Victim Spokesperson Nancy Janz Resigns Amid Frustration with Evangelical Church's Slow Abuse Response

Nancy Janz, the spokesperson for victims of sexual violence within the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), has announced her resignation, marking a significant setback for the church's ongoing abuse reform efforts. Janz expressed deep frustration with the slow pace and insufficient progress in addressing victims' needs, stating, "We have been discussing the same issues for years, and yet there is hardly any noticeable progress for those affected. That hurts." Since July 2022, she has served in this challenging role, balancing the expectations of victims against slow-moving church structures. Her resignation follows that of Detlev Zander, another victim spokesperson who stepped down earlier this year, reducing the total number of victim representatives in the EKD's Participation Forum for Sexualized Violence (Befo) from nine to six.

Dorothee Wüst, a church president and co-spokesperson in the participation forum, acknowledged Janz's significant contributions and regretted her departure. Wüst emphasized that the church leadership is aware of the need for faster and more unified implementation of reforms across regional churches to better meet victims' calls for action. In June 2024, Janz had spoken publicly about her own traumatic experience of sexual abuse by a clergyman at age 17, highlighting the emotional toll and feelings of isolation she endured.

The resignations underscore ongoing challenges within the EKD's institutional response to sexual abuse cases — despite the forum's role as the central body addressing these issues for regional churches and affiliated Diakonie organizations. Janz criticized the church's participation in the forum as often serving as an "alibi" rather than a genuine commitment to transformative change. Her departure signals the urgent need for the Evangelical Church to accelerate reforms and restore trust among abuse survivors.