey Island, home to the Cistercian Order monks, is a popular tourist destination known for its serene beauty. However, the review highlighted how Kotik exploited this setting to perpetrate his crimes. Victims reported that Kotik lured boys and girls into secluded areas using sweets, chocolates, and even a tortoise. He gained the trust of families by offering affection, gifts, and babysitting services, thus gaining access to the children.
Father Jan Rossey, the abbot of Caldey Abbey, issued an apology for the ‘closed culture of secrecy and cover-up’ that enabled these heinous acts to remain hidden for so long. He expressed deep regret over missed opportunities to prevent the abuse, noting the heartbreaking reality that children who spoke up were ignored.
Allegations against Kotik became public knowledge in 2017, following a legal claim by six women who accused him of sexual abuse between 1971 and 1987. Although a financial settlement was reached, the abbey did not offer an apology at that time. The recent review was prompted by a victims’ campaign group asserting that approximately 50 individuals alleged abuse by island monks.
The review included testimonies from individuals who visited or lived on the island as children. These testimonies detailed instances of inappropriate touching, with one victim reporting rape by Kotik. The findings pointed to a severe failure in leadership within the Order and Abbey, highlighting that serious allegations were not reported to authorities as mandated by law at the time.
In response to the review, Abbot Rossey has committed to fostering a more transparent and open environment on the island, along with implementing safeguarding improvements. The Cistercians, a strict offshoot of the Benedictine Order, have inhabited Caldey Island for more than a millennium. The island promotes itself as a tranquil sanctuary, described as one of Britain’s holy islands.
The review’s revelations underscore a grave oversight in protecting minors within the religious community of Caldey Island. The commitment to change and improve safeguarding protocols signifies a crucial step toward healing and accountability.
Source: Apnews
