AMSTERDAM, May 24, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Salesian priest in the Netherlands has sent shockwaves through the Dutch Catholic Church after it was revealed that he is a board member for a pro-pedophilia group, a fact well-known by the local head of his order.
The Associated Press reported Saturday that “Father Van B.,” as he was identified by RTL Nieuws, served on the board of “Martijn,” a group that campaigns to normalize pedophilia in the Netherlands, where it is currently illegal.
Superior Jos Claes of Belgium told media in his country that he would be investigating both the priest and his Dutch superior, Delegate Herman Spronck, who have both been quoted as saying that sexual relations between an adult and a minor are not necessarily harmful. Spronck has also admitted during an interview to having knowledge of the priest’s involvement in Martijn.
“Father Van B.” served on the board of Martijn between 2008 and 2010, when its founder was arrested for possession of child pornography, according to the AP.
The Salesian order, founded by Saint John Bosco in Italy in the mid 19th century, is a society of religious dedicated to works of charity for underprivileged youths, particularly the education of boys.
Read more in the AP article here.