A Story of Trauma and Loss
Rating:
4 / 5
This book shows the frustration created when any denomination or institution in the community of faith is either unwilling or unable to respond in a way that is sufficient to avoid a sense of re-injury instead of facilitating healing from the trauma and losses that are typically sustained in sexual and/or spiritual abuse in the community of faith. It demonstrates the problems that dual relationships create for congregants and clergy alike. Perhaps its greatest value will be in the needed raising of consciousness in regard to abuse by female clergy of another female.
Dee Miller,
author of (1) How Little We Knew: Collusion and Confusion with Sexual Misconduct and (2) The Truth about Malarkey
See www.takecourage.org
Fairbanks Chronicles a Different Kind of Clergy Abuse
Rating:
5 / 5
"Hiding Behind the Collar" is a meticulously written chronicle of one woman's attempt to hold her church accountable for the emotional exploitation she suffered as a result of the trust relationship she had with her pastor. Often, spiritual and emotional abuse is described only in the context of sexual exploitation. Author Catherine Fairbanks helps readers understand how an exploitative clergy can use the power of position to emotionally manipulate, confuse, and attempt to destroy parishioners without overt sexual abuse. One of the unique things about "Hiding Behind the Collar" is that the perpetrator is a troubled female clergy who gains perverse enjoyment from emotionally exploiting female parishioners. The story touches the deepest part of one's beliefs about faith, truth, and justice. It is a memoir of an experience no one wants to go through -- yet a realistic view of what can happen to individuals in communities of faith when they try to hold leaders accountable. It is a "must read" for all who care about fostering healthy communities of faith.
Hiding Behind the Collar
Rating:
4 / 5
Hiding Behind the Collar by Catherine Brittion Fairbanks is an interesting read about the author's struggle to rectify clergy misconduct in her church. It tells of her battle with the church hierarchy and the stinging disappointment she experienced when neither reconcilliation nor clergy discipline occurred.
Hiding Behind the Collar is a road map of one person's journey through a bitter and trying time in life and points the way toward organizations that can help in the healing process.
|