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 PrintableVersion Child Sex Abuse and the ChurchesCHILD SEX ABUSE AND THE CHURCHES I did not relish the prospect of either reading or reviewing this book but, having done so, I have no hesitation in recommending it wholeheartedly. This is quite the best book I have read on the subject of child sexual abuse and is so much more helpful by virtue of being written from a distinctly Christian perspective. It opens up this difficult area in a highly informed but accessible way, bringing together a tremendous breadth of research alongside the case histories of numerous individuals who have become the victims or perpetrators of child sexual abuse, many of them believers. The book is helpfully divided into three main sections: understanding child sexual abuse; pastoral issues; and the churches' response to child sexual abuse. It ranges from an examination of the broader issues for Christians to grapple with to the nuts and bolts of putting together and implementing a Church Child Protection Policy. Controversial areas around what does and does not constitute child sexual abuse, Christians who sexually abuse children, recovered memories, false allegations and the nature of repentance and forgiveness are all tackled head-on and explored carefully. The author lives and works in Australia but has taken care to address the issue within the British context (including the legal framework) and his international perspective enhances rather than detracts from the message. Overall, one is left with the conviction that this book has not only been written by an expert in the field but by a man who knows and loves the Saviour and is able to face sin at its worst, deal uncompromisingly with the sinner and yet demonstrate real compassion for both the victims and perpetrators of such wrongs. The book has spurred our church on to putting together a Child Protection Policy and I hope many more will be encouraged and enabled to do so by reading this book. As the author says in his preface: 'Sexual abuse is not a topic which can bring any joy to the heart. But it exists. It is widespread. It is happening in Christian families and in local churches. And a large number of survivors of abuse are in our churches. It is therefore an issue which no-one who is in a position of Christian leadership can ignore.' Nadine Parker,
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