Two Dimensions of Transparency in the Digital Age: Material and Spiritual Aspects in Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse

Henry Brang Mai Lazing; Hans Geybels; Hans Zollner

Two Dimensions of Transparency in the Digital Age

Material and Spiritual Aspects in Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse

Autores/as

Henry Brang Mai Lazing Mandalay Archdiocese in Myanmar
Hans Geybels Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Hans Zollner Gregorian University

Palabras clave:

Catholic Church, Clergy Sex Abuse, Digital Media, Marshall McLuhan, Safeguarding, Transparency

Resumen

In addressing the clergy sexual abuse (CSA) crisis, transparency has become a major theme. From the perspective of media studies, and particularly through dialogue with the ideas of Canadian media thinker Marshall McLuhan, this research identifies two dimensions of transparency: static and dynamic. Static transparency emphasizes information disclosure, legal standards, policies, and procedures, adopting a zero-tolerance and straightforward approach to combating corruption. This dimension can be seen as fundamentally representing the structural aspect of transparency. Conversely, dynamic transparency embodies more the spiritual character of transparency. It is fluid, multidimensional, communicative, and dialogical. Rather than focusing on systems and structures, it prioritizes the personal element, conveys symbolic meanings, and considers contextual and proportional factors. While both dimensions of transparency can be useful in addressing CSA, they also have drawbacks. This research concludes that the effectiveness of applying the two dimensions of transparency in addressing CSA depends on the extent to which the needs of victims and survivors are prioritized.

Biografía del autor/a

Henry Brang Mai Lazing, Mandalay Archdiocese in Myanmar

Henry Brang Mai Lazing earned his PhD in February 2024 from the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at KU Leuven, Belgium. He currently serves as the Chancellor of the Mandalay Archdiocese in Myanmar. He also assists the safeguarding team in his diocese. Additionally, as of June 10, 2024, he has been appointed by the Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar as a resource person for reviewing safeguarding policies.

Hans Geybels, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Hans Geybels is a Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. He specializes in the relationship between the Church and media, the intersection of theology and art, and Christian popular religious culture and folklore.

Hans Zollner, Gregorian University

Hans Zollner is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Institute of Anthropology Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC), Gregorian University, Rome.

Two Dimensions of Transparency in the Digital Age: Material and Spiritual Aspects in Addressing Clergy Sexual Abuse