ABSTRACT
The problem of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church erupted as a major issue in the media in the United States of America at the end of the twentieth century. The clerical system in the Catholic Church is designed both to be aware of sexual abuse by priests and also to keep this knowledge secret. Bishops and clergy know about this sexual activity from a variety of sources that have been a part of their experience, sometimes even from childhood, but also throughout their training and relations to one another. Homosexual orientation, as well as sexual activity, is well known among Catholic clergy. The issue of sexual abuse by priests remains a highly emotional topic. There is still more to do to ensure that no children are endangered and that no perpetrators of abuse still remain in ministry.
