Raped in the House of God

Book excerpt: Raped in the House of God is an invaluable resource for anyone trying to understand the lifetime effects sexual abuse by priests has on a person's life. Author Jim Parker tells his story of soul murder and his ongoing journey of recovery. His story recounts not only the immediate catastrophic impact of a 12-year-old boy being sexually abused, but how his parents' request to keep the abuse a secret led to over forty years of frustration and self destructive behavior. Parker gives the reader details of how his life has been altered, including: His loss of purpose Inability to achieve in school Distrust of men Failed relationships with family and others Inability to set clear boundaries Years of isolation Three failed marriages Raped in the House of God is a must read for other survivors of clergy sexual abuse, their families, concerned Catholics seeking to better understand the crisis facing their church today, and health care professionals charged with the challenge of helping survivors.