Abstract
This paper examines the impact of the sexual abuse of minors by members of the Catholic clergy, focusing on the destabilization of religious dispositions and the restructuring of victims’ spiritual capital. In France, the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (Ciase), established by the Church itself, has brought to light the scale of this violence. The revelation of these long-concealed abuses has fueled growing distrust toward the institution, leading to an increase in requests for debaptism and a decline in donations from the faithful. However, testimonies collected by the Commission reveal that, despite this mistrust, some victims continue to hold expectations of an institution that has failed them. For those who have not completely disaffiliated, their connection to Catholicism persists through adjustments in their beliefs, their identification with the faith, and their engagement with the Church. In some cases, victims’ accounts even demonstrate an intensified commitment to internal Church reform, reflecting a paradoxical attachment despite the suffering they have endured.
Presenters
Josselin TricouMaître-assistant, Institut de Sciences Sociales des Religions, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, CATHOLIC CHURCH, CONSEQUENCES, DISAFFILIATION, DISENGAGEMENT, MILITANT OVERCOMMITMENT
