Speaker to address porn addiction

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By Chancery Staff

One of the most harmful problems and grave issues in our culture today is pornography. Addiction to pornography is a serious problem in epidemic proportions. The rapid growth to this addiction has grown exponentially in the Internet age.

Pornography is addictive in any medium, but because the Internet is at our fingertips on many different types of devices, it is much easier for people to view pornography at any time and any place. This multi-billion dollar industry corrupts the minds of its viewers, exploits people of all ages including children, creates a sex-crazed culture, and destroy lives and families.

Some estimates put pornography use among churchgoing men at 50 percent, a figure that differs little from use among the adult male population at large. Studies also show that 90 percent of children ages 8 through 16 have viewed pornography online and children ages 12 through 17 are the largest single group of users of Internet porn. The average age when a child first encounters hard-core pornography is 11. Eighty percent of 15-17 year olds have had multiple exposures to hard-core pornography. Studies also reveal that 89 percent of all solicitations of youth in chat rooms are of a sexual nature and 29 percent of 7-17 year olds would freely give out their addresses online. These statistics are startling and speak of the seriousness of this issue in our society and culture today.

Because it is important that the church address this issue, at the November 2015 General Assembly, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the formal statement “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography” as a response to this great problem in our society today. It can be found on the USCCB website: http://www.usccb. org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/pornography/index.cfm.

There is a great pastoral need in our local church to address this issue as well. It will be the main topic for the clergy of the diocese this year at their annual Clergy Days on May 25.

Peter C. Kleponis, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Therapist and Assistant Director of Comprehensive Counseling Services in Conshohocken, Pa. will be making four presentations to the priests on fighting pornography in our culture, protecting families and helping those in recovery.

Dr. Kleponis has over 18 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples, families and organizations. He specializes in marriage and family therapy, pastoral counseling, resolving anger, men’s issues and pornography addiction recovery and is certified in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual addictions. Dr. Kleponis travels throughout the country educating people on how to win the battle against pornography through his program, “Fighting Porn in Our Culture … and Winning!” He has also been a guest on EWTN television programs such as “Women of Grace,” “Franciscan University Presents,” and “Crossing the Goal.” He is a regular guest on Relevant Radio’s program, “On Call.” Dr. Kleponis resides in Phoenixville, Pa.,with his wife, Maria, and their sons, John and Matthew.

Dr. Kleponis recently published the book, “Integrity Restored: Helping Catholic Families Win the Battle Against Pornography.” For more information go to: www.IntegrityRestored.com.

He has agreed to give a free evening presentation to the public on the effects of pornography in our culture and what we can do to fight it. It will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 7 p.m. in Holy Cross Chapel at the Terra Sancta Retreat Center. All are invited to attend. Come and learn how you can help in this fight to win the battles against this epidemic!