The Hidden Shame of the Church

Since founding ECPAT, an international organization working to end child prostitution and pornography, in 1991, the author has sadly come to recognize that church leaders and representatives are not exempt from involvement in the sexual abuse of children. Although working in a secular and apolitical organization, the author's Christian belief and experience have informed this study of a deeply disturbing phenomenon. He seeks through unsensational language to expose the truth of the church's involvement and by so doing start the search for solutions. 'God has been betrayed by his own kind!' (comment of an abuse survivor). Christians have been shocked at recent media reports of leading clergy sexually abusing children. This book records the shameful events of the past decade and asks, how could this happen in the church? "Many people in the church will not want to hear these stories," says the author. "But hiding the truth, or hiding from the truth, is not a responsible option for Christians." The book discusses traditional church teaching on children, sexuality and forgiveness, and asks whether these must be reformed if children are to be protected.