| Abstrakt: |
This article argues that sexual abuse by clergy occurs in social, ecclesial and theological settings, in which power and responsibility are split from one another. This split is characteristic of structures of domination and oppression in which those with more power are not held responsible for the power they wield and those with less power are made overly responsible. Christian theology has reinforced this split and provided ideological justification for it in the ways it has conceptualized God, sin and the human condition, Jesus' saving action, and ecclesial relations. Adequate responses to sexual abuse by clergy would seek to mend this split by holding clergy fully responsible and accountable, while empowering those who have been harmed. A corresponding theology of accountability and empowerment would support ecclesial and theological transformation. Feminist theologians offer numerous resources for analyzing problematic aspects of Christian theology and envisioning transformation. |
