The SCSSA has provided a guide to reading and reflecting on 'The Cross of the Moment' - the first major study of how the child abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in England and Wales has impacted on the Catholic community. This report of a research project, led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies, suggests that aspects of the culture of the Catholic Church are implicated in how clerical child sexual abuse has happened and that the response of the Church has caused further pain and harm, described by victims and survivors as ‘secondary abuse’.

The focus of the research was to listen to the voices of victims and survivors of abuse and their families. It also listened to others either directly or indirectly affected by the abuse crisis including parish communities, laypeople, priests, deacons, bishops, religious communities and safeguarding staff. The report presents theological reflection on the experiences described.

Although the report recognises that progress has been made in safeguarding practice and in finding more compassionate ways to accompany and support victim-survivors, it concludes that more work is needed. It suggests learning from restorative justice and healing circle practices to find ways to heal relationships between victim-survivors and the Catholic community. It also suggests habits of clericalism are changed and accountability within the Church’s structures is improved.

The report responds to Pope Francis’ proposal that to move forward, the Catholic community needs "a continuous and profound conversion of hearts attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church". It invites groups across the Catholic community to listen more deeply to the voices of all those affected and consider what may need to change in Catholic culture and theological understanding.  While based on research in England & Wales, much of it is relevant in Scotland.

CLICK HERE to access the SCSSA's Guide to reading and reflecting on the report.