Recommended Reading

 

Since the breaking of the international scandal of widespread clergy sex abuse and cover-ups within the Roman Catholic Church, a trickle of literature about clergy sex abuse has grown into a steady flow of books.

The books on this list (presented in chronological order of publication) are considered by Krystyna Smith to be worth reading. Many of them are obtainable from www.amazon.comwhich offers an ever-increasing number of new books and articles on the subject. If you enjoy reading and discussing books of this nature, or would like to suggest that a book be included here, please don't hesitate to (Contact us) 

The books on this list fall loosely under the following categories (some falling under more than one category):


Books written by survivors

A MUSIC STRANGE AND MANIFOLD: A SONG OF HEALING. 2007. Krystyna Smith. Pretoria: Jazzbo Publishing. ISBN 978-0-620-38711-8 (See review)
(See Listing on Kalahari.net) The Book is also availble for Exclusive Books.

A MUSIC STRANGE AND MANIFOLD tells of a woman’s journey to healing and inner freedom. A nun abused her as a child. A priest abused her as an adult. She continued trusting the church, hoping for a change of heart. Wanting to be heard, driven to the brink of suicide, she fought for recovery. Her disclosure and advocacy led to conflict with the church and secondary abuse by those who did not want to hear. She has now stepped out onto an exciting new path.


SEXUAL ABUSE AND THE CULTURE OF CATHOLICISM: HOW PRIESTS AND NUNS BECOME PERPETRATORS. 2007. Myra L. Hidalgo. New York: The Haworth Maltreatment and Trauma Press. ISBN 0-7890-2956-1 
(see listing on amazon.com)

This book, written by a survivor, includes her personal account of sexual abuse by a nun and her years of struggle to recover

It ‘digs beneath the public scandals to explore the underlying causes of sexual abuse by priests and nuns from the unique perspective of an abuse victim/survivor who is an experienced mental health practitioner and social science researcher.. Passionate but scholarly and objective, the book advocates the need for healing dialogue, empirical research and informed prevention strategies to bring a meaningful resolution to the crisis of sexual abuse in the church.’ (from back cover)


WHY DO I SCREAM AT GOD FOR THE RAPE OF BABIES? 
2004. Claudia J. Ford. Berkely: North Atlantic Books. ISBN 1-55643-547-9
(see listing on amazon.com)

In 2001 a five-month old baby girl was gang-raped in Johannesburg and left for dead. Two weeks later she found herself in the care of her new mother, Claudia Ford. This short book tells of the suffering and strength of the little girl, and the bonding between her and Claudia. ‘Infant and child rape are an unfathomable offense, so much that it hurts to talk about it, gives us chills to read about it. Ford brings compassion and awareness to an atrocity that goes too often ignored or unreported…Ford sets out to leave a written testimony for her daughter, and to lift the veil of secrecy as one step towards the prevention of such unspeakable assault. Sharing this story is an act of love, a project of faith, and most of all, a declaration of the power of courage and hope’. (back cover).


BECAUSE I LOVE YOU: THE SILENT SHADOW OF CHILD SEX ABUSE
2002. Joyce Allan. Charlottesville; Virginia Foundation for the Humanities Press.
ISBN 0-9668919-45 (see listing on amazon.com)

Joyce Allan is a psychotherapist with 35 years of experience working with child and adult survivors of sexual abuse. She is also a survivor of incest. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU is the story of her experience of sexual abuse by her father; of the silence and complicity of other members of the family; of the investigations she undertook, after his death, into uncovering the extent of his paedophilia, and of her journey to healing. It is a courageous, open and insightful account. Survivors of clergy sex abuse may recognize the similarities between incest and in sexual abuse by spiritual ‘fathers and ‘mothers’ within the ‘Family of God’


PROUD OF ME: SPEAKING OUT AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND HIV. 2001.By Charlene Smith. ISBN 0-141-00398-7 (see listing on amazon.com)

‘On April 1st 1999 multi-award winning journalist Charlene Smith was raped at knife point in her Johannesburg home. Severely traumatized, she was none the less determined to speak out, and her first moving article about her rape and possible HIV infection was published a week after the ordeal. So began an unrelenting campaign giving her a platform from which she challenged traditional thinking on sexual violence, womens liberation, trauma management and HIV/AIDS. Her work has had widespread influence.’

A book which has empowered men and women across the world to speak out and act against violence. (from back cover).


VICTIM TO SURVIVOR: WOMEN RECOVERING FROM CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE. 1999. Edited by Nancy Werking Poling. Cleveland, Ohio: United Church Press. ISBN 0-8298-1323-3 (see listing on amazon.com)

‘In VICTIM TO SURVIVOR Nancy Werking Poling offers the harrowing and poignant stories of six women who were sexually abused by their pastors and who tell in their own voices what they did about it. In their pain, these victims, survivors and thriver's dare to call on the church to be a safe refuge for all people, women and men alike. And in their personal journeys they demonstrate a tenacious faith… compelling church leaders to acknowledge this hurtful hypocrisy, advocate for healthy pastoral relationships and finally call perpetrators to accountability” (from back cover).

This book speaks not only for the individuals whose stories appear but possibly for all survivors of clergy sex abuse.

Books about dynamics of clergy sex abuse; of sexual abuse in general; the importance of disclosure; healing of survivors and congregations.

THE KANGA AND THE KANGAROO COURT: REFLECTIONS ON THE RAPE TRIAL OF JACOB ZUMA. 2007, By Mmatshilo Motsei. ISBN 978-1-77009-255-6
(see listing on amazon.com)

The award-winning author, a minister of religion, uses the rape trial of the former Deputy President of South Africa as a basis for considering sexual violence in South Africa. She reveals a deep insight into issues of male power, political power, religious and cultural power, imperial and military power. Included is a section on sexual violence and the church- rape in the bible, the attitudes of patriarchal religion that entrenches violence against women, but also some of the positive actions being taken by religious leaders.

Mmatshilo Motsei presents many angles that I had not thought of before, and had not encountered in other books on sexual violence. I found this book particularly thought provoking.


WHEN A CONGREGATION IS BETRAYED: RESPONDING TO CLERGY MISCONDUCT. 2006. Editor; Beth Ann Gaede. The Alban Institute.
ISBN 1-56699-284-2 (see listing on amazon.com)

Very often a congregation in which sexual abuse has occurred is left to cope alone, without the problem being discussed with them, and without any help. This comprehensive collection of essays is an excellent resource for religious and lay leaders who need to work with congregations where there has been clergy sexual abuse or any other serious abuse of power. Among the many topics covered are: Conflict management; dealing with feelings; trauma intervention; restoring pastoral trust; the healing journey both of victims/survivors and congregations, and persevering against injustice.


SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. 2004. Edited by Linda Richter, Andrew Dawes and Craig Higson-Smith. Cape Town. HSRC Press. ISBN 0-7969-2053- 2 (see listing on amazon.com)

“How does one begin to understand and respond to the sexual abuse and rape of young children in southern Africa? What is it about our societies that makes so many children vulnerable to abuse? How can we protect and care for those who are affected?

With contributions from leading legal and policy researchers, clinical practitioners and child development specialists in southern Africa, this volume is an invitation to reflect on the many-sided nature of sexual abuse of young children. Many of the contributors propose effective ways to prevent abuse or improve care and services for the any affected children and their family…. This meticulous and insightful inquiry deserves to be widely read, debated and acted upon. We owe it to our children.” (from back cover).

The book is a valuable resource for professionals and for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the scourge of child sex abuse in southern Africa.


FORGIVENESS AND ABUSE: JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN REFLECTIONS. 2002. Editors: Marie M. Fortune & Joretta Marshall. New York: The Haworth Pastoral Press. ISBN 0-7890-2252-4 (see listing on amazon.com)

One of then most difficult things that survivors of sexual violence have to cope with, - and perhaps particularly in cases of clergy sex abuse- is the pressure put on them to forgive the perpetrator. This advice denies the validity of their feelings, and often compounds feelings of anxiety and guilt. So often, survivors are advised to forgive, even though the crime or the survivor’s suffering has not been addressed, justice not done, and no support offered. Such exhortations then constitute a secondary abuse. FORGIVENESS AND ABUSE is a powerful and deeply thought-provoking book. It explores religious perspectives on forgiveness, looking at the complexities of forgiveness, particularly when the violation of human dignity has been as extreme as it is in cases of sexual abuse, sexual violence and domestic violence. A challenge to readers to rethink their positions on forgiveness.


SILENT NO LONGER: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE.2000. Edited by Susan Rakoczy. Natal: Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. ISBN: 1-874838-30-5 (see listing on amazon.com)

SILENT NO LONGER.. analyses the epidemic of sexual violence against women from a perspective of the dignity of women as human persons. The causes of this violence and abuse are rooted in the patriarchal patterns of South African society. Other topics which are discussed include sexual harassment, the process of healing, and HIV/AIDS and sexual violence. Strategies for action by church and church groups are presented together with resources in the wider community.’ ( from back cover).

This booklet offers an insightful review of the roots and impact of sexual violence, and issues a serious call to the church to play a role in combating sexual violence in society.


UNDERSTANDING CLERGY MISCONDUCT IN RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS: SCAPEGOATING, FAMILY SECRETS AND THE ABUSE OF POWER. 1998. Candace R. Benyei. New York; The Haworth Press. ISBN 0-7890-0452-6
(see listing on amazon.com)

Although the use of the term ‘clergy misconduct’ in discussing sexual violence by clergy is disconcerting, as it minimizes the serious criminal nature of sexual violence, nevertheless the book presents a deep understanding of the dynamics of clergy sex abuse and of congregational responses to disclosures of abuse. The book covers a spectrum of issues- the congregation as a family system, protecting offenders within their ranks; scapegoating of survivors; the idolization of spiritual leaders; personality types among clergy offenders; descriptions of what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual abuse; how it is that sexual abuse happens; why the survivor doesn’t disclose; secondary victims and personal and corporate responsibility.

Survivors are likely to see their own often agonizing experiences of lack of support from their congregations, and come to understand a little better why they struggle as they do to overcome the effects of the abuse.


THE SUBTLE POWER OF SPIRITUAL ABUSE: RECOGNISING AND ESCAPING SPIRITUAL MANIPULATION AND FALSE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY WITHIN THE CHURCH. 1991. David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen. Minneapolis:Bethany House Publishers. ISBN 1-55661-160-9 (see listing on amazon.com)

This book deals with the problem of leaders using their spiritual authority to control and dominate others, attempting to meet their own needs for importance, power, intimacy or self-gratification. Through the subtle use of convincing sounding spiritual words or scriptures, they manipulate or shame church members into certain behaviours. This is spiritual abuse, and the results are shattering for the abused.

Although the book is not targeted specifically at survivors of clergy sex abuse, survivors are likely to recognise much in this book as mirroring their own experiences.

But be warned - the book is targeted exclusively at Christians, and contains a good deal of piety and scriptural references, which is of no value to survivors who are not practicing Christians or who cannot bear to hear another word of religious talk in response to their experiences of abuse.


THE COURAGE TO HEAL: A GUIDE FOR WOMEN SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE. 1988. By Ellen Bass and Laura Davis. London: Vermilion.
ISBN 0-09-188420-9 (see listing on amazon.com)

An international bestseller. It offers hope, encouragement and practical advice to every woman who was sexually abused as a child, and which deals with questions such as ‘ how do I know if I was a victim of child sexual abuse; where does the decision to heal start? How can I break the silence and who will listen? How can I rebuilt my self-esteem, intimacy and capacity to love.


SEXUAL VIOLENCE: THE UNMENTIONABLE SIN: AN ETHICAL AND PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE .1983. Marie Marshall Fortune. Ohio: Pilgrim Press.
ISBN 0-8298-0652-0 (see listing on amazon.com)

Marie Fortune, a ordained minister and expert on domestic and sexual violence , examines the social and religious roots of sexual violence, the devastating consequences of silence and the lack of ethical attention to the problem. ‘The book was written, says Fortune, to enable the religious community to understand what sexual violence is and how to develop an effective, compassionate and just response’.

Although the book was published over 2 decades ago, it is still makes an important, thought provoking contribution to an understanding of sexual violence.

Part 1 (An Ethical Perspective) is particularly valuable in explaining attitudes of many religious leaders - that sexual offences represent a lapse in chastity or celibacy, rather than a serious act of violence. The author deals with the confusing of sexual activity and sexual violence, a look at biblical attitudes to sexual violence and the need to reframe the ethical questions,. It is one of the very few books I have come across that have tackled these crucially important issues.

Part 2 of the book presents a pastoral perspective, offering advice on responding to both survivors and to offenders.

Books exposing Catholic clergy sexual abuse and cover-ups; analyses of the politics and structures of the Catholic Church that gave rise to the crisis.

SEX, PRIESTS AND SECRET CODES: THE CATHOLIC CHURCH’S 2,000-YEAR PAPER TRAIL OF SEXUAL ABUSE. 2006. Thomas.P .Doyle, A.W.R.Sipe and Patrick J.Wall. Los Angeles: Volt Press. ISBN 1-56625265-2 
(see listing on amazon.com)

“The Doyle-Sipe-Wall report,SEX, PRIESTS AND SECRET CODES…clearly demonstrates a deep-seated problem that spans the Church’s history. This collection of documents from official and unofficial sources begins its survey in 60CE and concludes with the contemporary scandal. It reveals an institution that has tried to come to grips with this devastating internal problem from its earliest years…..”(from back cover)

The authors - a Catholic priest and two former Catholic priests, remarkably courageous men in their challenge to the abuse of power in the Catholic Church - are leading experts on clergy sex abuse in the Catholic Church. This book is a particularly valuable addition to the growing body of literature about clergy sex abuse in the Catholic Church. Towards the end the authors present a deeply insightful analysis of the unique impact on Catholic survivors of clergy sex abuse, particularly the issue of religious duress and the spiritual devastation arising from deep rooted Catholic beliefs about the priesthood.

BETRAYAL: THE CRISIS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Investigative Staff of the Boston Globe. 2002. Boston: Little Brown and Company. IBSN 0-316-07558-2

Excellent account of the investigations by the Boston Globe that led to the expose of widespread clergy sex abuse and cover-ups in the Catholic Church in the United States. (See review) (see listing on amazon.com)

VOWS OF SILENCE: THE ABUSE OF POWER IN THE PAPACY OF JOHN PAUL II. 2004. Jason Berry and Gerald Renner. New York: Free Press
ISBN 0-7432-4441-9 (see listing on amazon.com)

“Going deep behind the headlines about scandals in the Catholic Church, Jason Berry and Gerald Renner’s VOWS OF SILENCE follow the staggering trail of evasions and deceit that leads directly to the Vatican – and taints the legacy of Pope John Paul II. This book is a riveting account of Vatican cover-ups and the tumult they have caused in the church worldwide…The book cuts between the life story of Father Tom Doyle, who sacrificed a diplomatic career with the Vatican to seek justice for sex-abuse victims, and Father Marcial Marcel, an accused pedophile…one of the most powerful men in the Catholic Church…because he enjoyed the protection of Pope John Paul II and members of the Roman Curia, charges against Maciel for sexual misconduct were blocked in the Vatican court system’ ( from back cover)


LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION: CATHOLIC PRIESTS AND THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN. 2000. Jason Berry. Urbana; University of Illinois Press. ISBN 0-252-06812-2 (see listing on amazon.com)

‘Berry takes us through the lives of traumatized survivors and their parents, torn by loyalty to the church, into the machinations of bishops and church lawyers. At root this is a story about politics, how sexual conflicts within clerical culture have compromised the power structure of the church. This…paperback edition of Berry’s investigation includes and updated introduction that takes the scandal into the Vatican’ (from cover blurb).


SEX, PRIESTS AND POWER; ANATOMY OF A CRISIS. 1995. A.W.P Sipe. New York: Brunner/Mazel,Inc. ISBN 0-87630-769-1 (see listing on amazon.com)

Richard Sipe, former Roman Catholic priest and a psychotherapist, examines the sexual crisis facing the Catholic Church, analyzing the structures underlying the church’s celibate system. The blurb of this book which was published 7 years before the clergy sex abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Church erupted internationally, was prophetic: ‘SEX PRIESTS AND POWER ‘ is an invitation to exorcise the demons that threaten to engulf a might institution.’

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