Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church: A Decade of Crisis, 20022012

(Hardback)

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Taking on a still-controversial topic, a diverse group of experts, including victims and clergy, offers reflections on the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, examining what the church has doneand what it still needs to doto protect children. Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church: A Decade of Crisis, 20022012 is a thoughtful, multidisciplinary commentary. Beginning when the scandal first broke in Boston in 2002, this first-of-its-kind work offers a wide range of opinion, both positive and negative, on what has been done in the ensuing ten years to stop and prevent such abuse. Through the contributions here, readers can delve into the world of the church hierarchy and into the minds of abusive priests and their victims. The book presents the views of leading academics and psychologists, but also allows the church to speak. First-person insights from victims are shared, as in a chapter written by a woman abused by a clergy member as an adolescent. She explains what happened, the resulting trauma, how she healed, and what she thinks needs to be done to prevent future abusea subject that still makes headlines and stirs debate.

Reviews

The editors are to be commended for the varied snapshots of this tragically momentous period of Catholic history that are made possible by their choice of contributors. . . . Clinicians and researchers alike would benefit from reading the book to gain better insight into the crises being grappled with by this faith family. * PsycCRITIQUES *
A must-read. Summing Up: Essential. All readers. * Choice *
Plante, a clinical psychologist, and McChesney, who worked with the USCCB to develop its charter, offer a collection of essays by a broad range of contributors, including victims, lawyers, academics, psychologists, and priests themselves, who are living with the dark cloud now cast by the scandal. The essays include a review of the USCCB report and recommendations of change, including the addition of 'human development' for priests in training. Other essays provide historical context for child abuse beyond the Catholic Church, tracing concerns back to the Middle Ages, and more modern context derived from the social upheaval of the 1960s. Contributors also explore how the scandals have opened the church to discussion of issues of celibacy, homosexuality, and the role of women. * Booklist Online *

Author Bio

Thomas G. Plante, PhD, ABPP, is professor of psychology and directs the Spirituality and Health Institute at Santa Clara University. Kathleen L. McChesney, PhD, was appointed executive director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.