ALGO OCURRIÓ EN LA IGLESIA: SIGNIFICADOS QUE OTORGAN AL ABUSO SEXUAL ECLESIÁSTICO LOS PARTICIPANTES DE LA COMUNIDAD CATÓLICA EN EL NORTE DE CHILE

The aim of this study was to know how the laymen of the Catholic community of northern Chile interpret the allegations of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy, analyzing the topic from the perspective of social psychology, based on the theory of system justification. A qualitative content analysis study was carried out. The sample consisted of 26 lay adults from three cities in northern Chile grouped in three focus groups of eight (Arica), ten (Iquique) and eight (Antofagasta) participants. The age of the interviewees range from 19 to 72 years old; 12 men and 14 women were included. In response to the research question, data analysis revealed three inductive categories: Loyalty to ecclesiastical superiors, Justification and rationalization of abuse and, Denial of harm; and three emergent categories: Rejection of impunity, Prevention of abuse and Compassion for victims. The meanings given by the laity in northern Chile provide relevant information for the Chilean Catholic institution, especially to be considered in the face of the crisis generated by the revelation of sexual abuse. The stories of the laity can be considered to guide and lead this crisis as an opportunity for the church to renew itself from within, strengthening trust among all the members that promulgate the Catholic faith.