Sexual Abuse Accusations
The sexual abuse accusations against the Heralds of the Gospel (Arautos do Evangelho) constitute the most serious allegations presented in the documentary "Slaves of Faith". After investigation by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, police inquiries, and court proceedings, all accusations were dismissed without conviction. Two key accusers made judicial retractions.
The accusations in the documentary
The documentary "Slaves of Faith" presents the following testimonies and allegations:
"Ele beijou o rosto dela, o pescoco, ela saiu descabelada. E uma crianca de 12 anos."
[He kissed her face, her neck, she came out disheveled. And a 12-year-old child.]
"A vitima lembra-se de ter acordado e visto o Monsenhor Joao Cla em cima de seu corpo."
[The victim remembers waking up and seeing Monsignor Joao Cla on top of her body.]
"Meninas saindo da sacristia descabeladas, assustadas."
[Girls leaving the sacristy disheveled, frightened.]
Excerpt from a police report about alleged rape.
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith investigation
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), the Holy See's supreme body for investigating serious crimes including sexual abuse, conducted an investigation into the allegations. The result was the dismissal of the case, with the decision pro nunc reponatur (dismissal due to insufficient evidence).
The dismissal was communicated by Apostolic Nuncio Dom Giovanni d'Aniello on February 28, 2019.
Source: Book, Annex 12 -- Prot. 16958/19 Rome
Police inquiry
Police inquiry 1503101-98.2019, opened to investigate allegations of sexual violence, was dismissed. During the investigation, the alleged victim's own mother stated that her daughter had psychiatric disorders and fabricated stories.
The mother's testimony was a determining factor in the dismissal of the inquiry.
Judicial retractions
Two of the main accusers who appeared in international media made formal judicial retractions in Colombia -- in December 2019 and July 2022 -- admitting that their statements did not correspond to reality. Both authorized the Heralds to use the retractions before any authority.
The retractions are documented and form part of the evidence in the 28 lawsuits.
Commissioner's testimony
Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis, appointed Commissioner of the Heralds of the Gospel, categorically stated that he NEVER received any complaint of sexual abuse during his entire period as commissioner (2019-2025).
This statement is particularly significant, as the Commissioner had full access to all members, documents, and internal proceedings of the institution.
The Patricia Sampaio case
Patricia Sampaio, one of the central accusers in the documentary, has a history that raises questions about the credibility of her testimony:
On July 25, 2018, Patricia Sampaio sent an email in which she praised the Heralds of the Gospel, expressing gratitude and satisfaction with the institution. The content of this email directly contradicts the accusations she later made.
Source: Book, Annex 22
The transition from a praising stance to serious accusations, without new facts being presented, suggests a radicalization process following contact with other detractors.
The Alex Ribeiro de Lima case
Alex Ribeiro de Lima, a key witness used by the Public Defender's Office of Sao Paulo in its action against the Heralds, presents the following circumstances:
- Never attended the Heralds of the Gospel school -- a fact that fundamentally compromises his credibility as a witness about internal events
- Has documented psychiatric problems
- Is being investigated for threats against members of the Heralds (Inquiry 1503434-34.2024)
- A restraining order was issued against him in favor of Heralds members
See also
References
- Book, Annex 12 -- Communication from Apostolic Nuncio Dom Giovanni d'Aniello, 02/28/2019
- Book, Annex 22 -- Email from Patricia Sampaio, 07/25/2018
- Police Inquiry 1503101-98.2019 -- Dismissed
- Prot. 16958/19 Rome -- CDF investigation, dismissed
- Judicial retractions in Colombia -- December 2019 and July 2022
- Book, Annex 46 -- Report by Dr. Hugo Cysneiros (CNBB), November 2024