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Clergy sexual misconduct: The affair everyone remembers

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Abstract

Reported instances of clergy sexual misconduct have risen significantly in recent years. Allegations of sexual misconduct have long lasting effects on the career of the clergy, the persons involved, and the congregations. A distinction is made between those clergy who engage in this behavior due to a personality disorder, and those who engage in sexual misconduct as a response to spousal or congregational conflict. In working with the women who have been sexually involved with the clergy, there needs to be a recognition of both the damage done to the woman and the woman's perception that some benefits may have resulted from this relationship. Congregations who have been through this experience will be reluctant to deal with it Unless there is ongoing consultation, there is an increased risk that the congregation will project their unresolved issues on the subsequent clergyperson thereby severely jeopardizing his or her chances of succeeding in the position.

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Authors
  1. Arlene B. Brewster Ph.D.
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Additional information

Arlene B. Brewster is a psychologist in private practice and is on the adjunct faculty of the Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine. Additional information may be requested by writing her at Associates in Counseling, #205 5500 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512.

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Brewster, A.B. Clergy sexual misconduct: The affair everyone remembers. Pastoral Psychol 44, 353–361 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02297797

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02297797

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