This is a big book which deals with a big problem. It is an examination of the child sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church in the 70s, 80s and 90s in America and in Europe. The contributors are religious from the Catholic church and other denominations and there are contributions by leading medical specialists from around the world. The book reveals how many bishops and religious leaders took an overly defensive and secretive approach to the problem, but that now the hierarchies and the pope have all apologised fulsomely for the abuse. There are chapters on current research into clerical abusers, on the testimonies of victims, on the treatment of offenders, on clerical celibacy as a possible cause, and on the shock waves among ordinary Catholics. This is an honest and insightful book. There is a spirit now within the Church of true repentance and a change of heart. There is a determination now never to deny the facts of the shameful past and to create a better future. (Posted on 07/03/2012)

The length of this review could never do justice to the wealth of information and professional and personal insights offered in The Dark Night of the Catholic Church. It has certainly been released at an opportune time when the Catholic Church in particular has been subject to a multitude of worldwide disclosures of clerical sexual abuse of children. The book contains contributions from 19 authors, and uniquely encompasses both the professional perspective, but also the voices of victims and that of an abuser. In this sense it is very different from other publications in this area.

There is already a considerable amount of literature available which examines the complex issues in relation to sexual abuse in the Christian Church and there are numerous written accounts from the perspective of those who have suffered such abuse. However, what is unusual and timely about this book is that it includes not only an examination of the complex nature of abuse but also sets the historical context – which is most enlightening. The book is divided into four sections.

Part one, ‘Understanding’, sets the historical context and includes an insightful chapter on the effect of clerical sexual abuse on the faith life of the victims, an area which can often become overlooked in supporting those who have suffered abuse. This will be particularly helpful to therapists.

Part two, ‘Listening’, presents moving and detailed accounts from victims of abuse and also from an abuser. This is sometimes not easy reading but I do believe it is important for professionals and also those who engage with survivors of abuse in the therapeutic world, to consider.

Part three, ‘Responding’, explores psychological treatment, spirituality, and includes a very useful chapter on canon law perspectives.

Part four, ‘Educating and preventing’, evidences the structures and systems already in place in the Church, implemented by a qualified and experienced body of both clerical and lay people throughout the world. It also includes some challenges for the future in terms of the importance of teaching human sexuality within formation courses for ministry.

This book is essential reading for anyone working in the Catholic Church and indeed other Christian faiths and those who have an interest in or work with the responsibility of safeguarding the children, young people and vulnerable adults in our faith communities. I would also strongly advocate that any therapist working with clients who disclose sexual abuse would certainly benefit from reading The Dark Night of the Catholic Church. (Posted on 11/01/2012)