Objectives: This course will help students to deepen the concepts of clericalism and hierarchicalism, reflect on the importance of a synodal organization of the Church, and a victim-first approach.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will be able to know the connection between the Catholic social teaching and Safeguarding and the elements of this connection in their contexts through the lens of the Community Organizing; use the tool of power analysis to detect/assess the main elements of institutional dynamics and take actions in their contexts; become aware of the Church’s image in the light of Safeguarding and of the importance of fostering the Catholic social teaching principles (and this vision) in their contexts; analyze and think about theological concepts from the perspective of victims and survivors of abuse. They will be able to look at the topic from the victim’s side, addressing possible challenges and issues they might find in their own particular contexts.

Content: Ecclesiology; Catholic social teaching principles and vision; standing in solidarity with victims of (clerical sexual) abuse; sinodality; power analysis; community organizing.

Methodology: The course will combine lectures, readings, and seminar discussion.

Means of evaluation: Evaluation will be based on class participation and written papers.