Dr Sylvester P Theisen, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Saint John's University, Collegeville, is the book reviewer for The ISTI Sun. By now we have been flooded with information about various abuses of power by priests, often through sexual exploitation of youngsters and women. Sipe seeks to explain the structural and psychological causes underlying these abuses. He isolates and clarifies the issues involved, especially systemic secrecy.
Some priests use undefined celibacy as a shield for dysfunctional behavior.
The benefits of guaranteed employment, prestige and power continue for the individual even if, secretly, celibacy is repeatedly violated. What is publicly condemned is privately indulged. This hypocrisy created the current crisis, long underway, now overwhelming. The church's policy of concealment to avoid scandal and maintain control isn't working anymore. It never has been.