Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-212) and index.

Each volume of the Facts On File Library in a Book series is carefully designed to be a first-stop research source on important current issues. Written clearly and carefully so that even the most complex aspects of the topic are easily understandable, the books give the reader the essential information to begin work, plus the research tools needed to delve more deeply into the issue. Each book includes a history of the subject, biographical information on important figures in the field, a complete annotated bibliography, and a carefully designed index-everything the researcher needs to get down to work. On December 13, 2002, Cardinal Bernard Law resigned as the archbishop of the Boston Archdiocese and as the nation's most senior Roman Catholic prelate. Law's resignation was the culmination of a year-long controversy in which the cardinal was accused of covering up the sexual abuse of children by priests over a period of decades and then transferring the priests to other parishes where, in many cases, they continued to sexually exploit other children. Although much of the media's coverage of clergy sexual misconduct has focused on Catholic priests, sexual misconduct occurs among clergy of all faiths more frequently than most people realize. Documenting this devastating problem in all faiths, Sexual Misconduct and the Clergy examines all facets of clergy sexual misconduct. In a current and complete overview of the topic, this reference provides historical context, examines the scope of the problem, and presents a balanced account of efforts to deal with the problem of sexual misconduct by clergy of all faiths. Examining both the human and the financial costs of the scandal, this comprehensive volume reviews legislation and lawsuits relating to sexual misconduct and includes lists of the statute of limitations and the mandatory reporting laws in each state and statistics about sex offenders. A fascinating and comprehensive guide that provides students and general readers with the resources necessary to define, understand, and research issues related to sexual misconduct and the church. Includes a bibliography, chronology, glossary, biographical listing. An additional chapter on how to research the topic, appendixes of laws and court cases, and a list of applicable organizations and agencies make this reference an invaluable resource for anyone studying this current issue.

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