Conviction Christian institutions & contexts Reformed and Presbyterian Oud-Beijerland, Netherlands · 2016

Netherlands: Hersteld Hervormde Kerk predikant Peter K. convicted of abusing a congregant, 2009-2012

Record class

Core record

Evidence status

Convicted

Authority role

predikant (minister) of the Hersteld Hervormde Kerk congregation, Oud-Beijerland

Organization

Hersteld Hervormde Kerk, Oud-Beijerland

Spiritual nexus

As predikant, K. held direct pastoral authority over the congregant he abused — a member of his own church bound to him by the trust and obedience owed a Reformed minister — which is what made the abuse possible over a three-year period within the congregation.

Pastoral or clerical authority

Evidence structure

Proceedings

2016-01-27 · conviction

Rechtbank Rotterdam, Netherlands. Peter K., a predikant of the Hersteld Hervormde Kerk in Oud-Beijerland, was convicted by the Rotterdam district court of indecently assaulting and having sexual intercourse with an underage member of his own congregation between 2009 and 2012. He was sentenced to three years' unconditional imprisonment — a heavier sentence than the prosecution's request. K. lodged an appeal (hoger beroep).

Appellate history

K. announced he would appeal; outcome of appeal not confirmed in sourcing reviewed.

Documented coercion mechanisms

pastoral authority as the congregation's minister
closed, obedience-oriented culture of the Reformed congregation

Primary record

Sources

national newspaper court reporting verdict and sentencing report Nederlands Dagblad, 'Drie jaar cel voor ex-dominee wegens misbruik' (27 January 2016). Dutch: reports Rotterdam court sentencing Peter K. to three years for abuse of an underage church member 2009-2012. English gloss: 'Three years in prison for ex-minister over abuse.': Primary Dutch-language court report naming the denomination, court, dates, and sentence.

Related record

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