When Values Collide: The Catholic Church, Sexual Abuse, and the Challenges of Leadership [Paperback]

Joseph P. Chinnici (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Orbis Books (June 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570758735
• ISBN-13: 978-1570758737
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #942,614 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timely and insightful, June 3, 2010

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R. J. Karris - See all my reviews
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This review is from: When Values Collide: The Catholic Church, Sexual Abuse, and the Challenges of Leadership (Paperback)

This is a timely and insightful book, consisting of narratives and meditations. Chinnici does not compose his narratives as someone viewing the sexual abuse scandal from the outside. As a major religious superior of the Franciscan Friars of St. Barbara Province, he has personally encountered the sinners and the scandals involved. He has personally and compassionately treated the victims of abuse.
Chinnici's narratives remind us of what has taken place in recent USA Catholic history and also give us insight into what transpired in the hearts and minds of leaders who dealt with this scandal.

Over and above these narratives, which show Chinnici as the outstanding historian that he is, are his reflections as a theologian who draws his inspiration from Sacred Scripture, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Bonaventure. I quote pp. 189-190: "I have attempted to construct a memory of the past that opens up for us a creative path for the future. The crisis over the sexual abuse of minors in the Church has begun to fade ... but its consequences, our memory of it, and what it has taught us about our Church and society, we need always to treasure. I do not believe we should bury the facts of our own history, the injuries done and the penances required. When not clouded by denial or retreat, memory can open us to a richer sense of Who God Is and who we are who encounter each other.... One challenge before the Church is clearly the complete elimination of the crime of the sexual abuse of minors. There is also another task: To re-member the scandal, and by this re-membering to insert into our public discourse and life a Gospel vision of God's goodness and who we are called to be together. May the Lord give us peace." One might wish that Pope Benedict XVI would make this book required reading for all Bishops and major religious superiors.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A key read for anyone pondering the future of the Catholic church, August 8, 2010

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Values Collide: The Catholic Church, Sexual Abuse, and the Challenges of Leadership (Paperback)

The scandals that the Catholic church has been facing have proved to be daunting for this millennia year old institution. "When Values Collide: The Catholic Church, Sexual Abuse, and the Challenges of Leadership" discusses the challenges that the Catholic Church faces with the recent allegations of child abuse and how it has lead to a more vehement debate of the fallibility of the Catholic Church and its leadership. A fascinating debate with much to think about, "When Values Collide" is a key read for anyone pondering the future of the Catholic church.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Pain To Healing, November 27, 2010

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MKIM - See all my reviews

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This review is from: When Values Collide: The Catholic Church, Sexual Abuse, and the Challenges of Leadership (Paperback)

In reading "When Values Collide," I sensed what great courage and painful honesty it took for Fr. Joseph Chinnici, OFM, Catholic priest , to put into writing the shock of the recent sexual abuse scandal during the time of his religious administration. He is a well-known spiritual leader. Through the prism of his writing about these sad details, and the many correcting steps needed to be taken, I saw his deep faith, academic analysis, and insights into past, present, and future forming of stronger spiritual leadership. The book had me thinking, "What weaknesses could lead me to such a serious downfall. And, what values did I need to lodge up front in my head?" Personal integrity and ethics, as I saw them, in the role of leadership, are a must no matter where we serve, be it as parents, students, or in public or spiritual roles. It is a book that will sober one's senses, and offers a lesson about the traps that could weaken our thinking!