An examination of the clergy sexual abuse crisis from diverse scholarly perspectives

This book brings together experts primarily from the fields of criminology, criminal justice, law, and social work, but also cultural anthropology and psychology, to analyze clergy sexual abuse from the perspective of their individual disciplines. Contributors examine the latest data and analyses on the scope and impact of clergy sexual abuse, frame the problem in terms of sociological and criminological theories of crime and deviance, explore the social and legal issues the problem raises for the personal and communal life of faith communities, and discuss possibilities for reform, reconciliation, and healing. Covering sexual abuse of both minors and adults, chapters not only focus on the Catholic Church, but also examine Christian faith traditions more generally. The editors’ introductory chapter identifies points of agreement and divergence among the essays, develops a coherent overview of the problem, and presents viable solutions to it.

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Reviews / Endorsements



“The articles in this book demonstrate the range of perspectives needed to gain a full understanding of the complex social issue of clergy misconduct. By examining the structural and cultural context of abuse from an interdisciplinary perspective, Clergy Sexual Abuse contributes to a better understanding of the issue.” —Patrick Donnelly, professor of sociology, University of Dayton

“Renzetti and Yocum are to be commended for bringing together such an impressive group of scholars on a topic that warrants serious and sustained dialogue. One of the major strengths of the volume is the interweaving of psychological insights with broader social, theological, and legal ones. There is something to offer both readers who know little about the issue and the more informed specialist.” —Nancy Nason-Clark, Ph.D, author of No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence