Preventing Spiritual Abuse

A Guide to Prevention and Intervention
2. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-3-6951-3648-3
Verlag: BoD - Books on Demand

Buch, Englisch, 244 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 135 mm x 215 mm, Gewicht: 336 g

Spiritual abuse has come into focus, in more recent times, as a distinct form of abuse. It involves the use of religious or spiritual authority to manipulate people, control their thoughts, or enable other forms of abuse. The number of cases in church settings is considerable - and the consequences for those affected are serious.

This makes it even more important not to ignore or trivialise spiritual abuse. The Church and society must find ways to take those affected seriously, offer support and develop effective prevention and intervention measures. This book offers sound guidance by bringing together perspectives from psychology, canon law, theology and law. It clarifies key terms and provides definitions.

By incorporating psychological findings, it raises awareness of dangerous power structures in organisations and systems. At the same time, it highlights which intervention approaches are most helpful. Examples and experiences from prevention work provide valuable insights for counselling those affected. A separate section with recommendations for action for those responsible offers a practical summary. This makes the book an indispensable guide for prevention and intervention in the ecclesiastical environment.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Gentner, Ulrike

Hundertmark, Peter

Über Autor(innen)

Hundertmark, Peter
Peter Hundertmark, Dr., is pastoral advisor in the Diocese of Speyer, retreat leader, advisor for spiritual education/retreat work in the Episcopal Ordinariate of Speyer, advisor to the contact point against violence, member of the working group »Church Movements« and advisor to the commission »Spiritual Professions and Church Services« of the German Bishops' Conference. He has been committed to combating the abuse of spiritual authority for over ten years.

Gentner, Ulrike
Ulrike Gentner, Dipl. Theol., Dipl. Päd., has decades of experience in continuing education as Director of Education at the Heinrich Pesch Haus. She also heads the Centre for Ignatianische Pädagogik (ZIP) and advises and supports educational institutions on prevention and intervention measures in the European network of Ignatian schools. She is a trainer, coach and focusing consultant according to DFI, a trainer in spiritual guidance and a lecturer on Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy.

Ulrike Gentner:
Ulrike Gentner, Dipl. Theol., Dipl. Päd., has decades of experience in continuing education as Director of Education at the Heinrich Pesch Haus. She also heads the Centre for Ignatianische Pädagogik (ZIP) and advises and supports educational institutions on prevention and intervention measures in the European network of Ignatian schools. She is a trainer, coach and focusing consultant according to DFI, a trainer in spiritual guidance and a lecturer on Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy.

Peter Hundertmark:
Peter Hundertmark, Dr., is pastoral advisor in the Diocese of Speyer, retreat leader, advisor for spiritual education/retreat work in the Episcopal Ordinariate of Speyer, advisor to the contact point against violence, member of the working group »Church Movements« and advisor to the commission »Spiritual Professions and Church Services« of the German Bishops' Conference. He has been committed to combating the abuse of spiritual authority for over ten years.