Testimonies, spirituality, theology… 6 works to walk peacefully towards God

Without law or faith. Priest and sexual violence: at the heart of the Catholic system
by Agnès Desmazières
Ed. Payot, 240 p. ; €21.50.

For the Church. What the world owes him
by Christophe Dickès
Ed. Perrin, 272 p. ; €16.

The work of historians is precious for the Church. Based on the archives of the Holy See recently opened to researchers, Agnès Desmazières shows that in the 19th century, the Holy Office was aware of the extent of sexual violence perpetrated on all continents by ecclesiastics. But at the Second Vatican Council, closed-door debates between bishops rejected the proposed excommunication of offending priests. The culture of secrecy and the fear of scandal are costly today.

However, the errors of the Catholic Church throughout its history should not obscure its considerable contribution to the civilizations where it developed. While our time tends to forget History, Christophe Dickès, recognized historian, highlights the Christian roots of what structures our living together: the relationship with truth and science, care, the State and secularism, gender equality, the development of conscience. A rich heritage that should also be received.