THE DISCOURSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM AS A FACILITATOR OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Abstract

Beliefs are a fundamental part of human existence. They provide us with a worldview, a place in the world, an identity, as well as belonging. This scenario has many times served priests, religious people or active members of the Church, to use these beliefs and the discourse behind them to facilitate abuse, be it of conscience, sexual or spiritual. The abusive practices the Church currently has, are not only part of a structure, but they are supported by the narrative that emerges from several interpretations of the institution’s truths of faith, generating submission, blind obedience and invisibility of crimes committed against children, adolescents and vulnerable adults. It becomes necessary to identify concepts or ideas underneath the discourse on beliefs, creating a domination factor that prevents, not only questioning the institution and the way we look at it today, but also prevents dissenting, confronting power structures and the empowerment of new voices allowing to break with the discourses of domination.