Short description:

This volume examines the often-overlooked crisis of sexual misconduct within Korean Protestant churches, exploring how militarized culture, hierarchical power, and institutional silence contribute to the abuse of congregants—especially those in vulnerable situations. Through a blend of sociocultural, theological, and psychological analysis, the book goes beyond individual acts of transgression to reveal the systemic forces that perpetuate clergy sexual misconduct. By investigating the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of abuse, the book offers a framework for reframing survivor-centered care and rethinking pastoral theology. It concludes with a call for transformative change in religious practice, urging greater transparency and more compassionate faith communities. Essential reading for scholars, students, and practitioners, this book provides critical insights into addressing sexual abuse within church settings and fostering ethical ministry.

AHyun Lee is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Psychotherapy at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, USA. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and an ordained elder in full connection with the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Long description:

This volume examines the often-overlooked crisis of sexual misconduct within Korean Protestant churches, exploring how militarized culture, hierarchical power, and institutional silence contribute to the abuse of congregants—especially those in vulnerable situations. Through a blend of sociocultural, theological, and psychological analysis, the book goes beyond individual acts of transgression to reveal the systemic forces that perpetuate clergy sexual misconduct. By investigating the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of abuse, the book offers a framework for reframing survivor-centered care and rethinking pastoral theology. It concludes with a call for transformative change in religious practice, urging greater transparency and more compassionate faith communities. Essential reading for scholars, students, and practitioners, this book provides critical insights into addressing sexual abuse within church settings and fostering ethical ministry.

Table of Contents:

Ch 1: Introduction.- Ch 2: Beyond Labels: The Complexity in Naming the Experiences of Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors.- Ch 3: Undocumented Wounds: An Overview of Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Misconduct within Korean Protestant Churches.- Ch 4: Silenced Voices: Clergy Power and Authority in Korean Protestant Church Culture.- Ch 5: From Individual to Community: Psychological Analysis of Clergy Sexual Misconduct.- Ch 6: The Process of Making Others: Social and Cultural Criticism of Sexual Misconduct within Religious Communities.- Ch 7: Militarized Masculinity and Gender Binary: When Militarism Normalizes Rape Culture in Korean Protestant Churches.- Ch 8: The Paradox of Presence: Transcultural Dynamics and Invisibility in Korean Protestant Churches.- Ch 9: From Colonial Origins to Clergy Misconduct: Deconstructing Perpetrator’s Entitlement and Purity Culture's Path in Korean Churches.- Ch 10: Trauma-Informed Pastoral Theology: When Pastoral Caregivers Resist Abusive Theologies.- Ch 11: Key Intercultural Pastoral Care and Counseling Implications for Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse in Korean Protestant Churches.- Ch 12: Conclusion.