The clergy sexual abuse crisis : reform and renewal in the Catholic community

Abstract

Includes bibliographical references (p. [248]-264) and index

"The story of sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests has sent shock waves around the nation and will not fade from consciousness or the news. We ask, "How could this happen?" And then we ask, "How could the Catholic Church let this continue for so long - in seeming silence and duplicity?" Paul R. Dokecki, a community psychologist at Vanderbilt, an active Catholic, and a former board member of the National Catholic Education Association, examines the crisis not only with the eye of an investigative reporter, but the analytical skills and training of a psychologist as well. Moreover, he lays the foundation for reasonable and practical reform measures - toward a greater transparency, a more open and participatory governance in the church, and for a greatly expanded role for the people of God who make up the church. It is in this way, Dokecki believes, the church will be able to keep the innocent children of the church safe from harm."--BOOK JACKET