- Jo Paul Kiriyanthan
For prevention of possible child sexual abuse events involved by clerics, it is important to seek out for potential aggressors during the formation period. Actually, many who are tormented by such sexual problems believed that Sacrament of Holy orders will provide them a magical healing or celibate ministry will take care of their sexual struggles. Therefore, there is a significant need for careful screening and adequate preparation from the part of responsible persons in formation (Zollner & Cucci, 2013, pp. 49 & 51). In the recent years many Catholic seminaries have refined their admissions and screening process with more emphasis on attracting healthy candidates and keeping problematic ones out of priesthood. For which, formators as well as vocation directors seek more frequently the help of a qualified psychologist in US. These experts examine the psychosexual history of the candidate in details. These attempts have contributed positively in helping priests to live their celibate life (Lemmons, 2007, paras 1–5). This model is familiar one in different part of the world. Many use any kind of support of the expert to evaluate the psycho-sexual maturity of the candidate. Some seminaries use them at the beginning of the formation and some others at different stages of formation; for example, after the initial formation period or before the theological studies. Such an intervention of an expert can be effective in tracing out possible CSA offenders.
Some recurring elements or ‘red flags’ in the abuse dynamic can be useful to trace down some possible child sexual abuse offenders. Rossetti (1994) emphasizes six of them as 1) Confusion about sexual orientation, 2) Childish interests and behaviour, 3) Lack of peer relationships, 4) Extremes in developmental sexual experiences (excessive amount of sexual stimulation or repression of sexuality in the childhood), 5) Personal history of childhood sexual abuse and/or deviant sexual experiences 6) An excessively passive, dependent, conforming personality (pp. 6-10). Lack of integration of aggression and immature living of anger also is an alarming sign (Zollner & Cucci, 2013, p. 45). Unhealthy SE is undoubtedly a risk factor among child molesters (Marshall et al., 2005, p. 49).
These signs are very significant in tracing out possible child sexual abuse offenders. But a categorical approach to prevent them to enter into the formation programme is less practical and definitely non-Christian. Christ has chosen vulnerable humans as his apostles. For example, one of the signs of predictions is the personal history of childhood sexual abuse. But in reality, many victims of child sexual abuse have made fine ministers. But the wounds incurred by the abuse should have been addressed and opened to God’s healing before acceptance to the seminary. It is unfortunate if some decide not to admit a candidate if he has been sexually molested (Rossetti, 1994, pp. 9–10). Therefore, it is a challenging task for a formator to understand the reality of a candidate.
There can be some misguiding elements in identifying the real self of a candidate. There is a greater chance to reward those who obey the rules and do not make waves. It is true that people want their ministers to be nice. But excessive dependent persons also will be such conformists (Rossetti, 1994, p. 10). All those who are obedient are need not be obedient in its real sense- it can be dependence, can be passive submission, due to lack of self-esteem and fear. Then living in ambiguity about sexual orientation is not a healthy sign for a candidate to priesthood (Zollner & Cucci, 2013, p. 42). But it is a matter of privacy for the candidate and in a much-disciplined atmosphere there is a greater chance for hiding such deficiencies from the part of candidates. It can be thus less noticed in the community or by the formator. A fact like confusion about sexual orientation needs to be addressed in one’s adolescence. Actually, the period of theology studies is not ideal to clarify the sexual orientation (Rossetti, 1994, p. 7). A basic awareness in the field of developmental psychology would definitely helpful for a formator in this regard. If there find some clear indications about traces of a sexual offender, it is always better to have an external help of an expert. Especially to work with a proper pedophile is challenging and formator need to facilitate this referral to a trained clinician in such occasions (Parappully, 2006, p. 19). Therefore, a co-operative mission between formators and the experts in psychology is very important in this realm. It is true that experts can help in this area. But it does not deny the responsibility of formators; actually, they are the responsible figures than an expert who is only a helper. Formators are more available with the candidates and he can be more influential in the life of a candidate.
