Sexual Abuse Within the Church

Chris Rush Burkey is an Associate Professor in the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department at East Tennessee State University. She received her B.A. and M.A. in Criminal Justice and Criminology from East Tennessee State University and Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has published books and book chapters as well as articles in peer-reviewed journals including Deviant Behavior, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, and Violence & Gender, focusing primarily on sex crimes and sexual offenders. She has worked with several federal, state, and local agencies regarding various criminal justice matters such as program evaluation, forensic training, and investigative policies and regulations.Michael C. Braswell is Professor Emeritus in the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department at East Tennessee State University. He received four degrees in psychology and counseling from Mercer University, the University of West Georgia, the University of Georgia, and the University of Southern Mississippi. A former marriage and family therapist and prison psychologist, he has published books on criminal justice ethics, peacemaking, correctional counseling, social justice issues, and the spiritual journey. John T. Whitehead is Professor Emeritus and former Chair in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at East Tennessee State University. He completed an M.A. in Sociology at the University of Notre Dame and earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany. He has taught courses in corrections, criminal justice ethics, and the death penalty. His current book projects are a book on teaching and a book on human relations in law enforcement.

"As a person who has studied sexual abuse and worked tirelessly to end it for the past 36 years, this book speaks to me on many levels. Most importantly, it is not simply an academic enterprise. Rather, it is an important tool in the ongoing struggle to eradicate much pain and suffering. What is to be done about sexual abuse within the church and faith traditions? Reading this book and sharing it with colleagues, friends, and family members are two essential elements of a much-needed multipronged effort to curb atrocities like those described by Chris Rush Burkey, Michael C. Braswell, and John T. Whitehead. Their offering will definitely help make a difference."Walter DeKeseredy, Ph.D., Author of Woman Abuse in Rural Places"This is a powerful and timely book that focuses on a generally hidden problem in religious orders and churches. The victimization of children and young members of the church by predator parishioners and clergy alike is addressed in a preventative approach with case studies and historical accounts. The book can be used as a supplemental reading resource for criminal investigation, forensic nursing, and similar programs in academic and training settings. It is a must-read for those in church administration and leadership roles. The authors are to be commended for bringing a much-needed resource into view."Larry S. Miller, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, East Tennessee State University. Coauthor, Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past, 8th Ed"Rush, Braswell, and Whitehead address a timely topic which has traditionally been under-researched, under-reported, and difficult to discuss in religious settings. The authors provide a systematic review of sex crimes, characteristics of sexual predators, warning signs, and ways victims can become vulnerable, as well as how churches can implement prevention and intervention strategies. Sexual Abuse Within the Church is a must-read for those who are involved in any level of church ministry or leadership."Darrell Ross, Ph.D., Author of Civil Liability in Criminal Justice

• 1. A Christian Perspective: Historical and Modern Contexts; 2. Sex Crimes and Sex Offenders in the United States; 3. In the Name of the Father: Sex Crimes in the Church; 4. Predators Among Us: Church Leaders and Parishioners; 5. The Victim’s Lament: Warning Signs and Consequences; 6. An Essential Priority: Maintaining Church Security; 7. Protect this House: Leadership Prevention Strategies; 8. What Will the Neighbors Think: The Church’s Response to Sex Crimes; 9. All God’s Children: A Known Sex Offender in the Church; 10. The Scales of Justice: Legal Issues for the Church; 11. #CHURCHTOO: A Way Forward