Clerical Errors: How Clericalism Betrays the Gospel and How to Heal the Church
Ebook
The Catholic church is in serious decline. This book claims that the corruption of the institution derives from various "clerical errors," especially clericalism, which assumes that clergy are superior and deserve privileges. Clericalism divides the church into two unequal classes, betraying the gospel, which teaches that all people are equal. Clerical privilege makes the sexual abuse of children more likely, and has led most bishops to conceal it. Clerical Errors begins by examining the trials and acquittal of Cardinal Pell. Was it the jury who made a grave error--or was it the cardinal? Other chapters look at worldwide sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy and traumatic impacts on survivors. What might have caused this tragedy? The institutional nature of the church? Defective Canon Law? Misuse of the sacrament of Confession? Compulsory celibacy? Homosexuality? The book's last, hopeful chapter proposes a radical but simple model for restoring the Christian church.
“Clerical Errors is a brilliant example of speaking the
truth in love at a very crucial moment for today’s Catholics. While
honestly facing up to the issues confronting our Church, Peter
Murnane, in the mold of Pope Francis, points us in the direction we
need to take if we are to be authentic voices in today’s
world.”
—Pat Power, retired auxiliary bishop of Canberra and Goulburn
“As we journey together as a Church community towards much-needed
institutional transformation, we need strong and hopeful voices
like Peter Murnane to point out our deficiencies and to offer
healing.”
—John Warhurst, Australian National University
“Murnane writes prophetically, asking grave questions about the
destructive impact of clericalism on the core mission of Jesus as a
servant Church, where all are invited, welcomed and flourish as a
community of radical service and equality in our fractured world.
Not without hope, and by the leverage of his own life choices,
Murnane calls us to be part of that reform, believing we are at a
crossroads where Christ’s message is at stake.”
—Sheila Flynn, Siena College, Australia
“Murnane provides an insider’s lens on the damage wrought by the
culture of clericalism. He makes a compelling case for reform of
the Catholic Church, emphasizing the dysfunctional exercise of
power and privilege.”
—Francis Sullivan, former CEO, Truth, Justice, and Healing
Council
“A vivid and accurate explanation of the causal connection between
clericalism (a deadly virus) and child sexual abuse (a deadly
symptom). This work is unique because it exposes the systemic
causes of clericalism with a depth and insight not provided by
others. To truly comprehend clerical sex abuse this book is
essential.”
—Thomas Doyle, clergy sexual abuse advocate
- Title: Clerical Errors: How Clericalism Betrays the Gospel and How to Heal the Church
- Author: Peter Murnane
- Publisher: Resource Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666740028, 9781666740011, 9781666740004, 1666740020, 1666740012, 1666740004
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666740028
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T19:56:54Z
Peter Murnane, a Dominican friar ordained in 1965, has worked in
parishes, prisons, universities, and the formation of priests.
Author of Archways to the Infinite and many
magazine articles, in his eighty-third year he is working in
inner-city evangelization.