CRISIS IN THE CHURCH: ASIAN CONTEXT AND RESPONSES

2020-05-12

The recent crisis in the Church due to sexual abuse by the clergy, according to many, is the biggest crisis in the history of the Church. Some others would say that it should be considered at least as the biggest crisis since Reformation. Although the sexual abuse crisis began as an issue in the Western countries, it is becoming clear that no part of the world is immune to this. Reports, especially in the last few years, indicate that cases of sexual abuse of minors and women by the clergy are on the increase in Asia as well. However, it is doubtful how the Asian Church has acknowledged this as a serious issue affecting it. 

Besides the seriousness of the sex abuse scandal itself, it also raises concerns about the administrative system and structure of the Church and ecclesial life. Many have pointed out that clericalism, abuse of power, a system that lacks transparency and accountability, etc. are the real reasons behind the abuse scandal. There is also the need of reconsidering some of the traditional theological issues and developing a theology for our times.

June 2020 issue of Asian Horizons invites articles on “Crisis in the Church: Asian Context and Responses.” 

Suggested Topics [only suggestions, not exhaustive]:

  • Abuse of Minors and the Crisis in the Church [can focus on Asian in general or a particular country]
  • Sexual Abuse of Women/Nuns in the Church [can focus on Asia in general or a particular country]
  • Sexual Abuse: Psychological Perspectives
  • Church Law on Sexual Abuse of Minors and Women
  • Sexual Abuse and a Theology of Sexuality
  • Celibacy and Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse Scandal and a Theology of Priesthood
  • Sexual Abuse Scandal and Its Implications for Seminary Formation
  • Asia: Socio-Cultural Aspects that may Facilitate Sexual Abuse
  • Measures Taken by the Church to Ensure Protection of Minors and Women
  • Transparency and Accountability in Church Administration
  • Clericalism and Abuse of Power
  • Ethics in Pastoral Ministry
  • Theology of Justice and Abuse Scandal

Please send your articles (4500-5000 words, including the footnotes) at the latest by 15 May 2020. Kindly include the abstract of the article in 150-200 words, 5-7 Keywords and a summary of the CV of the author in 100-150 words.

Other regular items: “New Scholars”: Abstract of doctoral theses (recently defended and not yet published); Reports and Statements of important conferences, Book Reviews.

For submitting the articles and for more details: Shaji George Kochuthara (editor-in-chief): kochuthshaji@gmail.com