Church: Priest with six children, crime podcast «Under suspicion»

The priest attracted attention with affairs with women – but nothing happened

The Catholic Church is criticized for covering up abuse of power and assaults. The case of Anton Ebnöther is an exemplary case.

Published today at 15:58

Photos: picswiss.ch, collage: Francine Emmenegger

Would you like to listen to the entire case of “Unter Verdacht” right now? As a subscriber, you can listen to all three episodes of a case in advance and conveniently here or listen on platforms like Apple Podcasts. Find out how here.

The Catholic priest Anton Ebnöther was a charmer. But word quickly got around that he had many sexual encounters. Some of his love affairs were impertinent, many others were not. Ebnöther impregnated at least six women in the 1950s and 1960s, although as a Catholic priest he was actually committed to celibacy.

In the latest episode of our true crime podcast, journalist Catherine Boss explains how the church reacted to Ebnöther’s affairs with women. The bishop became aware of his intimate encounters. But Anton Ebnöther found excuses and denied responsibility. The church let him do as he pleased. Later, he was transferred several times to other parishes who did not know about his past.

The case of Anton Ebnöther is exemplary of many cases of abuse in the Catholic Church that are gradually coming to light in increasing numbers. It also represents the long-standing practice of church leaders to cover up and conceal evidence of assaults and abuse of power.

In a conversation with Catherine Boss, who has researched Ebnöther and abuse in the church, moderator Noah Fend explores the social dimension of this case. Forensic psychologist May Beyli explains how the church environment can encourage abuse of power and what this means for the victims.

Found an error? Report it now.

topicnews · September 10, 2024

Church: Priest with six children, crime podcast «Under suspicion»

You may also like...

Recent Posts

topicnews · September 10, 2024

You may also like...

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2024/25, ROSSONERI MATCH SCHEDULE

When will new episodes be released?

Save the date for the 10th E-Discovery Day

Recent Posts