Our Projects
Since the summer of 2022, the Abusive Cultures in Catholicism research team has published a book, peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as given public presentations. Below, you will find links to our published articles, as well as videos of our past presentations.
Book Project:
Participation in liturgy is often described and prescribed as a source of comfort and healing for survivors of clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse (CPSA). However, as Liturgy in the Shadows of Trauma demonstrates, the diverse forms of trauma inflicted by the sex abuse crisis threaten the ability of liturgical worship to function as the source of grace that it is meant to be.
The authors frame this complex issue in a way that illuminates the church’s ongoing role in impeding the healing of survivors. In so doing, they lay important, constructive groundwork for how we can faithfully promote healing in liturgical life.
Public Presentation:
"The Vow of (Dis)Obedience"
The way a culture understands and practices obedience has an impact of the way that authority can be abused. This project examines the way that the vow of obedience made by Catholic clergy members impacts the likelihood that clergy will engage in abusive behavior. Please attend our research presentation on March 26th.
Article Published in Journal of Religion and Society, 2023
This article examines the way that, when addressing the sexual abuse crisis, the rhetoric used by Catholic bishops often mirrors the rhetoric used by domestic abusers when trying to maintain control of their victims. Suggestions for a trauma informed rhetoric are offered as a way to avoid further harm when addressing the church.
Presentation Video:
"Controlling the Narrative"
In this presentation, our team examines the way that, when addressing the sexual abuse crisis, the rhetoric used by Catholic bishops often mirrors the rhetoric used by domestic abusers when trying to maintain control of their victims. Suggestions for a trauma informed rhetoric are offered as a way to avoid further harm when addressing the church.
Article Published in Religions, 2022
Paying particular attention to PTSD, moral injury, and moral distress, this article examines how systemic clergy perpetuated sexual abuse (CPSA) has damaged liturgical efficacy for both abuse survivors and Roman Catholic laity. Focusing on PSTD, moral injury, and moral distress frames the issue in a way that illuminates the church’s ongoing role in preventing the healing of survivors and limiting the potential for grace in the sacraments.
Presentation Video:
"Rites and Wrongs"
In this presentation, our team explores the ways that trauma influences how a person experiences worship rituals such as the Mass. Consequences of trauma, such as, moral injury, moral distress, and PTSD can all hinder the sacraments' ability to help those who receive
them.