Robert Courteer, Vincent Barieno and Wilbur Sandes, three
bishops from Texas, Florida and New Hampshire, hire Defense
Attorney James Kobs to defend them on charges of protecting
pedophile priests. U.S. Attorney William Goulding accuses
the bishops of moving known pedophiles from parish to
parish within their respective dioceses, searching for
scapegoats instead of assuming responsibility, not meeting
with or acknowledging victims and destroying files. Kobs
knows the prosecution has boxes of testimony and wouldn't
make such claims against the Catholic Church without
sufficient proof. He faces the challenge of putting
together a defense strategy, and the foundation of this
plan lies in the question "why?" Why would bishops cover up
for priests? Why would they transfer priests known to abuse
young boys and/or girls to another area where they can
commit future crimes?
The story centers on the trial of the three bishops.
Stephen L. Boehrer introduces the past crimes of the
priests through testimony of prosecutors in their
respective cases. Whether or not the crimes took place is
never questioned. Boehrer gives us multiple viewpoints in
this novel from Kobs and Goulding, to a reporter in the
audience, the sister of one of the bishops, and most
poignantly, many victims who come every day to listen as
the trial proceeds. We meet Deenah, a young woman abused as
a child but her parents didn't believe her; Jacob, an older
man with his abuse as a youngster still fresh in his mind;
and Mary and Mike Roelly, whose son was abused by a priest
they considered a friend.
Boehrer tackles a difficult subject in THE PURPLE CULTURE,
trying to understand why upper-level clergy would
essentially condone deplorable behavior by its priests. He
makes abuse situations real enough without overdoing the
details to the point that the abuse itself overshadows the
more important matter of why. He explores issues many
people can easily relate to in their daily lives, such as
addiction and narcissism that relate to the "Purple
Culture," the culture of the bishops and cardinals, an
almost divine-like lifestyle of power, privilege, wealth
and worship, to be protected at all costs. By giving us
vignettes of audience members, introducing us to the wives
of Kobs and Goulding, Boehrer brings personality to
characters who, in other hands, might simply serve as
symbols. The courtroom aspect of the novel has some
suspense, but what keeps the reader turning the pages is
more how Kobs will achieve his goal rather than if he will.
We also meet Ben Bauer, a priest who wants to see reform in
the church, a character who seems to mirror Boehrer himself
and his beliefs. A former priest, Boehrer clearly has
inside experience in the clergy and a passion for his
subject. The book may cause some controversy, but at least
it will get people thinking. I look forward to reading more
from this talented author.
What happens when those we trust most commit the most
egregious acts of b betrayal? It's a scandal that has sent
shockwaves throughout the world. Sexual abuse committed in
the place where we-and our children-should be safe: the
church. As three bishops stand trial in Federal Court,
charged with conspiracy for protecting abusive priests,
prosecutor William Goulding and defense attorney James
Kobs prepare for the trial of a lifetime. As Goulding
presents a litany of damning evidence, Kobs is forced to
take an unorthodox route. But Kobs' toughest battle will
be persuading the jury. From expert testimony about power,
aristocracy, narcissism, and addiction, to the innermost
thoughts of the trial's spectators and participants, this
extraordinary courtroom drama unfolds as Kobs presents his
startling case. An intelligent, provocative story about
power and human nature, The Purple Culture is not a book
about shame, guilt, finger-pointing, or lurid details.
Part legal thriller, part psychological drama, The Purple
Culture demystifies the majestic and intriguing traditions
of the Roman Catholic faith.
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