Preventing Sexual Abuse in Congregations: A Resource for Leaders
Karen A. McClintock
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 sexual abuse in congregations. 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 conditions in parishes and in the mental health of 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. Foreword by Nancy Meyer Hopkins
Praise for the Book
“Preventing Sexual Abuse in Congregations is compelling, to the point, and practical; it is also a must-read for clergy and lay leaders in churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations. This superb book, which can be easily understood and appreciated by both professionals and nonprofessionals, fulfills an important need in contemporary religion.” —Lawrene J. Ryan, Mount St. Mary's College (Los Angeles)
“This clear and fresh approach will help make congregations safe for all members and promote a healthy communal context for enhancing sexual responsibility, vitality, and accountability. It is a most welcome addition to the literature.” —Larry Kent Graham, Iliff School of Theology
“Are you ready to abuse-proof your congregation?' So begins Karen McClintock's practical, comprehensive, and accessible resource, aimed at protecting lay members and clergy, adults and children, from the damage to mission and ministry that is the result of any form of sexual abuse in a congregation. McClintock identifies the signs and symptoms of pastors, youth leaders, and congregations at risk of sexual misconduct and the appropriate preventative measures—education, communication, preparation, training, and policies—needed to ensure that congregations thrive as safe, healthy, respectful communities of faith.” —Nancy Maeker, St. Paul Area Synod, ELCA
“Because Karen McClintock writes out of the depth of her own considerable experience, she is able to deliver wise advice about all the obstacles that hinder the congregation's ability to engage in healthy relationships while also being in community. Strategies for shame reduction, releasing the stranglehold of secrets, discerning what constitutes respectful and nurturing touch, coping with addictive behaviors, and creating safety in counseling settings are all here, and McClintock's approach avoids the extremes of either establishing rigid rules or just muddling through.” —Nancy Myer HopkinsAbout the Author
Karen A. McClintock, M.Div., Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and clergy person in the United Methodist Church. A nationally known lecturer and consultant on sexuality issues in the church, she currently is in clinical practice and is an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Southern Oregon University. She is also the author of Sexual Shame: An Urgent Call to Healing.
www.healthycongregation.com
ISBN# 1-56699-295-8
Alban No. AL285
paper, 164 pages
2004
In stock
$18.00
($14.40 for members)
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