INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERICS
cleric abuse negatively impacted vocational desires
associated with the Church . The actions of a single
priest appeared to have a negative effect on people's
satisfaction with the clergy . The survey was also
sent to 314 priests who felt positive about their
vocation and about the Catholic Church . However,
the majority of ministers reported feeling that they
were not kept informed by the Church and that thehierarchy did not want to deal with sexual abuse inan open manner . Rossetti concluded that exposure
to the abuse heightens dissatisfaction, confidence inleadership declines, few trust priests with their children after having their own priest accused, endorsements of celibacy decrease, and satisfaction with
the Church decreases . Chapter 3 built upon thesefindings in explaining the parish as a victim of sexual abuse . Rossetti asserted that parishioners
require knowledge about the sexual abuse and thatinterventions should be set in place in order to heal
the parish . Chapter 4 presented red flags for identifying sexual abuse . The author emphasized the needto evaluate an individual's psychosexual history as
well as the importance of training and educating theclergy. Six factors are also identified as red flags forabusers and include confusion about sexual orientation, childish interests and behavior, lack of peer
relations, extremes in developmental sexual experiences, personal history of childhood sexual abuse
and/or deviant sexual experience, and an excessively passive, dependant, and conforming personality. Chapter 5 addressed the impact of the crisison the offenders . The author contends that clericsuicides are increasing and that society ostracizes
the sex offender through interventions such as
Megan's Law. There is also mismanagement ofcleric offenders, but Rossetti contends that perpetrators can be successfully treated . Recidivism isbriefly discussed as well as the role of chemical castration in treatment . Saint Luke Institute has shown
success in utilizing Depo-Provera to treat clericoffenders and claims a relapse rate of only two
priests during the ten years it has been in operation .
In surveying the attitudes of the laity, the majority
of individuals are unwilling to allow a clericoffender into their parish . However, if the priest
had undergone treatment and is under supervision

OVERVIEWBuRKETT, E. & BRUNIE, F. (1993) . A GOSPEL OF SHAME :CHILDREN, SEXUAL ABUSE, AND THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH. NEW YORK, NY: PENGUIN BOOKS .
This book provided an overview of the various
cases of child sexual abuse surrounding theCatholic Church . The authors contend that one of
the reasons why the Church is an appealing target
is due to the fact that the Bishops are able to handle these cases in secrecy . While abuse undoubtedly
occurs in other religious organizations and professions, none of them have the ability and power tobury these issues in the way the Catholic Church
has. The structure of the Church and the notion ofcelibacy are discussed in relation to creating a prooffending environment . The authors contend thatthe Bishops failed to realize their oversight in the
management of sex offenders because they did notknow the true scope of the problem . The effects ofthe sexual abuse scandal are discussed in relation to
the parish and the Church's financial holdings .
ROSSETTI, S.] . (1996) . A TRAGIC GRACE : THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH AND CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE .
COLLEGEVILLE, MN : THE LITURGICAL PRESS .
This book provided an overview of the problem ofchild sexual abuse in the Catholic Church . Chapter
1 provided an overview of the problem thus far andthe responses of the Church hierarchy. Chapter 2
presented original research conducted by the author
concerning the feelings of the Church and laity concerning the current crisis . Survey research was conducted on 1,013 lay persons and illustrated a general sense of dissatisfaction displayed by those who
had experienced a crisis in their parish . The majority of the respondents reported anger concerning
the crisis and expected better behavior from theirpriests . However, those who had experienced abuse
within their parish were less likely to expect priests
to be better than anyone else and less likely to lookto the clergy for moral leadership . They were alsoless likely to trust the priesthood and the incident of273

then the laity was willing to accept him . The author
argued that the following factors must be evaluatedwhen examining the extent of the situation : clinicaldiagnosis and abuse history, quality of treatment
and response to treatment, aftercare program,availability of supervision and ministry not involving minors, a considered waiting period, and various other pastoral considerations . In discussing suicide amongst priests, Rossetti asserted that the mostdifficult time is right after the perpetrator has been
confronted because they become overwhelmed . It isat this point that they must be supported and interventions must be provided . While the majority ofpriests do not commit suicide when confronted
with allegations of abuse, this may be due in part totheir faith . The last two chapters of the bookincluded a discussion of suggested reforms inaddressing the issue of cleric abuse.

AVENUES OF LEGAL REDRESSFOR VICTIMSSMITH, L .M . (1994) . LIFTING THE VEIL OF SECRECY :MANDATORY CHILD ABUSE REPORTING STATUTES MAY
ENCOURAGE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TO REPORTPRIESTS

CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE . IN T.G . PLANTE (ED) . BLESSME FATHER FOR I HAVE SINNED: PERSPECTIVES ONSEXUAL ABUSE COMMITTED BY ROMAN CATHOLIC
111-134) . WESTPORT,MOLEST

CHILDREN .

LAW&This article argued that state laws which mandate
the reporting of child abuse should be used as a tool
in clergy sexual abuse cases in order to stop Church
officials from denying the incidents . The first partof the article discusses the hierarchy of the Church .
The issue of celibacy as a cause of sexual abuse isdiscussed in conjunction with the theory that thoseentering the seminary are already underdeveloped .
Smith then discussed in the second part of the article the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act,
which requires that all states "establish provisions
for the reporting of known and suspected instancesof child abuse and neglect ." However, some states
do not have universal reporting requirements andonly those designated professionals (i .e . doctors,
teachers, and psychologists) have a duty to report .
If implemented, there would be no conflict with theFirst Amendment because as set forth in Forest
Hills Early Learning Ctr. V Lukbard, "the reporting requirements do not burden the Church's free
exercise of religion, are justified by a compellingstate interest, and are the least restrictive means
available for protecting this interest ." Reporting
would be required once there is "reasonable cause
to believe" (State v. Hurd) . In regards to the
Church, a reasonable belief that the child had beenmolested may be sufficient grounds to report theincident . Under the Child Abuse Prevention andTreatment Act, the reporters of the abuse areallowed immunity whereas failure to alert theauthorities may result in criminal procedures . While
one may potentially sue the Catholic Church concerning their failure to report the abuse, the doctrine of charitable immunity forbids lawsuits
against charities (this also includes Churches) .

SIPE, A.R . (1999) . THE PROBLEM OF PREVENTION IN

PRIESTS (PP.

WHO

PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 18, 409-421 .

CT: PRAEGER

PUBLISHERS .

Sipe posits four problems that hinder the development of a program of prevention of sexual abuse in
the Church . The first problem was the lack ofscreening methods to eliminate sex offenders fromentering the clergy. The problem with this is thatwhile some individuals may have a history ofoffending prior to joining the seminary, many begin
acting out once they have entered the institution .
While screening tests have improved, they continue
to fail in certain areas . The second problem was thewidespread denial of the abuse by Church officials .
This results in rationalization, avoidance, and theshifting of blame . Third, certain elements of Church
doctrine facilitated the creation of a pro-offending
environment . Finally, the clergy was lacking in professional ethical standards regarding sexuality .

2 74

(1993) . LEGAL ISSUES IN SEXUAL
VIOLENCE .
PASTORALDOMESTIC

STEINHAUSER, K .
ABUSE

AND

PSYCHOLOGY, 41 (5), 321-336 .

The authors discussed the complaint of fiduciary
duty in the present case . Based upon the 1995
research conducted by the authors, it was concluded that while there is no complaint of clergy

askedmalpractice for fear of implicating the Firstand domestic violence . It informed the clergy of theAmendment, the complaint of breach of fiduciary
duty may prove successful in prosecuting the clergy .

responsibility to report, myths concerning domestic

In the present case, the New Jersey Supreme Court

violence/sexual abuse, and the consequences of failure to report these issues . The author recommended

also viewed the breach of fiduciary duty was a more

Steinhauser answered various frequently
questions concerning the reporting of sexual abuseappropriate complaint than clergy malpractice .

that if there is a child in the parish who is suspected(1995) .

try to develop a rapport with the child and assess
the situation before reporting it . The article also

REGULATING PASTORAL COUNSELING PRACTICE : THE
PROBLEM OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. BULLETIN OF THE

contains a discussion concerning the affect of sexual

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PSYCHIATRY AND LAW, 23

abuse on the victim as well as the process involved inremoving the child from the home . It is stressed that(3), 421-432 .

as long as one makes a report in good faith the person will be protected from civil litigation .

This article reviewed various cases and examined
the justifications given by the courts in not expanding malpractice theory towards clergy counselors
who sexually abuse their clients . Though they are

E .E .H .
(1999) .
J .L .
&GRIFFITH,
YOUNG,DEVELOPMENTS IN CLERGY MALPRACTICE : THE CASE
OF SANDERS V. CASA VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH .
OF

THE

AMERICANACADEMY&E .E .H .

YOUNG,JOURNAL

J .L .

GRIFFITH,of being a victim of abuse, the parishioner should

governed by various professional organizations (i .e .
the American Association of Pastoral Counselors,
the Christian Association for Psychological

OF

PSYCHIATRY & THE LAw, 27 (1), 143-147 .

Studies), some clergy counselors practice outside ofThis article was a review of a legal case that extrap-

these organizations . The allegation of clergy malpractice is problematic in legal proceedings due toolated upon the authors' 1995 research concerning
clergy malpractice in civil suits . While the 1995

the lack of precedents in this area . The courts also
argue that a clergy malpractice tort would in fact bearticle outlined the various reasons why the courts

redundant since sexual misconduct with a patient

have been unwilling to institute a complaint on thealready violates the law . Courts have also cited abasis of clergy malpractice, the authors argued thatconflict with the First Amendment and the mishan-

the current trend appears to be to award on the basisof a breach of fiduciary duty . However, courts havedling of transference as reasons why clergy malpractice should not be pursued . Many of these cases

been willing to evaluate the secular nature of a situa-

also claimed intentional infliction of emotional dis-tion and award on the basis of professional malpractice, as was the finding in the present case . Even

tress, which is problematic to establish and provethough it is stated that the relationship between clericabusive clergy but the courts are reluctant to shy

and parishioner is not a fiduciary one, much is
involved in proving that it is . The authors contend

away from the traditional definition of this tort,
which involves commercial transactions . Vicariousthat in order to establish the presence of a fiduciary
relationship it has to be illustrated that the individual

liability is another frequent claim made against the
Church, but it was often rejected by lower courts

is acting in a manner that would allow them to gain
influence over the person and gain their trust .

because no complaint was left after granting a
motion for summary judgment in favor of the indi-intent . Fraud is sometimes claimed against sexuallyvidual judgment . The authors suggested specific legalmeans of prosecuting sexually abusive clergy counselors that do not implicate the First Amendment .

E .E .H .
(1998) .
GRIFFITH,
YOUNG,
J .L .
&RECONSIDERATION OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY
CLERGY COUNSELORS : THE CASE OF E.G . V.
MACDONELL. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMYOF PSYCHIATRY & THE LAw, 26 (2), 289-293 .

275his official duties . This came into conflict with
Church Canon, which took steps to ensure themoral and spiritual protection of the congregationin situations that include the solicitation for sexual
favors by priests hearing confession and sexual theabuse of minors (Code of Canon Law, 1917, 1983) .
Doyle examined Church doctrine dating back to the
middle ages in which the issue of sexual misconduct
was first brought to light. In his citation of Body ofCanon Law, the author points out that in the section concerning penance (De Poenitentia), Gratianasserts that clerics who engage in sexual abuseshould be subjected to the same punishment as lay
people and should be excommunicated from the
Church . Pope Pius V issued Horrendum, whichstated that priests who abuse are deprived of all
offices, benefits, and privileges . These clerics would
also be degraded, and turned over to a Church tribunal for further punishment . Doyle then examined
the state of the Church post-Vatican II in which
membership in the priesthood and seminaries dwindled . The unpublished work by Baars & Terruwe(1971) revealed that 20-25% of the priests had serious psychiatric difficulties while 60-70% sufferedfrom emotional immaturity. They concluded thatsome of the priests experienced psychological disturbances that developed in childhood while others
developed difficulties while in the seminary. The
authors recommended a screening process for candidates entering the seminary . These results are consistent with the findings of Kennedy (1972), whichconcluded that 6% of priests were psychologicallyand emotionally developed, 29% were still developing, 57% were underdeveloped, and 8% weremaldeveloped . Those who were underdeveloped
were more comfortable with teenagers, had few
friends their own age, and used intellectualization
as a coping device . Despite these studies, sexual
abuse and dysfunction were still viewed as a sinhaving resulted from social disorganization andmoral decay . Doyle contends that the official
Church has refused to acknowledge the structure of
the Catholic Church as a cause of sexual abuse .
Doyle cited speeches from the pope at various gatherings (an address to the Irish Bishops 1999, World
Youth Day, 1993) that fail to acknowledge theresponsibility of the Church . As a result, a decree
from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
outlined a new and secret process for investigatingclergy abuse . Mention of the issue was made in the

HISTORICAL CHURCH RESPONSESBLANCHARD,

G.T. (1991) . SEXUALLY ABUSIVE CLER-GYMEN : A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR INTERVENTION AND RECOVERY. PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY, 39 (4),237-245 .

This article sought to place the issue of clergy sexual
misconduct in a framework, which equated the
exploitation to that of father/daughter incest .
Blanchard has isolated several variables, which aresimilar to both situations and include the issues ofpower, trust, authority, intellectual and educational
differences, idealization, and vulnerability. The article
provided a brief discussion about how social attitudes influence the treatment of the cleric and provides an outline for an intervention strategy .
DOYLE, T.P. (2003) . ROMAN CATHOLIC CLERICALISM,RELIGIOUS DURESS, AND CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE .

PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY, 51 (3), 189-231 .

This article presented a review of the historicalprecedents to the problem of sexual abuse of children by clergy as well as the impact of clericalismon the psychological and emotional development of
the victims . A review of the cases pertaining to sexual abuse in the clergy illustrated the following
common themes : the victims were from families
who are involved in the Church, the abuse waschronic, the victim's claims were dismissed by family and friends, when the Church was alerted theyattempted to silence the victim to avoid scandal,
many victims did not disclose the abuse until they
were adults, and many victims experienced significant trauma and abuse after the incident occurred .
In combating these claims, the Church has minimized the extent of the abuse by first denying its
existence . When that failed, it was claimed that the
problem was not rampant . During this crisis, Doyle
discussed the various claims that the Church madein order to deal with the problem of sexual abuse .
First, they claimed to not have understood thenature of child sexual abuse until recently when it
was no longer regarded as a moral lapse made rightthrough penance . A second assertion made in civil
cases was that the civil law doctrine of "respondent
superior" does not apply because the Church has
no financial responsibility to the victims or control
over the priest's actions when he is not performing276

authors asserted their concern over the use of terminology and clinical data cited by Rossetti . The failure to distinguish the types of child molesters andthe neglectful attention paid to the published dataraises concerns . One particular criticism concerns
the recidivism data for Saint Luke Institute, inwhich Rossetti neglected to acknowledge that childmolesters lie, minimize, and distort the truth . The
authors also raised the question of the lack of credible data concerning the characteristics of clergy
offenders . The authors concluded that it is too earlyin the stages of research and treatment to assert thatany of these findings are conclusive .

pope's Holy Thursday letter to priests and attributes
the abuse to sinfulness and evil while making little
mention of the victims . Until 1984 and the much
publicized case of Fr. Gilbert Gauthe in Louisiana,
claims of sexual abuse were handled by the Bishop in
private . In 1984 victim's claims were seen as being
genuine yet the same secretive practices were implemented . Doyle also discussed the different meaningsof Church and how it shaped the response towards
victims of sexual abuse . By shifting focus and painting the Church as the victim, it served to minimize
and abuse the victim further . A discussion of clericalism is included in order to help the reader understandits impact on the victim . Clericalism was rampant
pre-Vatican II as members of the clergy derived theiridentity and power from their association with the
Church, resulting in a power differentiation with thelaity. Doyle asserted that clericalism is directly related
to the victim's decision to remain silent about theabuse as well as the Church's response to the abuse(denial, scapegoating, etc .) . Along with clericalism,
religious duress (which causes people to react toabuse in bizarre ways) and the trauma bond (the victim's attitude towards the abuser) also influenced thevictim's response to cleric sexual abuse. The victim issusceptible to clergy abuse because along with having
authority by way of being older, he is a familiar
authority figure . This authoritarianism is increasedby his pastoral role . Part of the seduction process
involves a secret and special relationship that traps
the victim . The trauma bond is subsequently sanctioned/approved by the Church . The author discussed the Myth of Complicity, which is where thevictim is somehow led to believe that the abuse isnormal behavior and not a violation . This exploitive
bond is strengthened by the repetition of abuse, victim's belief in their uniqueness, and fear . The fact thatthe abuser is a trusted person as well as the extreme
reaction of the community also affects the trauma
bond . The civil courts have begun to recognize theeffect of these factors on victims' responses as apparent in Parke v. Kownacki, which recognized the
Church's attempt to deny abuse .

GOETZ, D . (1992) . IS THE PASTOR'S FAMILY SAFE AT
HOME? LEADERSHIP, 13, 38-44 .

This author surveyed 374 pastors concerning theirmarriage and family life . Nineteen percent of thosesurveyed admitted to having extramarital affairs
and 15% admitted that they had sought counselingfor this reason . Another factor affecting the pastor'sability to cope with these feelings of sexual temptation is their sense of isolation . Fifty-five percent of
the pastors said they had no close friends or family
members with which they could discuss their problems . This is coupled with the pressure of having togive the appearance of being a perfect family, which
94% of pastor's reported as being problematic .
HUGHES, A.A . (1996) . SEXUAL ABUSE: HELPING THE
CHURCH RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND TO VICTIMS .
PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY, 45 (2), 119-127 .

This article argued that the Church does not know
how to reach out to victims of sexual abuse within
the parish . The author stated that, "Problems thesevictims have are sometimes masked by smiles andextra involvement, deceiving other Church members
and leaders into thinking they are bold and committed Christians ." If the Church hired counselors
trained in treating victims of sexual abuse, then they
can begin to reach out to the victims and offer themproper help . Educating members of the Church concerning the signs of sexual abuse may make it lesschallenging to help these victims . The author also
called for pastors to receive training in counselingskills so that they can better comfort their parishioners . The Church community is also called upon to
be supportive and patient with the victim .

FERDER, F. & HEAGLE, J. (1995) . CLERGY PEDOPHILES
AND MINISTRY : ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE . AMERica, 173(14),6-11 .

This article is a response to Rossetti's "Mark ofCain : Reintegrating pedophiles" article . The

277

ISLEY,P.J . (1997) . CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND THE(Institute of Living in Hartford, CT ; Saint Luke
Institute in Suitland, MD ; Servants of the Paracletein Albuquerque, NM) have ever conducted qualitative or quantitative research on their offenders
despite the Church's claims of success . The studies
that are available suffer from methodological problems and must be interpreted with caution . Those
who treat cleric offenders also assert that because
they offend against teenage boys this puts them at alower risk of recidivism . This statement was incomplete contrast to the present scientific findingsin the field of sex offender recidivism . What makes
the issue of recidivism even more problematic isthat many offenses may go underreported due tothe priest's position in the community .

CATHOLIC CHURCH: AN HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY REVIEW. PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY, 45(4),277-299 .

This article reviewed the literature pertaining toclergy offenders and the history of molestation in
the Catholic Church through examination of various Church documents . Isley asserted that the problem of sexual abuse in the Church has been present
for years and that contrary to the claims of the
Church, it is not a recent phenomenon . The historical examination began in the tenth and eleventh
centuries in which Church doctrine focused upon"clerical sexual immorality", which included bestiality, homosexuality, incest, and sodomy . In the
Middle Ages the practice of child oblation was
instituted by the Benedictine Order where parents
would send their male children to the monastery
until they were 15 years old . While Church treatise
still condemned sexual misconduct, the victim andthe abusive monk were both subjected to penance .
This was publicly condemned in the eleventh century document Book of Gomorrah written by Fr.
Peter Damian who spoke out against "sexual
immorality of the clergy and the laxness of superiors who refused to take a strong hand against it ."Isley noted that there have been common themes
surfacing in criminal and civil litigation that involve
the Church . It has often come to light that thepriest's history of offending had been known by the
Church and that the complaints of victims wereignored . The Church has claimed that in light ofthese accusations they have been unfairly portrayedin the media and that they were lacking in knowledge concerning sex offender recidivism . Isley
pointed out that a claim of ignorance concerning
sex offender risk factors and recidivism rates is
unwarranted because the field was ripe with literature concerning these issues at the height of theabuse scandal . As of 1990, two thousand cases
were pending in the state courts, but the judicial
system has been reluctant to prosecute such cases
and they are often dismissed on procedural
grounds . Despite public outcry, some Church officials such as Philip Jenkins claimed that the situation has been blown out of proportion and that the
Church is in fact the victim of various interestsgroups with private agendas. Isley also points outthat none of the treatment centers for cleric offenders

ISLEY, P.J. & ISLEY, P. (1990) . THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF
MALE

CHILDREN

INTERVENTION

AND

BY

CHURCH PERSONNEL :PREVENTION .

PASTORALPSYCHOLOGY, 39 (2), 85-99 .

This article provided a review of the literature pertaining to sexual abuse of children by the clergy .
The literature in the field circa 1991 is outlined inorder for the reader to get an idea of what constitutes child sexual abuse, the male victim, theoffender, and the scandal in the Church . The
authors contend that it is probable that the structure of the Church facilitated offending behavior .
This is apparent in the fact that offenders are often
protected, have the ability to shun responsibility for
their actions, and have free access to children . A
brief discussion is included concerning the minimal
literature devoted to interventions with male victims . The authors urged that the intervention be
handled in an authoritative manner and be turned
over to the legal system, not the institution . The
legal system will provide more helpful solutions to
the problem than the institution in question, which
is often concerned with the preservation of its reputation.
MCCALL, D . (2002) . SEX AND THE CLERGY. SEXUAL
ADDICTION & COMPULSIVITY, 9, 89-95 .

This article reviewed the literature pertaining
to sexual behavior within the clergy . McCall posits
that the purpose of the literature review is not toprovide the reader with the history of sexuality in
the Church, but to acknowledge that it does occur.

278

While sexual behavior can be no less addictive/compulsive than it is in other professions, it has far
reaching ramifications . The author argued that
there are not only ramifications between the victim
and abuser, but that the family, congregation, andinstitution are also affected . The article provided abrief overview of a variety of issues including prevalence of sexual abuse (ranging from an unknown
figure to Sipe's estimation of 6% of priest), theproblem of sexual misconduct in other religious
and professional systems, and victims (including a
discussion of subpopulations) .

RIGALI,ABUSE OF C HILDREN . I N S.J . ROSSETII (ED .) . SLAYER

THE SOUL:CHILDSEXUAL

ABUSE

AND(1994) .

CHURCHRESPONSESTO

This article reviewed the response of the Catholic
Church to sexual abuse by the clergy in Canada andthe United States. It outlined the main points of theCanadian bishops 1992 report From Pain to Hope,
which called for more openness and truth wheninvestigating allegations of child sexual abuse . The
committee noted that by isolating priests and placing them above other members of society, theChurch was creating an environment where relationships were stunted and susceptible to sexual
abuse. The committee recommended that Bishops
establish delegates and committees to handle theallegations of sexual abuse made by parishioners .
The Canadian committee also called for more relationship/human sexuality education in the seminary
as well as establishing a hot line for troubled youth.
In contrast, the response of the Catholic Church in
the US was first addressed in the USCCB Statementin 1988, which was far less open or committed as
the Canadian report . This same document wasissued a year later after further allegations of childsexual abuse were reported with an addendum thatstated that the problem was being examined in allseriousness . It was not until 1991 that the Church
made a public statement through Archbishop
Pilarczyk, which acknowledged that the Church recognized child molestation as a disease and not a
moral failing . This approach drew fire from critics
who saw the Church response as an attempt to medicalize the problem . In 1990, the US Diocesan policies
called for the establishment of delegates to handle andevaluate accusations of sexual abuse as well as a newscreening system for candidates entering the seminary. In 1993 a committee was established to review
the issue of sexual abuse in the clergy and Canice
Connors called for the establishment of a national
minimal standard for the seminary candidates as wellas the public disclosure of the assessment and treatment of clergy offenders . The Think Tank Report
called for a more open, non-secular approach toaddressing the issue of abuse (i .e . settling civil suits inpublic, meetings on abuse be held in public, review
board comprised of local lay people, and the establishment of research centers) .

PLACA, A.J . (1990) . LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE SEXUAL

OF

N .J .

PEDOPHILIA. THEOLOGICAL STUDIES, S5 (1), 124-140 .

THE

CATHOLIC CHURCH (PP. 149-173) . MYSTIC, CT:
TWENTY-THIRD PUBLICATIONS .

This chapter provided a brief overview of the legislation concerning child sexual abuse and included a
discussion concerning the investigative, criminal,and civil processes as well as reporting laws .
Pastoral responses should be carried out in a compassionate and helpful manner . Even if a childmakes an allegation that is false, the child still needssome kind of help. The Church's investigative
process should not be as confrontational as thelegal process because parishioners are members of
the religious family and should be treated as such .
When allegations are made, Placa suggested thatthey be handled in a manner in which clear concern
for the victim and future victims is expressed in acompassionate and realistic manner. It is also urgedthat the priests express concern for the interests of
the Church and the accused person, who should
receive any clinical or legal help necessary. In discussing whether or not an individual should be reintegrated into the ministry, it is suggested that they
participate in treatment and that reintegration beconsidered only after a thorough evaluation .
Conditions for reintegration would involve that theperpetrator have no unsupervised contact with children for a specified period of time, participate in a
twelve-step self help group, and that they be
appointed a mentor who will supervise his behavior.

279

priests has led to the creation of "cleric warehouses" that provide long term care for these individuals . Rossetti asserts that, "our myths aboutchild molesters come more from the projection ofwhat lies within our own inner psyches than fromthe truth about who these men are ." Relapse statistics for the St . Luke Institute are cited; the author
asserts that of the 300 priests they have treated only
two have relapsed . Among the characteristics thatpredict poor treatment outcome include violent
behavior low IQ, lack of insight, choice of young
victims, organic brain deficits, and severe character
disorder. Rossetti argued that the priests who do
offend against minors do not display these characteristics and are in fact likely to commit fewer acts
against fewer victims . Despite these issues, Roman
Catholics still feel that these individuals should not
be allowed back into the priesthood . In a survey
conducted by Rossetti, 42% agreed that theyshould not be allowed to return to the ministry
while 27% disagreed and 31% were unsure .
However, 51% agreed with allowing former childabusers back into the ministry if they had received
treatment while 22% disagreed and 27% felt
unsure. In deciding whether or not a priest should be
returned to the ministry it is stressed that evaluationof clinical diagnosis, abuse history, the quality oftreatment and responsiveness to treatment must firsttake place . An individual's after-care program, theavailability of supervision, placement in a ministry
not involving minors, other pastoral considerations,and a waiting period must also be considered .

ROSSETTI, S .J . (2002) . THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE . AMERICA, 186 (13), 8-16 .

This article addressed some common misconceptions concerning clergy sexual abuse . The myth that
all child molesters are incurable pedophiles who
engage in chronic abuse is discussed . Rossetticlaims that there is some truth to this myth, however not all abusers are pedophiles and relapse has
been reported at 2 .9% . The second myth that
priests abuse children because they are celibate isdismissed . Rossetti acknowledged that some dysfunctional individuals may join the clergy in orderto manage their behavior through celibacy, but hecautioned against generalizing this theory . He also
warned that we do not yet know whether or notpriests or more likely to be child abusers than otherindividuals . The third myth that the priesthood
attracts homosexuals and that this is the reason
why it has so many child abusers was dismissed on
the grounds that there is no common link between
homosexuality and true pedophilia . He proposedthat the Church attracts stunted/regressed homosexuals and that this is a possible reason why there
may be abuse. The fifth myth is that the Bishops arecovering up these cases . Rossetti asserts that the
Bishops are not reporting child sexual abusebecause the law requires that suspected incidents bereported only if the victim who comes forward is aminor. The final myth addressed was that the safest
step to take in managing child sexual abuse is todefrock the priest, which the Church has failed to
do. Rossetti agreed with the steps the Church hastaken in treating priests and raised the issue that bydefrocking priests, they do not receive treatment
and are free to continue offending . In conclusion,
the author asserted that the Church has failed toappear "humble and chaste" and until it does, themedia will continue to vilify the Church . He recommended that the Bishops handle these cases in a
public manner and revamp their teachings concerning human sexuality.
ROSSETTI,

S .J . (1995) .

THE MARKOF

STANTON, C . (1990) . OFFICIALLY RESPONDING TO AN
ACCUSATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE : REFLECTIONS OF A
DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONSD IRECTOR . I N

S .J .

ROSSETTI (ED .) . SLAYER OF THE SOUL : CHILD SEXUAL
ABUSE AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (PP. 143-148) .
MYSTIC, CT: TWENTY-THIRD PUBLICATIONS .

The author provided the reader with a five-point
response plan for officially responding to allegations of abuse within the Church . The first step wasto establish a media crisis team comprised of thebishop, chancellor, vicar general, communications
director, lawyer, and diocesan officials . This will
ensure that there will always be somebody present
to address the media's questions . The second step
was to provide an immediate and personal response
in order to fulfill legal and pastoral responsibilities .

CAIN :REINTEGRATING PEDOPHILES . AMERICA, 173(6), 9-18 .

This article addressed the reinstitution of child sexual abusers to the clergy by drawing parallels
between the Biblical story of Cain and sex offender
legislation in the US . The call to ostracize these280

Third, remove the accused in order to protect future
victims. Fourth, the media crisis team must meet inorder to designate a spokesperson and draft a concise public statement . The final step was to ensurethat the truth is told as opposed to doing more
harm by keeping the facts secret.

anger, confusion, and disillusionment. The emotional reaction of adults varied as certain basic
assumptions about the Church and clergy are shattered by the revelation of abuse . These emotions
may also spark a religious crisis where the parishioner experiences a sense of betrayal and loss oftrust in Church and God . These emotions andthoughts are compounded by problems presented
by the legal system, which may make the victim feel
uncomfortable and re-victimized . The psychological reaction of child victims varies as the offender
has created a unique relationship with the child.
Psychological reactions may include denial, anxiety,anger, guilt, concerns about sexuality, and confusion . The authors presented three general principles
for Church intervention that include the suggestionthat the Church reach out as opposed to retreat
from the parish community, that forums be established in which parishioners can express themselvesand gain information, and that the Church uses its
network with other professions to gain the support
as needed . In assisting adults, it is important thatthe helpers validate the reactions the individual isfeeling as well as provides information and education about the situation . Some individuals may
want to pray about the situation and making theeffort to return to a sense of normalcy as quickly as
possible is also therapeutic . In helping children,
helpers and the family are urged to create a safe andstable environment . It is also recommended that theparents first raise the issue of abuse with the childas opposed to a stranger . In doing this, it is important that the parents speak honestly and not avoid
the topic.

TESTIMONY OF VICTIMSBLAND, M.J . (2002) . THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL EFFECTS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE WHEN THE PERPETRATOR IS A CATHOLIC PRIEST .

DISSERTATIONABSTRACTS INTERNATIONAL, 63 (4-A), 1253 .

Participants were divided into three groups : Abusedby priest (N = 48), no abuse (N = 76), and childhood sexual abuse history (N = 20) . Each subject
completed a background data questionnaire, religiosity index, spiritual' injury scale, and trauma
symptoms checklist . The abused by priest group
scored higher than the group who experienced noabuse on guilt, dissociation, sexual abuse trauma
index, and the trauma symptoms checklist . There
were no difference between the two concerning
Church attendance, but those abused by priests
were more likely to no longer identify themselves as
Roman Catholic. When compared to both groups
those abused by priests had higher symptoms ofgrief, anger, a sense of meaninglessness, feelings
that God treated them unfairly, dissociation,
depression, sexual problems, sleep disturbances,
higher scores on the sexual abuse trauma index,
and higher scores on the trauma symptom checklist .
Cardock, C . & Gardner, J .R . (1990) . Psychologicalintervention for parishes following accusations ofchild sexual abuse . In S .J . Rossetti (Ed.) . Slayer of

DE FUENTES, N . (1999) . HEAR OUR CRIES : VICTIMSURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. I N T. G.

the soul: Child sexual abuse and the Catholic
Church (pp . 123-142) . Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third

PLANTE (ED .) . BLESS ME FATHER FOR I HAVE SINNED :Publications .

ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIESTS (PP. 135-167) . WESTPORT,PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL ABUSE

COMMITTEDBY

CT: PRAEGER PUBLISHERS .

The authors of this chapter described the impact
child sexual abuse has on the religious community .
"Target populations," which are comprised of thevictim, victim's family, perpetrator, other children
and their families, and the parish itself are affectedby the abuse either directly or indirectly as rumors
and media attention swell . The parish's resourcesmust be utilized in order to address the specificneeds of each group who may be experiencing

The purpose of this chapter was to provide Church
officials with an overview of the issues concerning
victims of clergy sexual misconduct . Discussions
concerning the various definitions of misconduct,
prevalence, and dynamics are included . Risk factorsthat may play a role in rendering an individual susceptible to clergy sexual abuse include age, gender,
history of abuse, access/availability, substance28 1

following points : that the intervention be comprisedof two individuals, small group work should be utilized, denial must be handled with sensitivity, feelings of anger should be validated, dependency ofthe congregation will have to be addressed as wellas the issues of transference, projection, and theembodiment of the divine . The intervention will
also have to focus on teachings about sexuality andvictimization.

abuse, over idealization of the cleric/Church, clinical and character disorders, ethnic, racial, and cultural influences, illness and physical disability, andlack of training concerning the dynamics of clergy
sexual misconduct . The author urged that each
Church have a multi-disciplinary Sexual Abuse
Advisory Board, which will respond to allegations
and provide victim support .
EATER, K . & MULLANEY, J. (2000) . THE LIVED EXPE-

E.T. (1999) . EFFECTS OF PRACTITIONERS'RIENCES OF ADULT MALE SURVIVORS WHO ALLEGELUEPKER,CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERGY. ISSUES INSEXUAL MISCONDUCT: A FOLLOW-UP STUDY. JOURNAL

MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 21, 281-295 .

OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PSYCHIATRY & THE
LAw, 27 (1), 51-63 .

This article reported the results of a phenomenological study of seven adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse by clergy. Data was gathered
through semi-structured interviews that revealed
that the survivors experienced a bifurcated rage
(self directed and outwardly directed) and spiritual
distress . This rage was found to be present in every
aspect of their lives . Participants were solicitedthrough survivor programs and ranged in age from
28-48 . One Catholic priest abused four of the participants, another Catholic priest abused two otherparticipants, and an Episcopalian priest abused one .
Some of the participants removed themselves fromthe Church as a result of the rage they felt whileothers continued their involvement .
HOPKINS, N .M .

The author surveyed 107 women who had been victims of clergy or professional sexual misconduct inorder to assess their situations before and after the
misconduct . Through the Impact of Event Scale andVinson's Scale, symptoms of posttraumatic stresswere measured . Post-misconduct status was characterized by an increase in post traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorders, suicidiality, use ofprescription drugs, concern over substance abuse,disrupted relationships, and disruptions in work or
earning potential . Eighteen percent of the women
had been re-victimized by a different professional .
They also reported that they contacted an averageof 2 .36 professionals before finding one, which provided adequate assistance . Once engaged in therapy
at least 100 hours were devoted to the therapeutic
alliance . The author contends that the victims weremore satisfied with the steps taken by a professional
review boards than the Church . In conclusion, thesevictims required intense therapy but are at riskof enduring re-victimization and must be handledwith care .

(1991) . CONGREGATIONAL INTER-VENTION WHEN THE PASTOR HAS COMMITTED SEXUALMISCONDUCT.

PASTORALPSYCHOLOGY,

39 (4),

247-255 .
This article discussed the impact of sexual misconduct on the parish and the need for intervention .
The author posits that since the congregation reacts
with feelings of denial and anger, Church officials
may avoid providing assistance . The cleric's behavior impacts not only the individuals directly
involved, but the entire congregation . The author
discussed the psychoanalytical concepts of projection and transference as causes, which facilitate
denial . The pastor is looked upon as the embodiment of spirituality and when they lapse in their
behavior it shatters the congregation's image . Angeris discussed in terms of displacement, repression,and exploding . The author recommended that theleaders of the intervention pay attention to the

MCLAUGHLIN,

B.R. (1994) . DEVASTATED SPIRITUAL-

ITY: THE IMPACT OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE ON THE
SURVIVOR'S

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND THE

CHURCH . SEXUAL ADDICTION & COMPULSIVITY, 1(2), 145- 158 .

This study examined the impact of sexual abuse on
the victims' Church attendance, participation, andrelationship with God . An original 15-item scale
was constructed in order to gauge spirituality.
Forty-three usable surveys were analyzed from asample comprised of 35 Catholics (26 of which282

system . In order to assist people in recognizing thecomplexities of the situation, the author recommended that you encourage people to see things "inshades of gray," ask them to talk about their experiences in the ministry, and encourage them toembrace ambiguity . The conflict resolution/mediation model is utilized when a conflict arises between
those loyal to the accused cleric and those who sympathize with the victim . The author contends thatmediation should not even be attempted until a fullinvestigation of all of the facts has taken place .
Some of the strategies utilized in this model include
group discussion and work, which is aimed at theentire community . It is also important to manage
those who may become abusive towards others in
the community, provide guidelines for people .
engaging in conflict resolution, suggest the involvement of a third party to help mediate the situation,
and assist the congregation in examining theirvision statements . The limitation of this model isthat it is only useful once all of the pain associatedwith the situation is addressed . The author recommends that individuals not rely solely upon one ofthese systems and that an integration of all three
may prove beneficial . The issues of damaged spirituality and ethical/moral considerations are also
included in the conclusion of this article .

were survivors and nine were co-victims) and eight
Protestants . Results illustrated that spiritual development and sense of spiritual self at the time of thevictimization determined their method of copingwith the trauma . It was found that those abused by
the clergy distanced themselves from the Church inorder to avoid being victimized again . While it was
clearly proven that clergy sexual abuse affected
Church attendance and participation, the results are
not as clear pertaining to its effect on the victim's
relationship with God .
MYER HOPKINS, N . (1999) . THE USE AND LIMITATIONS OF VARIOUS MODELS FOR UNDERSTANDING
CLERGY SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: THE IMPACT ON THE
CONGREGATION. JOURNAL OF SEX EDUCATION AND

THERAPY, 24 (4), 268-276 .

The uses and limitations of the systems model, psyconflictchoanalytic
model,
andtheresolution/mediation model in responding to clergy
sexual abuse are discussed . The systems model
assumes that everything is connected and that anintervention can impact the entire institution . Somestrategies that characterized this model included
exploring a congregation's history, working intensively with clergy who are asked to carry the burden
for the congregation, carefully challenging the tendency for the congregation to keep secrets, andlooking for larger ways to open up a system . Thismodel was limited by the assumption that one individual can effect another and create a cycle ofmutually reinforcing behaviors . One strength of thissystem model is that it draws attention to the factthat the system is comprised of individuals who do
not share the same level of power. In combating thisproblem it is recommended that educationalsources be utilized as well as small discussion
groups where parishioners can discuss topics suchas gender, sexual harassment, and race . The psychoanalytic model explains misconduct as resulting
from transference and projection . This model ischaracterized by strategies in which education isprovided about psychoanalytical concepts in orderfor individuals to understand these unconscious
processes . These strategies also seek to provide minimal information pertaining to the diagnosis of theindividual in question in order to maintain confidentiality. The limitation of this model is that it
places the focus upon the individual and not the

NASON-CLARK, N . (1998) . THE IMPACT OF ABUSES OF
CLERGY TRUST ON FEMALE CONGREGANTS' FAITH AND
P RACTICE. IN A . SHUPE (ED .) . WOLVES WITHIN THE
FOLD : RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP AND ABUSES OF POWER(PP.85-100) .

NEW

BRUNSWICK,NJ:

RUTGERS

UNIVERSITY PRESS .

This chapter attempted to answer why the sexual
abuse scandal in Newfoundland sparked such public outrage . In past work, Nason-Clark has positedthat the following factors have played a role : (1)greater public knowledge of the prevalence andconsequences of child sexual assault ; (2) the
women's movement ; (3) the changing relationshipbetween Church and state; (4) the geographical,
economic, and political realities of Newfoundland ;(5) the media; and (6) the judicial systems responses
to child sexual abuse . The author interviewed
twenty-four Roman Catholic women to assess theirreaction to the scandal . Every woman in the sample
could remember where they were when they firstheard about the story and all reacted initially with28 3

disbelief. Nineteen of the 24 women reported anger
as one of the emotions they felt after the scandal .
The anger was targeted at the offending priests,
bishop, other Catholic priests, Church hierarchy,and some were angry with the Catholics who lived
in the parish where the priests were charged . They
also experienced a sense of betrayal and guilt thatcaused them to alter their relationship with the
Church. Four years after the initial interview, theauthor conducted a follow-up study and foundsome women had made their way back to the
Church while others had decided to stay away .
They claim that the Church in Newfoundland had
not recovered from the scandal and that they will
never regard priests in the same manner again .
PULLEN, E .

ROSSETTI, S .J . (1997) . THE EFFECTS OF PRIEST-PERPETRATION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ON THE TRUST OFCATHOLICS IN PRIESTHOOD, CHURCH, AND GOD .
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITY,

16(3), 197-209 .
The author surveyed 1,775 Catholics in North
America concerning their feelings for the clergy,
Church, and God . The sample was divided into
three groups : those who had no awareness ofcharges of sexual abuse within their parish (N =501), those who were aware that a priest in theirdiocese had been accused (N = 1,097), and those
whose own parish priest had been charged (N =177) . The results illustrated that while trust
declined in the priesthood and Church across thethree groups, trust in God remained consistent . The
study also illustrated that parishioners are more
likely to distrust the Church's handling of sexual
misconduct and less likely to accept Church doctrine on sexuality and morals . North American
Catholics viewed new priests in the parish with suspicion, were less willing to allow offending clerics
back into the parish, and were less likely to believethat the modern Church is better than the Church
in the past. Rossetti discussed the need to expand
the concept of victim to include the parishioners
and Church . The need to extend counseling to these
individuals is stressed in order to combat the damage done by offending clerics .

(1998). AN ADVOCACY GROUP FOR VIC-TIMS OF CLERICAL SEXUAL A BUSE . I N A. SHUPE (ED .) .
WOLVES WITHIN THE FOLD: RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIPAND ABUSES OF POWER (PP . 67-84) . NEW BRUNSWICK,NJ : RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PRESS .

This chapter presented a case study concerning theSaint Anthony's Seminary Support Group . The
study is meant to illustrate how communities
respond to disclosures of sexual abuse . According
to Pullen, these support groups discussed the "spiritual abuse" they have experienced as a result ofclergy misconduct . This feeling of betrayal isincreased as a result of the steps the institution
takes in order to cover up the abuse, minimizes theimpact of the abuse on the community, isolated thevictim, and controlled the facts of the scandal . St.
Anthony's Seminary saw allegations of abuse in
1989 directed towards Fr . Philip Mark Wolfe . Notlong after the allegations, a group began to meet to
discuss the situation . This meeting resulted in various letters, which urged the institution to be open
and honest in the resolution of this problem . After
further allegations were made, the support group
was formed in 1993 . This victims' support group is
a network, which keeps members abreast of the status of the survivors . Once it is apparent that the survivors are experiencing problems, the group bands
together to provide assistance . The group sees itself
as helping the community heal from the sexual
abuse and assists in educating the community aboutchild sexual abuse . A great deal of time is spentevaluating the efforts the Franciscans have made in
addressing the abuse at St . Anthony's .

ROSSETTI, S .J . (1995). THE IMPACT OF CHILD SEXUALABUSEON ATTITUDESTOWARDGODANDCATHOLIC CHURCH . CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT,

THE

19

(12), 1469-1481 .
This study examined the effects of childhood sexual
abuse on attitudes towards the Catholic Church,clergy, and God . The sample of adult Catholics was
divided into three groups : no childhood sexual
abuse (N = 1,376), sexually abused but not by apriest (N = 307), and those who had been sexually
abused by a priest (N = 40) . Those who had beensexually victimized by a priest displayed less trust in
the Catholic Church, clergy, and their relationshipwith God than those who were not abused . Whilethe data was inconclusive for the group that had
been sexually abused but not by a priest, there issome evidence that the abuse had a negative effecton their trust in the Church, clergy, and God . The

2 84

when compared with those who had not been intherapy was supported by these findings . Author
cited the low response rate (25%) and reliance
upon a Catholic sample was limitations .

findings also illustrated that female victims of sexual abuse displayed a decline in trust in God, but
the male victims did not. The -author's hypothesisthat those victims who had been in therapy would
express less trust in the Church, clergy, and God

2 85