Wednesday, March 25
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET.
Online | Free
The concepts of integrity, accountability and transparency have garnered significant scholarly attention in response to the escalating child sexual abuse crisis within ecclesiastical institutions. As clericalism and various manifestations of power abuse have been identified as fundamental systemic factors contributing to this crisis, the laity have increasingly demanded enhanced transparency and accountability from ecclesiastical authorities regarding both their ministerial functions and conduct.
The correlation between institutional opacity and widespread harm has become evident. Contemporary expectations dictate that individuals occupying ecclesiastical offices demonstrate accountability for their actions and transparency regarding their motivations. However, these imperatives frequently conflict with legitimate privacy rights to which all individuals are entitled. This presentation examines the significance of integrity, transparency and accountability as mechanisms for restoring institutional trust among the lay faithful.
Professor Stéphane Joulain is a French Catholic priest member of the Society of Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers). He holds a Master of Arts degree in Practical Theology (STL) and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Spirituality. His professional expertise encompasses clinical psychotherapy with a specialization in child protection and the therapeutic treatment of people who have experienced sexual abuse. He serves as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.
Professor Joulain obtained specialized training in systemic victimology in France and advanced clinical training in the treatment of sexual abuse perpetrators in Canada. He served in Rome within his congregation’s Child Protection Department. Over the past twenty-five years, he has conducted professional training programs on sexual abuse prevention across multiple countries and has provided consultancy services to various religious congregations and some Vatican Dicasteries. He currently serves as Director of the Bethany Centre for counselling and spiritual renewal.
