Book Review - Grey Spaces: Searching out the Church in the shadows of abuse

Grey Spaces: Searching out the Church in the shadows of abuse is a thought-provoking and enlightening read, written for the former Archbishop of Adelaide Jeffrey W Driver. Driver delves into the inner workings of the Church, examining the ways in which its structures, culture and symbolism have contributed to child sex abuse.

Grey Spaces takes up the challenge made by Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to look deeper and reflect on the theological and cultural factors that may have predisposed the church to the possibility of child abuse. Driver gives a considered examination of various aspects of Church, including its institutional expression, tensions of power, leadership, symbol, ritual, and structures.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the way the author talks about the Church as living in the ‘not there yet.’

The reality of the church is lived in the tension between its eschatological indicative and its earthly expression. It is holy. It is a community of sinners. It must sing "Gloria in Excelsis" and "Kyrie Elison" at the same time. When it tries to exit this place of tension, it loses itself.

When the Church considers itself ‘perfect’ and fails to recognise its ‘dark shadows,’ then it may idealise the Church to the cost of others. At the same time, focusing solely on the dark side may miss the potential for what the Church can be.

Another theme running through the book is the concept of metanoia, which Driver explains is not simply repentance, but ‘a profound reorientation or change of worldview. As Driver points out, changing the symbols and structures of the Church needs to be accompanied by a change of narrative. Considering the child sexual abuse uncovered within the Church, authentic metanoia is required.

The topic of the book is a difficult one, but necessary, if the problems of child sexual abuse are to be adequately addressed. This book is an important read for anyone interested in understanding how the structures and culture of the Church have contributed towards child sex abuse, and what may be done about them. In presenting a balanced view of the Church, the author is not afraid to address controversial issues with nuance and insight.

Overall, Grey Spaces is a must-read for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the structures and culture of the Church, in light of the shadow of abuse. The topic is distressing but needs to be addressed. Driver shows there are no easy solutions, but Grey Spaces should provide a starting point for important conversations about the Church’s future and serves as crucial step on the way to authentic ecclesial metanoia.

Grey Spaces: Searching out the Church in the shadows of abuse will be launched by Francis Sullivan AO at:
6.00pm on Wednesday 15 January 2023
The Chambers Pavillion,  Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Avenue Barton