Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-181) and index.

Foreward, Nancy Myer Hopkins -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- Ch. 1 The congregation as a family system -- Ch. 2 The illusion of Eden and the Fortified City -- Ch. 3 God transference, the good object, and the makeup of ministers -- Ch. 4 Mirroring God: Clergy in relationship -- Ch. 5 The issue of Clergy sexual misconduct -- Ch. 6 Vulnerability and the psychology of the victim -- Ch. 7 The scapegoat as the bearer of evil -- Ch. 8 Untold tales and skeletons in the closet -- Ch. 9 The case of Hope Church -- Ch. 10 Reowning responsibility -- Ch. 11 Postscript: Becoming a functinal spiritual family -- App. Clinical presentation of survivors of sexual abuse -- Notes -- Glossary -- Index.

"In Understanding Clergy Misconduct in Religious Systems, you'll take an incisive look at why sexual misconduct occurs in religious systems and how to implement proactive strategies for holistic change. Applicable to both Jewish and Christian communities, this illuminating exploration also takes a look at the psychology behind the inevitable scapegoating that occurs in these situations, why it is perpetuated, and how you can avoid the damaging tradition of silence that allows the trauma to continue its destructive work, impairing congregations for years to come."