Prevention of abuse through new "priest test" in Switzerland

Church employees in Switzerland are to undergo a psychological test before starting work. As reported by Swiss Radio and Television (SRF) on Wednesday, the church has developed a new recruitment system in collaboration with forensic psychologist Jérôme Endrass.

Endrass explained: "On the one hand, we look at whether someone has the necessary qualifications, both personally and intellectually. And on the other hand, we look to see whether someone has certain risk factors, i.e. baggage that would militate against employment." Anyone who fulfils the requirement profile for a church position is first checked for certain risk characteristics. According to Endrass, procedural methods from forensic practice are used to analyse whether a candidate would abuse their position.

Bossy, dominant and easily offended people who tend to abuse their power are a frequently discussed problem, according to the forensic psychologist. Abnormalities in sexual development and in the way relationships are established are also analysed. The aptitude test lasts around a day. Endrass warns: "You have to assume with certainty that mistakes will continue to happen." It is not a perfect system, but it is much better than the previous one. According to SRF, the diocese of Chur wants to provide information about the new recruitment system in mid-January. (KNA)