April Digest: Clergy Sexual Misconduct Research & A Clarion Call for More
Learn about new developments in adult clergy sexual abuse research & how you can get involved in furthering education, advocacy, and scholarship.
In This Edition:
Introducing the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Advocacy and Research Collaborative at Baylor University: An Interview with Dr. David Pooler A researcher and expert on adult clergy sexual abuse in the U.S. is working with survivors, advocates, academics, and emerging scholars to shed light on the pervasive issue and promote meaningful change within religious institutions.
Clergy Sexual Abuse and Intersectionality: A Call for Research
Though much is revealed through the limited research on adult clergy sexual abuse, less is known about the experiences of minorities in particular. A clarion call is needed for researchers to consider an intersectional approach to adult clergy sexual abuse research.
Informed of the need by research on clergy sexual abuse of adults, a Bible study offers theological insights on how Christians should steward their individual and collective power.
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Content Warning: Contains references to sexual abuse and spiritual abuse.
Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers,
In 2008, respondents to the General Social Survey (GSS) answered questions about their experience with clergy sexual misconduct. Researchers Dr. Diana Garland of Baylor University and Dr. Mark Chaves of Duke University discovered that “overall, 3.1 percent of women who attend religious services at least monthly reported being the object of a sexual advance by a clergyperson or religious leader in their own congregation since turning 18.”1 They were then asked follow-up questions.
The researchers report that “when the experience is defined more narrowly, approximately 1 in 50 churchgoing women have been the object of a sexual advance by a married religious leader in their own congregation at some time during their adult life. Defined less narrowly, approximately 1 in 30 churchgoing women have been the object of such an advance.”
What the researchers do not understand is why African Americans reported being the object of clergy sexual advances at higher rates than White respondents. Though the researchers do not know the racial makeup of the congregation where the sexual advances occurred, referencing outside research, they note that “contrary to some racial stereotypes, research has demonstrated that African Americans are less sexually permissive than whites,” and African American women were less likely than White women to report sexual coercion.2 They conclude with a call for further research to discover if the race difference they observed is real and, “if real, to understand what it means.”3
If anything, this particular research finding reminds us of the reality that members of different ethnic groups have different experiences due to various factors, including their sociocultural context. People have multiple identities simultaneously; someone may be a Christian, American, Hispanic, woman, legally blind, and of a lower socio-economic status. Each aspect of their identity contributes to their life experiences. When a person experiences adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA) followed by institutional betrayal when religious leaders use their power to silence them, how do these interconnected identities shape their experiences?4
Considering how churches differ in their theological perspectives regarding the LGBTQ+ community, how might a gay or transgender person experience grooming and disclosure in an affirming church versus a non-affirming church? By considering these interconnected identities, intersectional research helps uncover nuanced insights, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of how power dynamics, discrimination, and privilege operate within various contexts, ultimately informing more effective interventions and support systems.
In this issue of CSM Research Insights, we address the need for intersectional research on the understudied topic of ACSA and the need for more ACSA researchers generally. This issue also includes information on a doctoral program addressing this need. We hope those interested in contributing to the scholarship and advocacy in this area will find valuable resources and inspiration to advance understanding and support for survivors of ACSA.
Best regards,
T. P. Zamora
Editor, CSM Research Insights
Introducing the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Advocacy and Research Collaborative at Baylor University: An Interview with Dr. David Pooler
A researcher and expert on adult clergy sexual abuse in the U.S. is working with survivors, advocates, academics, and emerging scholars to shed light on the pervasive issue and promote meaningful change within religious institutions.
Researchers writing on adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA) often begin their literature review by recognizing that studies on ACSA are minimal. This limited research highlights the urgent need for collaboratives like the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Advocacy and Research Collaborative (ACSARC) at Baylor University. In addition to deepening understanding of ACSA and its ramifications, ACSARC strives to help fill the knowledge gap, thereby fostering a more comprehensive understanding of ACSA.
Professor and Director of ACSARC, David Pooler, Ph.D., LCSW, is perhaps best known for directing the first national survey of adult survivors of clergy sexual abuse in 2015. This ground-breaking study, in which 280 survivors participated, uncovered numerous findings often cited when discussing ACSA today; among those surveyed, the average length of abuse was four years, the average age of the survivor when the abuse started was 30, and sixty-two percent were being counseled by the church leader when the abuse started.
Dr. Pooler has been an expert witness for ACSA cases and has addressed ACSA in media interviews. Additionally, as a licensed social worker, Dr. Pooler provides compassionate care and support to ACSA survivors through his independent practice. Interacting with survivors and witnessing the devastation of ACSA in their lives, especially due to churches mishandling the abuse, deepens his passion for advocacy and research.
“I’m learning there is much that remains to be uncovered and understood about adult clergy sexual abuse, about how people groom, about how leaders rise into positions unchecked and unchallenged, how they can abuse and continue to abuse, and to learn more about systems that allow that to happen.”
He shares, “We don't just have bad apples. We have bad systems and structures that create monsters that we then have to deal with. The more I research, the more I continue to find that we've got some really challenging systemic problems within religion, and part of that has to do with clericalism–the esteeming of leaders and this trust of leaders without question. That's a real problem because people with that type of unchecked power can exploit and use others.”
As the Director of the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Advocacy and Research Collaborative at Baylor University, Dr. Pooler seeks to collaborate with emerging scholars eager to contribute to the ACSA scholarship. He assumes the role of dissertation chair for multiple students, including Lucy Huh, who joined Baylor University’s Social Work Ph.D. program with a focused interest in studying ACSA. Dr. Pooler and Huh are working on an academic article using data from his 2015 study to identify grooming and the strategic behaviors abusive clergy use to secure sexual access to a targeted person. “My hope and vision for people participating in the doctoral program are that they become scholars in their own right, and find a part of adult clergy sexual abuse to study, and make a difference.” Dr. Pooler also served as a member of Dr. Krystal Woolston’s dissertation committee for her 2023 research titled, "It Was Like Double Damage": An Exploration of Clergy-Perpetrated Sexual Abuse, Institutional Response, and Posttraumatic Growth.
Before Dr. Pooler became an ACSA expert, he was mentored by the late Dr. Diana Garland, an ACSA expert whose enduring legacy is honored in the name of Baylor University's School of Social Work: The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Dr. Pooler says Dr. Garland’s ACSA research and work “shaped where research is today.” Her research “moved to centering survivors and their experiences.” Reflecting on her, Dr. Pooler recalls, “You knew you were in the presence of a person with substance. She could be so direct, forthright, and incredibly gentle and caring. Whenever a survivor reached out to her, she took the time to respond to them as an individual. I follow her footsteps because I'm similar to Diana in that way; whenever someone reaches out to me, it matters, and I want to give some time to that person.”
Dr. David Pooler is Professor and Director of the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse; Advocacy and Research Collaborative at Baylor University in the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.
The creation of the Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Advocacy and Research Collaborative at Baylor University brings together scholars, advocates, and survivors dedicated to addressing the complex issues surrounding ACSA. “While I might be considered an expert on ACSA, I don't want to be the only one. I want there to be many experts and many people looking at this area and making a difference so that we can prevent abuse from occurring in our religious spaces. When abuse occurs, we can have better responses so survivors are cared for in appropriate ways.”
Dr. Pooler explains why he is devoting his life to studying and speaking about ACSA. “I care about survivors, and I care about the church. I care about congregations being safe places where people can grow and be transformed, heal from their challenges, and become people who make a difference and make the world a better place. When adult clergy sexual abuse is happening, it is injuring and traumatizing people who just want to have a better life for themselves.”
Due to his clinical insights and past and ongoing research, Dr. Pooler's comprehension of the complexities surrounding ACSA continues to expand. Because of this growing knowledge, he expresses, “I want to speak about it. I want others to understand what's happening because once we have a name for this and understand what's going on, we can hold people accountable. We can have congregations where everyone cares far more about one another. We can have healthy spaces where people can grow and flourish.”
Learn more about Baylor University’s Clergy Sexual Abuse research at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.
Clergy Sexual Abuse and Intersectionality: A Call for Research
Though much is revealed through the limited research on adult clergy sexual abuse, less is known about the experiences of minorities in particular. A clarion call is needed for researchers to consider an intersectional approach to adult clergy sexual abuse research.
By Lucy Huh
The devastating impact of sexual abuse perpetrated by members of the clergy cannot be overstated. Victims often suffer severe, lifelong harm that permeates every aspect of their lives, including their psychological well-being, physical health, relationships, and spirituality. Despite the grave consequences, religious institutions have historically failed to adequately address or take accountability for such abuse.
While the abuse of children by clergy is now widely recognized, the issue of clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse of adults remains largely overlooked. Any sexual contact between a member of the clergy and a congregant is inherently abusive due to the power imbalance, rendering true consent impossible. Yet, there is a general ambiguity surrounding this form of abuse, with religious leaders often viewed as trusted figures who should not be questioned.
The lack of research and reporting on the prevalence of clergy sexual abuse of adults is deeply concerning. Disclosure is a critical first step for victims, as it can lead to access to essential support and resources. However, victims are routinely blamed, ignored, and silenced, creating significant barriers to disclosure. Intersectionality, including factors like race and gender, plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences and responses of victims.
Racial stereotypes and myths perpetuate systemic oppression, further complicating the already challenging path to disclosure for minority survivors. For example, the "Strong Black Woman" stereotype and the "model minority" myth can discourage Black and Asian American victims, respectively, from seeking help. The concept of (intra)cultural trust, where victims may be reluctant to report abuse within their own ethnic group, also hinders disclosure.5
The implications for further research in this area are clear. Understanding the motivations of clergy who engage in sexual abuse and how they target vulnerable populations can inform prevention efforts. Additionally, the prevalence of rape myths in minority communities may lead victims to not recognize clergy sexual abuse as abusive, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive interventions.
Mono-ethnic churches, which serve as both places of worship and pillars of community for many immigrants and minorities, present unique challenges. The close-knit nature of these environments, combined with cultural factors, can create additional barriers for victims to speak up and seek help.
It is evident that the issue of clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse of adults and the role of intersectionality in shaping victims' responses remain severely understudied and misunderstood.
Dedicated research efforts are crucial to dismantle the culture of silence surrounding this issue and empower survivors from diverse backgrounds to seek support and healing.
The ultimate goal is to work towards a society where individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, can practice their faith without the fear of exploitation and the devastating consequences of clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse. By shedding light on this pressing issue and addressing the intersectional barriers faced by victims, we can pave the way for much-needed systemic changes within religious institutions and provide a path to justice and healing for all those affected.
Lucy Huh is a Ph.D. student at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University.
Power and the Christian: A Bible Study Teaching Christians to Handle Power Responsibly, Inspired by Research
Informed of the need by research on clergy sexual abuse of adults, a Bible study offers theological insights on how Christians should steward their individual and collective power.
There exists a need for theological researchers interested in the topic of adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA). The dire need for education on how to handle power responsibly is evident. Misuse of power darkens human history, and religious groups are no exception. What denomination or religious group doesn’t have a story about leaders engaging in fraudulent or unethical practices, bullying, exploitation, or sexual abuse? When this happens, which institution stands out as the “light on a hill,” responding with institutional courage, not betrayal?6 Regardless of the institution, whether religious or secular, abuse of authority—using one’s position of power to exert control, manipulation, or harm for one’s benefit is commonplace. So is the subsequent narrative control and cover-up.
For some Christian leaders, the term “abuse of power” is new and mistaken as a novel idea. Perhaps this is a failure on the part of seminaries as the Bible is replete with storylines addressing this issue and prophets commissioned by God to rebuke it. A robust theology of power is lacking among Christian leaders, which is evident in their responses to abuse within their ranks. Taking impression management cues from institutions outside the Church is typical.7 Regardless of religious affiliation, religious leaders lack critical reflection concerning its history of abuse of power, leading to a cycle of abuse, cover-up, and vilifying those who address it.
In the 2009 Bible study, Power and the Christian, by the late Dr. Diana Garland and the late Vicki Marsh Kabat, power is explained through a biblical lens. They emphasize the link between servanthood and power, explaining that everyone, regardless of status, typically holds some power within various relationships. The study came after Dr. Garland researched clergy sexual abuse of adults, which showed her that the need for a fundamental theology of power is apparent. The study focuses on four biblical stories: Jesus welcoming children, the life of Esther, the relationship between Eli and Samuel, and the story of David, Uriah, and Bathsheba. Each story offers insights into power dynamics and prompts reflection on personal conduct.
The authors of this study, which is not an exhaustive treatment of a theology of power, invite religious leaders to use this for sermon preparation. It can also be a guide for group discussions or personal reflection. An additional book, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church, by Dr. Diane Langberg, a Christian psychologist and international trauma expert working with adult clergy sexual abuse survivors and clergy who offend, provides “a clinical and theological framework for understanding how power operates, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper God-given place in relationships and institutions.”
Academic theologians can significantly contribute to ACSA scholarship. However, it's crucial to recognize that scholars like Dr. Diana Garland and Dr. Diane Langberg possess extensive experience with adult clergy sexual abuse survivors.
Theologians who are unwilling to engage with the existing scholarship on adult clergy sexual abuse and institutional betrayal or who lack meaningful interaction with those affected by ACSA may find themselves lacking the necessary insight to fully comprehend the complexities and nuances of the issue.
This deficiency could result in overlooking crucial aspects of their theological discourse and research. If the expertise of theologians who are literate in ACSA research reaches seminarians, perhaps there will be a distinction between future religious leaders and secular leaders when responding to abuse of power. Even better, maybe abuse of power won’t be commonplace in sacred spaces.
Read Power and the Christian by Dr. Diana Garland and Vicki Marsh Kabat.
T. P. Zamora, editor of CSM Research Insights and sociology student, explores power dynamics and abuse within religious institutions and its multi-faceted impact on survivors.
Chaves, M., & Garland, D. (2009). The prevalence of clergy sexual advances toward adults in their congregations. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 48(4), 817-824. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2009.01482.x
Laumann, Edward O., John H. Gagnon, Robert T. Michael, and Stuart Michaels. 1994. The social organization of sexuality: Sexual practices in the United States. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
I recently presented at the 32nd Annual Joint National Conference of the National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates (NAAAS) on my proposed research, An Exploratory Study of Cultural Betrayal Trauma from Clergy-Perpetrated Sexual Abuse of Adults in the Black Church.
Learn more about the concepts of institutional courage and institutional betrayal, developed from betrayal trauma theory by Dr. Jennifer J. Freyd.
See Dr. Jennifer M. Gómez’s theory, Cultural Betrayal Trauma Theory.
See Dr. Jennifer Freyd’s research on Institutional Courage versus Institutional Betrayal on the Center for Institutional Courage website, where institutions can learn to respond better to instances of abuse.
Dr.
addresses this extensively in his book Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power.
Great work Tiffany.
We desperately need more research in this space. In Australia we have one study only in the Catholic Church by Stephen de Weger!
I would like for see in Australia someone with a legal background take on some research regarding professional sexual misconduct and the different governing bodies responses (doctors, Psychs, clergy) because we do not have criminal laws in Australia to protect patients, clients or congregation members from adult sexual grooming.
I would love to see more voice given to the spouses of perpetrator pastors and I would love to see if there is any correlation between pastors who use coercive control in the home and if they are also engaging in clergy sexual misconduct. Are they perpetrating abuse at home and in the church?
I would love to see more voice given to the families of the primary survivors, what does their healing trajectory look like.
My data collection has closed and I am looking forward to bringing another drop in the ocean that addresses sexual violence in faith communities by looking at some of the grooming tactics employed and impacts on Australian survivors.