Institutions
whose members have abused minors are vitally concerned about preventing
further transgressions. Four areas impede the development of an
adequate program for the prevention of sexual abuse of minors
by Catholic clergy and religious:
(1) Lack
of methods to screen out possible sexual offenders from candidates
for the priesthood or religious life:
(2) A widespread
and protean pattern of denial by church authorities and devoted
lay Catholics, including, rationalization, avoidance, and shifting
of blame;
(3) Ecclesiogenic
factors of sexual abuse: Elements of church teaching and practice
that contribute to the development, preservation and protection
of abusing clergy; and
(4) Priesthood
lacks a set of professional ethical standards regarding sexual
behavior and recognition of informed consent.
This chapter
explores these obstacles to prevention.
