Sex Abuse By Priests: Due to Interrupted Sexual Development?

A new article by Dr. Laura Berman in the Chicago Sun Times looks at a theory of why sexual abuse of minors is prevalent among Roman Catholic priests. The theory is similar to one put forth in an article I read some years back written by a mental health expert who worked at a Maryland facility that attempted to treat priests guilty of sex abuse of minors. To put it bluntly, the problem stems from (a) the unnaturalness of celibacy and (2) the bizarre attitude of the Catholic Church towards sex which has historically been treated as something nasty and dirty. The combination added to the youth of many of the candidates for priesthood results in a sometimes twisted sexuality in priests. Naturally, the Vatican and other dour, senile members of the hierarchy pretend the issues don not exist. No doubt, Bill Donohue at the Catholic League will have fit over this column since telling the truth about the Church does not sit well with him. Here are some story highlights:

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On Tuesday the Archdiocese of Chicago announced that the Catholic Church will award $12.6 million to victims of sexual abuse involving priests. . . . The church's requirement that priests remain celibate is a key factor behind some priests' aberrant sexual behavior. Celibacy may create an unnatural situation that increases the likelihood of these abuses. In a perfect world spirituality can overcome something as basic as our sex drive; however, we don't live in a perfect world. The abuse victims speak volumes to this reality.

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When men enter the seminary for their training, many are still in sexual limbo and are figuring out their sexuality like any young person. Add to that a vow to deny the most basic of urges, and you have a recipe for disaster.

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For many people, an urge as basic and strong as the sex drive cannot be intellectualized away. Though it works for some priests, it's akin to trying to deny the urge to eat or go to the bathroom for others. Sexual desire becomes stunted, if not warped. Furthermore, some men may actually join the clergy as a way to escape homosexual (and what they believe to be sinful) urges, but of course, it is impossible to run away from these desires. Instead, these urges become exemplified in outlets such as sexual abuse.

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Rather than deeming the priesthood a hiding place for pedophiles, it seems more likely that interrupted sexual development leads to these unhealthy sexual behaviors. The priests' sexuality is stifled but not eradicated, and the opportunity is there with the young people to whom they are ministering. It's no excuse, but it offers a different perspective when looking for the solution.

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These victims need and deserve an open discussion and empathetic listening, as it is only through communication and honesty that these tragedies can be overcome.