The Uses and Limitations of Various Models for Understanding Clergy Sexual Misconduct: The Impact on the Congregation

Abstract

During the past 10 years, many faith traditions have developed policies and procedures for responding to clergy sexual boundary violations and other betrayals of trust. It is important to pay particular attention to the needs of the congregation, often the forgotten entity. The congregation's ability to recover is dependent on how well the entire religious system is prepared in advance of the need to respond. Strategies from 3 models are presented: the systems model, the psychoanalytic model, and the conflict resolution/mediation model. Each of these models has its uses and its limitations. Therefore, it is wise to avoid getting constricted by using only 1 or 2 frameworks, and to explore all options carefully. Uses and limitations of strategies for handling spiritual damage and ways to avoid the pitfalls of bad theology are presented. Some strategies which might at first glance seem appropriate can be even more damaging to all those impacted by leadership trust betrayal. The recent work of religious sexua...