Clergy Sexual Abuse ― Social Science 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.

CLAIRE M. RENZETTI is a professor of sociology and the Judi Conway Patton Endowed Chair at the Center for Research on Violence Against Women at the University of Kentucky. SANDRA YOCUM is chair of the Religious Studies Department of the University of Dayton.