On their website, the Dutch Salesians have released three press statements, two from the hand of Fr. Jos Claes, the order’s provincial for the Netherlands and Flanders, and one from the chairman of Don Bosco Works Netherlands. All regard the membership of one of the Salesian fathers of the pro-pedophilia group ‘Martijn’ as well as the statements made by delegate Fr. Herman Spronck.
Since the interest in the topic is high, judging from my blog’s statistics, I’ll share both press statements in English below.
Press release from the provincial of the Salesian of Don Bosco
Following the news and notification of the comments by Father H. Spronck about Father van B., we distance ourselves completely from the comments by Father H. Spronck.
To our great surprise we were made aware in the past days that Father van B. was a member of the association ‘Martijn’. The membership and visions of such an association are not compatible with our Salesian identity and the educational project of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
We absolutely do not approve of this and we therefore condemn the membership and the opinions of Father van B.
Brussels, 21 May 2011
Jos Claes
Provincial
Press release from the provincial of the Salesian of Don Bosco
Concerning the case of Father van B. the Provincial has established a committee. Starting today, this will be collecting all the information regarding the actions and words of Father van B. which is connected to his condemnable membership of ‘Martijn’.
The committee’s report will be sent to the superiors of the Salesian congregation in Rome.
At this moment the provincial has officially informed Father van B. that he can not undertake any pastoral duty or service anywhere or in whatever way.
Brussels, 23 May 2011
Jos Claes
Provincial
Statement from the Foundation Don Bosco Works Netherlands
On Friday evening the council of the Don Bosco Works Netherlands was surprised by the news from RTL 4 about one of the Salesians of Don Bosco and especially the comments which delegate Mr. German Spronck gave via RTL 4.
The council of the Don Bosco Works Netherlands would hereby like to inform you that it expressly distances itself from the comments made by Mr. Herman Spronck in this regard. In the meantime, there has been deliberation with Mr. Jos Claes, Provincial.
The council of the Don Bosco Works Netherlands now reflects on the situations and will further inform you.
Foundation Don Bosco Works Netherlands
Lex Enklaar, chairman
23 May 2011
Three statements which illustrate the shocking nature of the comments made and the effect upon the Salesians and all who work with them. It is good to see that steps are being taken and that Rome will be involved, like a spokesman of the Dutch bishops said a few days ago.
In the meantime, it must be emphasised that Fr. Spronck and Fr. van B. have not committed any crimes according to the law. However, morally their statements and the membership of a club of pedophiles are very seriously wrong.
In Caelo et in Terra 
Father Van B. may not be a suspect right now, but he has been convicted twice for indecent exposure in the last decade.
Fr. Spronck mentioned that he had done so in the original interview. But then again, he was convicted for that, so he has not committed any new crimes (that we know of, at least).