Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-207) and index.
Contents
1. The Construction of Problems and Panics -- 2. The Anti-Catholic Tradition -- 3. The Discovery of Clergy Sex Abuse -- 4. The Media and the Crisis -- 5. Pedophilia and Child Abuse -- 6. Conflict in the Churches -- 7. "Sins of the Fathers": The Feminist Response -- 8. The Legal Environment -- 9. Defending Therapy -- 10. Meanings and Directions.
Summary
The anatomy of a contemporary crisis. This book does not deny that sexual abuse by clergy is prevalent and harmful or that ecclesiastical authorities have made persistent errors in dealing with the issue. However, the sins and crimes of a number of priests have been built into a problem with implications that extend far beyond the original behavior.