Tallahassee author confronts clergy misconduct in new book

The title of this book, “Clergy Sexual Misconduct”, is surprising on first reading. The clergy are universally held in high esteem and seen as the direct representative of God, revered for their wisdom and benevolence.

But some of the very characteristics we admire in them, their charisma and empathy, can also cause some to transgress. It’s hard to think, but author Melanie Barton Bragg, LCSW, Ed.D, a member of the Tallahassee Writers Association, has knowledge, both as the wife of a clergyman and from hearing countless stories of those who have been exploited.

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Upon learning that a respected member of the clergy has committed a sexual transgression, most of us react with disbelief and a sense of betrayal. We want to believe that servants of God are above such acts, but according to Barton Bragg’s new guide, clergy sexual abuse is not only common, but in many cases predictable.

According to the author, the role of spiritual leader is a powerful role that often receives little or no oversight, leaving the perceived benevolent shepherd free to exploit those in desperate need of care.

That a minister or priest might abuse his position of trust is difficult for parishioners to accept when a complaint is made, especially in conservative congregations, although the signs are visible for those who wish to look beyond the polished varnish. Unfortunately, even those in positions of power around the minister often turn a blind eye to this aspect of their leader.

Admiring followers of these priests, pastors, and televangelists may be especially vulnerable to exploitation by sexual predators dressed in clerical garb. The question is what churches can do to protect their members from sexual misconduct. Above all, what happens to the troubled person who asked for help and found himself a victim?

According to Barton Bragg, victims of clerical abuse lose a lot in this scenario: they lose their trusted spiritual advisor, and most often their spiritual home. Since victims of clerical abuse are often presented in a negative frame by their disbelieving brethren, their chances of getting the help they seek are slim. Unfortunately, their abuser may never be brought to justice or the problem solved.

Clerical misconduct is a widespread problem, according to Barton Bragg, and disclosure is essential to bringing about lasting change and healing for abusers and their victims. According to the author and his sources, 95% of the cases involve women who are in the custody of a man in a position of power.

She suggests that the clergy be held accountable for their conduct, that there be oversight and consequences for their misbehavior, and above all help for their victims.

Barton Bragg will host a book workshop at My Favorite Books, 1410 Market St., Suite C-2, from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 6.

Saundra Kelley is a member of the Tallahassee Writers Association and is a master storyteller. His books include Southern Appalachian Storytellers: Interviews with Sixteen Keepers of the Oral Tradition; Danger in Blackwater Marsh; and The Day the Mirror Cried. Contact her at https://saundrakelley.com.

If you are going to

What: Author’s Workshop on “Clergy Sexual Misconduct”

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6

Where: My Favorite Books, 1410 Market St., Suite C-2

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