Seeing the Whole Picture: Perspectives on the Church Sex Abuse Scandal

Gary was introduced by David Mc Caffrey, co-founder of the Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM) and organizational sponsor of the presentation. David recognized Gary as an outstanding leader in the mental health community for his long standing sensitivity to sexual minorities and being in the forefront on the issues involved in sexual exploitation by clergy and other professionals. David noted that Gary Schoener has been an expert witness and/or consultant in over 3000 cases of sexual abuse and other boundary violations between professionals and their clients.

Gary’s central message was that the sexual exploitation by priests and other Catholic ministers, while having some unique factors, is best understood in the context of the broader problem of sexual exploitation by those in positions of influence—doctors, psychologists, clergy [Catholic, Jewish and Protestant]. Gary also stated that sexual abuse by clergy is predominantly between male clergy and female victims. He stated that statistically pedophilia [sexual preference for young children] is rare. However, ephebophilia [sexual preference for post-pubescent adolescents] is more common and more descriptive of the cases involving Catholic clergy, and the Boston archdiocesan scandal in particular. Gary also made the distinction between a situational sexual offender and a constitutional sexual offender. The situational sexual offender offends because of “situational” factors—stress, chronic loneliness, lack of close relationships—factors that can often be treated in psychotherapy. In contrast, the constitutional offender has a clear and persistent sexual preference for a child or adolescent and has poor treatment outcomes.

While Catholic clergy have unique factors that may contribute to the dynamics of sexual exploitation—notably mandatory celibacy and the centrality of the priest’s function within the Catholic community, the prevention “whole picture” must include individual and communal vigilance, recognizing the grooming behavior of the perpetrator and taking corrective action.

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Phil Klees

Policies and procedures are one thing, but they are implemented by fallible human beings and should be monitored by the community. Reducing the incidents of clergy exploitation is indeed a communal responsibility!