Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes how the Bishops’ Conference over time developed principles and procedures to respond to the issues of clergy sexual abuse, beginning in the late 1980s with the formulation of five principles and culminating in 2002 with the adoption of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It argues that the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is binding “all the bishops of the United States to a uniform code of action and response in the event of accusations and instances of sexual abuse.” The book summarizes what we have learned from the clergy abuse crisis, and focuses on the systemic issues that need to be examined–not just personal relationships but issues of structure and meaning.