A Qualitative Survey of the Attitudes of Catholic Priests Toward Bishops and Ministry Following the Sexual Abuse Revelations of 2002

This study used structured interviews to investigate (1) priest-respondents’ perceptions and attitudes toward bishops since 2002, (2) priest-respondents’ perceptions and attitudes toward their diocese, ministry, and vocation, (3) priest-respondents’ changes in ministerial activities as a result of codes of pastoral conduct, (4) priest-respondents’ personal feelings of competence regarding the codes of pastoral conduct, and (5) priest-respondents’ feelings of support since 2002. Using snowball sampling techniques, 22 Catholic priests were interviewed in 2006 and 2007. These respondent-priests perceived a significant barrier between themselves and bishops. While respondents’ attitudes toward the priesthood and their vocations had not changed, they were less trusting of their bishops. Finally, most had made significant accommodation to the manner in which they minister to parishioners, especially to young people. Respondents indicated that they were less likely to become involved in pastoral counseling, developing social relationships with parishioners, and other non-liturgical activities. Respondents indicated that they were far less likely to engage in pastoral activities that might compromise their future ministry or result in suspicion or an allegation.