Franziskus Eisenbach was a Speaker at Evangelical Events in Germany Mainz, April 19 (2002) A German Roman Catholic Bishop who resigned after accusations of sexual abuse was a frequent speaker at evangelical events. The Vatican made Franziskus Eisenbach of Mainz step down after a court case had been dropped for lack of evidence. The resignation, explained the Holy See, should not be seen as an admittance of guilt. More than 18 months ago, Eisenbach (58) had been accused by a Protestant female professor of sexual abuse while performing an exorcism. The mathematician Anne Baeumer-Schleinkofer said she had consulted the Bishop because she had 'visions' that seemed to come directly from God. Eisenbach tried to exorcise the demons. The woman claimed that this involved sexual encounters. Although criminal proceedings were ended, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of the Vatican ordered an investigation. After three months he told Eisenbach that his resignation would be requested but that there would be no punitive consequences. The Cardinalıs office is in charge of reviewing all accusations of sexual abuse against Roman Catholic priests. Eisenbach, who is regarded as a Catholic 'charismatic', was a speaker at ProChrist evangelistic rallies and meetings of the annual 'Week of Prayer' organized by the German Evangelical Alliance. The Alliance declined to comment on Eisenbachıs case. END Evangelical news agency idea. Wolfgang Polzer e-mail: Internet: http://www.idea.de
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