[BetteBoop]

According to data, catholic clergy members are much more likely to abuse kids than any other denomination.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/victoria/c...1019-27vqi.html

Do people have theories as to why one faith would have what appears to be endemic rates of child sexual abuse?

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

Where's my 10 foot pole?

[LynnyP]

Cultural factors are very strong factors for most human behaviour. From my understanding, which is fuelled only by what I have read in newspapers, the catholic church has had a long history where such abuse was protected and ignored - which as all parents know is tacit approval.

[BetteBoop]

Madame Catty, you're not normally a shrinking violet. I'm surprised.

[Lucretia Borgia]

Hmm...interesting topic....

Well I for one think it is a strange and artificial environment for men (and to a lesser extent women) to be in, to commit to a life with no sex, no marriage, no kids....I think it may attract a type of person who is struggling with their sexuality, or who has very negative or warped views on sex (due to years of indoctrination) ...so that, coupled with the secretive nature of the church, unfettered access to children where the priest is in a position of power, where questions are not encouraged but rather obedience or indeed submission is demanded...I think makes for some very ripe conditions for this type of sexually devious behaviour...

Just my thoughts, I have nothing to back this theory up (lapsed Presbyterian here , married to a lapsed catholic who had an abusive priest at his school....)

[Princess.cranky....]

Cue all the predictable comments about celibacy and how it encourages pedophilia.


This post has been edited by Princess.cranky.pants: 20/10/2012, 10:15 AM

[Becstarinator]

Honestly I believe it has a lot to do with the celibate rules they try and live by. Not a lot of other religions (well christian) religions expected that.

You can be a minister/rabi and have a wife and family so maybe it accounts for some of it.

[Lucretia Borgia]

Cue all the predictable comments about celibacy and how it encourages pedophilia.

Well ok, I'll cop to that, but maybe these comments are so predictable because the link is so obvious...? What was the rate in the OP...6 times more likely? Something's going on....

[LynnyP]

To cut right to the chase, I think the catholic church hierarchy have encouraged child abuse by their stance on protecting their clergy and demonising the victims. Eyeroll yourself silly on that one.

[purplekitty]

To cut right to the chase, I think the catholic church hierarchy have encouraged child abuse by their stance on protecting their clergy and demonising the victims. Eyeroll yourself silly on that one.

This.
The behaviour has been enabled and protected leading to an environment where it can thrive.