Loganville Author Honored for Book on Impact of Clergy Abuse

The Patch
June 10, 2012

http://loganville.patch.com/articles/book-on-abuse-of-adults-by-catholic-clergy-and-religious-honored


When Kathryn R. Byrne, M.P.M., a Life Coach in Loganville, was developing a capstone project as a requirement for her Master of Pastoral Ministry (M.P.M.) from the University of Dallas, she had no idea it would become a published book, let alone an award-winning one. The 2012 Indie Excellence Awards have just released their winners and finalists, and Byrne's book, Understanding the Abuse of Adults by Catholic Clergy and Religious, earned a Finalist rating in the "Psychology" category. This is the third time Byrne's book has become an Award-Winning Finalist.

Last year, the same book was an Award-Winning Finalist with both the 2011 International Book Awards, and the USA Book News "Best Books of 2011" Awards. Each of these awards were given in the "Psychology / Mental Health" category.

So what's so special about this book?

A lot is written about the abuse of children by clergy – and rightfully so! Children who endure sexual abuse at the hands of trusted clergy are deeply harmed, and can suffer for years as a result. But what about adults? Are they abused by clergy, too? Yes!

Understanding the Abuse of Adults by Catholic Clergy and Religious outlines the stages of grief endured by adults who have been led into romantic or sexual relationships by Catholic clergy and religious. However the message applies to adult victims of any denomination. When a priest, nun, deacon, youth minister, or other religious leader engages in a romantic or sexual relationship with and adult that he/she is advising or mentoring, the results are normally disastrous.

Kathryn Byrne approaches this problem with compassionate understanding and thoughtful insight for healing. It contains true stories of abuse, and is a valuable resource for victims/survivors of abuse by clergy and religious, for all who support victims or advocate for healing and justice for the abused, and for the concerned people in the pew.

The book is available from Byrne's website and on Amazon.