Karen A. McClintock, Preventing Sexual Abuse in Congregations: A Resource for Leaders. Alban Institute, 2004.
Referenced in: Chuch Conflict – Congregational Trauma, Ministerial Misconduct
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This volume is not focused on clergy misconduct, but deals more generally with the issue of sexual impropriety in its various forms within congregations, including both children and adults who experience sexual harassment and other forms of abuse.
This is a comprehensive resource that looks at the special vulnerability of congregations as places where sexual abuse may occur and be hidden behind walls of secrecy and hurt. One chapter looks specifically at the congregations and clergy that are especially at risk. It also provides clear definitions of sexual harassment and what to do about it, how to educate the congregation, establish good boundaries in counseling and other settings, and how to establish good protective and abuse reporting policies.
Most resources on sexual misconduct in churches talk about prevention, but this text concentrates more thoroughly on “abuse-proofing” the congregational environment to keep all forms of misconduct from occurring or reoccurring.
From the Publisher
Are you ready to abuse-proof your congregation? If one child or adult is spared the confusing ordeal of unwanted touch, it will be worth your time to read this book.
In this comprehensive resource, Methodist pastor and pastoral psychologist Karen McClintock demonstrates that sexual abuse in congregations is preventable and gives clergy and lay leaders the tools they need to prevent it. This book shows congregations how to protect children and vulnerable adults, prevent sexual harassment either by clergy or of clergy, and strengthen clergy families by raising awareness of the occupational and emotional risks inherent in pastoral ministry.
When you have finished this book, you will be familiar with the conditions in parishes and in the mental health of the individuals within them that lead to risky behaviors. You will be equipped to recognize and set sexual boundaries for yourself and to open dialogue about these issues in your congregation. You will have laughed at, celebrated, and honored human sexual power, pleasure, and vulnerability. You will have gained the knowledge you need, and perhaps the courage, to communicate these ideas within your congregation so that children and vulnerable adults are protected.
About the Author
Karen A. McClintock is a licensed clinical psychologist, author of Sexual Shame: An Urgent Call to Healing, and a clergyperson in the United Methodist Church. She is also an adjunct professor of psychology for Southern Oregon University and a nationally known consultant and lecturer who speaks to laity and clergy about sexuality issues in the church.
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