Newsletter - June 2010
SEP 10, 2009 By ■ Kay Mathews –
Study Finds Sexual Misconduct by Religious Leaders is Prevalent
Baylor University released the results of a study that found sexual misconduct by religious leaders is prevalent. Two-thirds of offenders were married, and the problem is not confined to any one faith.
According to a Baylor University study released yesterday, reports The Washington Post, “one in every 33 women who attend worship services regularly has been the target of sexual advances by religious leaders.” Moreover, the findings of the study indicate that, among both male and female respondents, one in 10 reported knowing about an incident of “clergy sexual misconduct occurring in a congregation they had attended.”
The 2008 General Social Survey, a nationally representative sample of 3,559 respondents, was used by Baylor University to approximate the prevalence of clergy sexual misconduct. The Washington Post reports that one woman who participated in the survey, Carolyn Waterstradt, 42, described how “she was coerced into a sexual relationship with a married minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for 18 months,” and that he “told her the relationship was ordained by God.”
The prevalence of the sexual advances indicates that it is not confined to any one denomination, and “more than two-thirds of the offenders were married to someone at the time of the advance.”
Approximately 36 denominations have put policies into place that help to identify sexual misconduct by clergy and offenders are subject to disciplinary action. In addition, two states, Texas and Minnesota, have laws in place that make sexual misconduct by clergy illegal. There can be lasting consequences for targets of sexual misconduct by clergy, both spiritual and psychological. In Waterstradt’s case, she indicated that she suffers both psychological and spiritual ramifications from her experience, including depression and a deep distrust of organized religion. The Washington Post quotes Waterstradt as saying, “It’s very difficult for me to walk into a church.”
Researchers point out that they do not know how the frequency of clergy sexual misconduct compares to other professions, nor do they know whether the incidence level changed over the years. Diana Garland, dean of Baylor's School of Social Work, who co-authored the study did note, however, that "when you put it with a spiritual leader or moral leader, you've really added a power that we typically don't think about in secular society -- which is that this person speaks for God and interprets God for people. And that really adds a power," according to The Washington Post.
Published By – Digital Journal http://digitaljournal.com/article/278999
Excerpts From Sexual Assault and Spirituality :
A Judeo-Christian Perspective
brochure of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault - TAASA
Experiences that threaten our lives or sense of safety are traumatic; and trauma caused at the hands of another person is especially difficult to overcome. Sexual abuse is the most intimate of these violations, and often results in some of the most profound struggles for the survivor.
Traumatic experiences often shake the very foundation of our beliefs. These experiences challenge our beliefs about safety, fairness, and trust. Many victims experience a profound sense of betrayal by, God. These feelings are natural and are not an indication of your inherent righteousness or corruption. A traumatic experience wounds our very soul. Recovery takes time and must include physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
Why Did God let this happen to me?
Remember, God is never the author of evil. God would not cause nor purposefully introduce evil into your life. However, we all are granted free-agency or freedom of choice. Just as you may choose to use that freedom in the pursuit of righteousness others may choose to use that freedom to do evil.
Am I unclean, unchaste, or have I lost my virtue?
This can be an especially difficult issue if you lost your virginity as a result of the assault. This person may have stolen your physical virginity, but your chastity and virtue are qualities that cannot be taken from you. They are yours alone to protect or to give away. You were not in control of what happened to you. God does not blame you or view you as unclean. God loves you and grieves your pain with you.
Will I ever feel "normal" again? Will I ever be happy?
Because sexual assault is so far outside the range of what we would expect to occur in our lives, your thoughts and reactions may feel strange or even crazy at times. These feelings are understandable and natural. These are normal reactions to an abnormal event. All new experiences change us to some degree...It is to be expected that an experience as profound as a sexual assault will bring with it change. Your views of the world, others, yourself, even spirituality may change and take on new or deeper meaning. You can, however, expect to feel peace, normalcy, and happiness again. God wants you to succeed. ..God wants you to be happy.
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