Sexual Abuse and the Clergy Analytical Essay

Sexual Abuse and the Clergy
A look at the issues of sexual abuse within the Catholic church and the need for the church to take responsibility for the actions of their clergy.
# 147132 | 3,455 words | 9 sources | APA | 2011 | US
Published on Feb 27, 2011 in Religion and Theology (General) , Sociology (General) , Criminology (General) , Ethics (General)


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Description:

This paper discusses how the problem of the clergy and sexual abuse is easily identified due to recent media interest and a public disclosure of the proposed methods of resolution. It examines how sexual abuse within the Catholic Church is not a new problem, but one that has existed under a cloak of secrecy for decades, if not centuries. It is nearly impossible to determine the extent of the abuses, due to the Vatican's reluctance to publicize past indiscretions.The paper also looks at the response of the Catholic Church and potential solutions to the problem such as criminal prosecution of abusive clergy and a revision of Church policies.

From the Paper:

"The location of the problem is pervasive throughout America and undeniably exists (perhaps to a lesser degree) in other countries as well. There are hundreds of religious communities which are autonomous and have no geographic boundaries. It is seemingly impossible to accurately pinpoint an origin of the problem, and the problem is intensified by the ability of the Church to re-locate abusive Clergy to other parishes. Prior to government intervention, and the ability of parishioners to press criminal charges against abusive Clergy, the Church sought to deal with the offenders in a way which exasperated the problem. Priests were moved from parish to parish continuing to perpetrate acts, which resulted in an increase in the number of victims."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Ainsa, Francis (1995) statute of limitations, 36 Catholic Law. 83, 3749 words, ARTICLE: PERMISSIVE STATUTE OF LIMITATION POLICIES, [online] retrieved 12/10/02 at: http://silver.ulib.albany.edu:2112/universe/document?_m=f068c1b8e1518b5119c2cf09dc0aed28&_docnum=7&wchp=dGLbVlb-lSlzV&_md5=9f2f0420e4247d453a9c6b3ca55f34aa
  • Brueggemann, William G. (2002 2nd ed). The Practice of Macro Social Work. (pg 61) Chicago: Nelson-Hall Publishers.
  • Dye, Jessie, (1998). 38 Catholic Law. 133, 4280 words, ARTICLE: INTRA-CHURCH DISPUTE RESOLUTION, [online] retrieved 12/9/02 at:http://silver.ulib.albany.edu:2112/universe/document?_m=f068c1b8e1518b5119c2cf09dc0aed28&_docnum=4&wchp=dGLbVlb-lSlzV&_md5=6ea36b9608bb86cf67ee5c5414da39b2
  • Ferder, Fran (2002) Issue: May 10, 2002. National Catholic Reporter[online] retrieved 12/11/02 at:http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m1141/27_38/87210345/p1/article.jhtml?term=clergy+sexual+abuse
  • Goodstein, Laurie (2001). California Dioceses Brace for New Abuse Suits, Los Angeles, Dec. 3, 2001. [online] retrieved 12/10/02 at: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/06/national/06BISH.html

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

Sexual Abuse and the Clergy (2011, February 27) Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/sexual-abuse-and-the-clergy-147132/

MLA Format

"Sexual Abuse and the Clergy" 27 February 2011. Web. 21 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/sexual-abuse-and-the-clergy-147132/>

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