SACRILEGE

Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church

by Leon J. Podles


For the first time, an author skilled in investigations and with knowledge of theology and history surveys and analyzes the crisis of the largest institution in the world.

 

Sacrilege explores the deep roots of the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal, for the first time revealing its full depth and breadth. As former Federal Investigator Leon Podles documents, the abuse is not limited to a few well-publicized cases in New England; instead it has occurred in every type of Catholic institution, in every time period, throughout the world.

 

In horrifying yet necessary detail, Sacrilege surveys the full extent of the damage, showing victims failed by bishops, laity, therapists, police, courts, press and even popes. Sacrilege is an essential resource for all those concerned with the history and future of Catholicism.

 

Take a look inside the book.

 

Watch Author Leon Podles explain why he wrote Sacrilege, with introductions by Skip Eby and Thomas Doyle. National Press Club news conference, Washington D.C.

 

 

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

 

Sacrilege is unique and invaluable as a one-volume source of the hard facts about clergy sex abuse and the variety of underlying causes. There have been many books written about clergy sex abuse, but this book is a must-have.”

— Thomas Doyle, J.C.D., C.A.C.D.
Co-author, Sex, Priests, and Secret Codes: The Catholic
Church’s 2,000-Year Paper Trail of Sexual Abuse

 

“As a committed Catholic, steeped in its history, theology and governance, Dr. Podles suggests ways and means to address this tragic offense squarely and honestly. Sacrilege is a passionate plea for justice, recognition, repentance, restitution, and responsibility.”

— Carman Miller,
Professor of history, McGill University, Montreal

 

Sacrilege is a relentless examination of the clergy sex abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church with great compassion for the victims. Leon J. Podles stands apart from other investigators by virtue of his orthodoxy. That won’t sit well with some church officials and ideologues of the Left. All the more reason this book deserves to be read.

— Jason Berry

Author, Lead Us Not into Temptation:

Catholic Priests and the Sexual Abuse of Children

 

“Leon Podles is a scholar and an intent and committed Christian. . . . He pulls no punches in calling the situation a sacrilege. Podles’ investigative skills make the book indispensable for anyone seriously concerned about sexual abuse of minors by priests and bishops, or anyone.”

— A.W. Richard Sipe

Author, Sex, Priests, and Power: The Anatomy of a Crisis

 

“ . . . a necessary read for comprehending the depth of evil that festered in the Catholic Church." Read the whole article...

— New Oxford Review Notes

New Oxford Review, June, 2008

 

SACRILEGE BOOK REVIEWS

 

Sacrilege examines a painful subject"
Read the review...

— By Diane Levero

Defend Life, May - June, 2008

 

 

“The Perennial Crisis of Clerical Sexual Abuse"
Read the review...

— By Paul Bower

New Oxford Book Reviews, July-August, 2008

 

Sacrilege

Available now. Get your copy today