Child Protection in the Church: An Anglican Case Study

Child Protection in the Church investigates whether reform is occurring within Christian churches towards safeguarding, using a case study of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, Australia. It adopts organisational culture theory to understand how clerical attitudes and practice are being shaped by negative cultures, which misunderstand abuse causation and compromise policy and procedural requirements. The book is a useful companion to students, academics, and practitioners of child protection and organisational studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Child Protection in the Church delves into the examination of whether genuine reform is taking place within Christian churches in Australia, particularly within the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, in response to the publicized promises of change and the implementation of "safe church" policies and procedures. By employing a case study approach, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the attitudes and practices of "ordinary clergypersons" towards child sexual abuse and safeguarding. Through in-depth interviews and rigorous document analysis, the book seeks to unravel how safe ministry is conceptualized and executed in the daily lives of clergy within the Church, and to assess the extent to which it aligns with policy requirements and criminological best practices.

Drawing upon organizational culture theory, the book explores how clerical culture has historically facilitated and concealed child sexual abuse within the Church, shaping the attitudes and practices of clergy today. It sheds light on the underlying misunderstandings of abuse causation that contribute to negative influences on clerical practice and, at times, compromise policy and procedural requirements.

By offering a firsthand account of the lived reality of safeguarding within churches, the book serves as a valuable resource for students, academics, practitioners of child protection, organizational studies, clergy, church leaders, and those engaged in ministry training. It provides a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable individuals within religious contexts, and highlights the ongoing efforts to promote reform and best practices in this critical area.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367607838