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Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest
David Giffen was once a defrocked priest. Having spent a decade as an Anglican cleric in Southwestern Ontario, David served in leadership in three urban social-justice focused appointments as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. David was deprived of ministry and terminated from his appointment as incumbent priest of his parish on December 12th, 2018. He was in his fourth month on medical leave. David was formally accused, investigated and found guilty of sexual misconduct, all while he was drugged out, melting down on social media. As someone working to heal from traumatic stress injuries from childhood, David's diagnosis with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2018 led him to become a public advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental health and addiction issues (especially when related to generational trauma). He quickly learned the challenges and opportunities this presents, as he himself is one of the examples. Redemptive Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a memoir embracing hard truths of trauma to help others heal their own. David holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Huron University College at the Western University in London, Ontario. For most of his adult life, David served as a street-involved pastor in Toronto and London. His major focuses of ministry were related to social outreach, restorative justice, and learning to wrestle with life and faith in the rapidly evolving social media age. The author is almost certain that if you don't like stories about sex, drugs, rock stars, alcohol, and the uneven rise and fall of the guilty and the innocent, you probably won't like the Bible either. Or this book. Otherwise, go ahead, dig into both.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2020
2 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
David Giffen
1 book9 followersDavid works with executives, academics, groups and businesses – anyone who has found themselves or their organizations in a place that requires support and guidance to plan the best steps to achieve a stated objective, all the way to working through transformative change.
David has spent a lifetime working alongside some of the most talented leaders across the Canadian landscape. From an early age, he learned that significant change only comes with impactful leadership. David has assembled a gifted collective of leaders to resource the growing needs of the wider community.
David holds both a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree from Huron University College at the Western University in London, ON, and is the author of Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest (debuted as the #1 Bestseller in Religious Psychology, Abuse and Addiction Recovery & Religious Biographies). For most of his adult life, David has served as a street involved Pastor in Toronto and London. His major focuses of ministry were related to social outreach, restorative justice, and learning to wrestle with life and faith in the rapidly evolving social media age.
David is an incredibly proud father to Rory, who has a unique ability to lead him in ways he never imagined.
David has spent a lifetime working alongside some of the most talented leaders across the Canadian landscape. From an early age, he learned that significant change only comes with impactful leadership. David has assembled a gifted collective of leaders to resource the growing needs of the wider community.
David holds both a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree from Huron University College at the Western University in London, ON, and is the author of Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest (debuted as the #1 Bestseller in Religious Psychology, Abuse and Addiction Recovery & Religious Biographies). For most of his adult life, David has served as a street involved Pastor in Toronto and London. His major focuses of ministry were related to social outreach, restorative justice, and learning to wrestle with life and faith in the rapidly evolving social media age.
David is an incredibly proud father to Rory, who has a unique ability to lead him in ways he never imagined.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 5, 2021
I appreciate stories that involve a decent to rockbottom and a rising from the ashes so it's no surprise I enjoyed David's book. As someone who has undergone a similar path I found many aspects to Dave's story that I could relate to. I enjoyed the way he moved through timelines from childhood, to present day and back again highlighting these all too familiar cycles and spirals we experience on path of growth and evolution. If you are looking to read a story that is both unique and familiar, one that touches the depths of the soul while speaking to the imperfect human experience, look no further. You will not be disappointed.
May 28, 2021
God will give us to one another, whenever there is need.
This book will give a more clear perspective to those who are church going people because most of the end part of the book is based on the Author’s suffering during his time of being ordained as a priest in ministry.
There has always been a part of me that so desperately wanted to be loved, I would become whatever people needed to love me.
Mental health and trauma awareness are increasingly on the rise but do we still really accept the trauma that we have been through? Do we openly embrace it and give into it and forgive ourselves? Author has narrated his part where he openly tells us about his own wounds and his trauma’s and how they led him where he is right now in life and how he embraced them in the end because his trauma would not only affect himself but also his own son.
I especially loved the part where the Author openly spoke about his family situation and this is a reality in most of the households where the kid’s are rarely paid attention too because either the parent’s are too busy working and earning or either they are in their own suffering.
I was able to relate to some parts of this book and I did found inspiration from this memoir. God truly loves us as we are and so we should too love ourselves.
This book will give a more clear perspective to those who are church going people because most of the end part of the book is based on the Author’s suffering during his time of being ordained as a priest in ministry.
There has always been a part of me that so desperately wanted to be loved, I would become whatever people needed to love me.
Mental health and trauma awareness are increasingly on the rise but do we still really accept the trauma that we have been through? Do we openly embrace it and give into it and forgive ourselves? Author has narrated his part where he openly tells us about his own wounds and his trauma’s and how they led him where he is right now in life and how he embraced them in the end because his trauma would not only affect himself but also his own son.
I especially loved the part where the Author openly spoke about his family situation and this is a reality in most of the households where the kid’s are rarely paid attention too because either the parent’s are too busy working and earning or either they are in their own suffering.
I was able to relate to some parts of this book and I did found inspiration from this memoir. God truly loves us as we are and so we should too love ourselves.
May 24, 2021
"Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest" is a memoir written by the author David Giffen. David was once a defrocked priest. Defrocked means the deprivation of a member of a religious order from the sacred office they hold. In this book, author has talked about ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with which David was diagnosed
in 2018.
David with an overcharged mind and an overactive imagination migrated with his family from Scotland to Canada. His dad was workaholic and alcoholic. His mum once caught him taking cookie and got frustrated. David once spent a night behind bars but he met Jesus there. Author has shared about various events of his life including his final placement as a parish priest.
If you are comfortable reading books that has mature content then go ahead with this book. Author has expressed his viewpoint in this book very openly and that is reflected well in his writing. Grab a copy of this book to unveil what more happened in David's life. This book is recommended for adults only.
in 2018.
David with an overcharged mind and an overactive imagination migrated with his family from Scotland to Canada. His dad was workaholic and alcoholic. His mum once caught him taking cookie and got frustrated. David once spent a night behind bars but he met Jesus there. Author has shared about various events of his life including his final placement as a parish priest.
If you are comfortable reading books that has mature content then go ahead with this book. Author has expressed his viewpoint in this book very openly and that is reflected well in his writing. Grab a copy of this book to unveil what more happened in David's life. This book is recommended for adults only.
February 19, 2021
This series of vignettes reflects the cry of an anguished soul, searching for a deeper meaning of life through deeply felt religion and search for sexual identity. In the author´s reflections and efforts to understand himself and those around him, he dwells on episodes that center on his human weaknesses, including alcohol and drug abuse. Well written and engrossing, this book is a must read for anyone who seeks life’s inner meaning.
July 19, 2021
I suppose one could describe David Giffen’s “Redemptive Trauma” as the story of a priest’s fall from grace, but Giffen would likely want you to understand his story as a fall into grace. David Giffen was an Anglican priest in a large, successful downtown Toronto parish before he was deprived of his ministry for having a sexual relationship with a member of his parish staff. In his book, David gives a relentless account of his childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles which led to the implosion of his professional life and heart-wrenching upending of his marriage. But this book is not a tragedy. Rather, it is the story of a man finding meaning, hope, and redemption by the grace of God.
If you do not appreciate honesty, do not read this book. David, in his writing, is painfully honest about his struggles, his past, his mistakes, his beliefs, and his relationship with family, friends, and God. Do not read this book unless you are willing to be honest about your own issues. It does not matter whether you agree with David’s theology or his views on the Anglican Church because he is writing from the gut about gut-wrenching personal pain and growth. Sometimes the book confuses me about chronology and the order of the events he is detailing; sometimes I want to argue a point or ask a question for clarification, but I was fully engaged while reading the book. Sometimes I wondered if David was confessing more than I needed to know. However, David wanted me to know it all, so there it is. I also wondered where the redemption came from. There are several sources cited: his son, his old friends, his faith, his family, his intellect, his humour, all the above? David’s uncompromising belief in a God of grace and mercy will unsettle a Church that too often worships statistical success (while seeing less and less of it) while falling down at the altar of ‘the next golden boy priest’ (David uses the term ‘golden boy’ in reference to the manner in which Anglicans elevate priests to the role of the Church’s Saviour, forgetting that it already has one).
David Giffen is telling us that he is David Giffen, loved by God and imperfect. One who, like all of us, ‘misses the mark’ and is in need of forgiveness. As a priest myself, I found it astonishing that David’s commitment to a God of forgiving grace should have met with opposition in any Christian Church. Some may accuse Giffen of using grace as a license to ‘do whatever you want’, as in ‘cheap grace’, but that is not how I see it. He is offering the grace of God as the only effective alternative to
hopelessness, despair, and ruination.
The most telling comment Giffen makes is near the end of the book where, in summary of his ordained ministry, he points out, “I’ve rarely ever caused chaos all by myself.” The Anglican Church needs to read, mark, and inwardly digest David’s confession because a priest is not a priest in a vacuum. He or she is part of an organic, interwoven mess of broken people who profess faith and proclaim Christ while reaching out for grace. It amazes me (but should not after thirty-four years of ordination) that a priest can be successful and popular in a Christian organization as vast as the Diocese of Toronto and yet, at the same time, feel unable or afraid to be honest with his fellow Church members. David felt he had to create a persona; he even describes feeling like he was in a Halloween costume when he wore his clerical collar. Why? Why does a Church elevate and admire a man when he is showing the outward trappings of success, when the numbers are good and the money is coming in, but runs away from that same man when cracks begin to appear after years of trauma and mental health issues? Of course, the Church has standards, boundaries, and policies, discipline, and so forth… but in David’s account it seems something could have been done to help him before the situation became a matter of discipline. Discipline issues seldom come out of nowhere. There was a back story. And why would a priest who needs help be afraid to access it? Do clergy persons fear for their jobs if they admit that they are struggling? It is a real issue. In 2014, the Christian Post magazine published a study which revealed that 70% of clergy regularly contemplate leaving their ministries. The same study showed that clergy are more vulnerable than other professionals to financial trouble, sexual dysfunction, pornography addiction, and generalized anxiety with concomitant substance abuse.
David Giffen is telling us that superficial charm and the trappings of success in a Church are no substitute for honesty, depth, and truth between’ sinners seeking grace’ (i.e., The Church). He asks a fundamental question: while I was popular, and moving up the ladder in the Church, the Church loved me. Would the Church still love me if it knew my problems? If it knew my past? If it knew the real me? David’s answer is simply, “God knows the real me and loves me. That’s all that matters.” Read and decide what matters to you.
The Reverend Phelan Scanlon
Hearst ON
Diocese of Moosonee
If you do not appreciate honesty, do not read this book. David, in his writing, is painfully honest about his struggles, his past, his mistakes, his beliefs, and his relationship with family, friends, and God. Do not read this book unless you are willing to be honest about your own issues. It does not matter whether you agree with David’s theology or his views on the Anglican Church because he is writing from the gut about gut-wrenching personal pain and growth. Sometimes the book confuses me about chronology and the order of the events he is detailing; sometimes I want to argue a point or ask a question for clarification, but I was fully engaged while reading the book. Sometimes I wondered if David was confessing more than I needed to know. However, David wanted me to know it all, so there it is. I also wondered where the redemption came from. There are several sources cited: his son, his old friends, his faith, his family, his intellect, his humour, all the above? David’s uncompromising belief in a God of grace and mercy will unsettle a Church that too often worships statistical success (while seeing less and less of it) while falling down at the altar of ‘the next golden boy priest’ (David uses the term ‘golden boy’ in reference to the manner in which Anglicans elevate priests to the role of the Church’s Saviour, forgetting that it already has one).
David Giffen is telling us that he is David Giffen, loved by God and imperfect. One who, like all of us, ‘misses the mark’ and is in need of forgiveness. As a priest myself, I found it astonishing that David’s commitment to a God of forgiving grace should have met with opposition in any Christian Church. Some may accuse Giffen of using grace as a license to ‘do whatever you want’, as in ‘cheap grace’, but that is not how I see it. He is offering the grace of God as the only effective alternative to
hopelessness, despair, and ruination.
The most telling comment Giffen makes is near the end of the book where, in summary of his ordained ministry, he points out, “I’ve rarely ever caused chaos all by myself.” The Anglican Church needs to read, mark, and inwardly digest David’s confession because a priest is not a priest in a vacuum. He or she is part of an organic, interwoven mess of broken people who profess faith and proclaim Christ while reaching out for grace. It amazes me (but should not after thirty-four years of ordination) that a priest can be successful and popular in a Christian organization as vast as the Diocese of Toronto and yet, at the same time, feel unable or afraid to be honest with his fellow Church members. David felt he had to create a persona; he even describes feeling like he was in a Halloween costume when he wore his clerical collar. Why? Why does a Church elevate and admire a man when he is showing the outward trappings of success, when the numbers are good and the money is coming in, but runs away from that same man when cracks begin to appear after years of trauma and mental health issues? Of course, the Church has standards, boundaries, and policies, discipline, and so forth… but in David’s account it seems something could have been done to help him before the situation became a matter of discipline. Discipline issues seldom come out of nowhere. There was a back story. And why would a priest who needs help be afraid to access it? Do clergy persons fear for their jobs if they admit that they are struggling? It is a real issue. In 2014, the Christian Post magazine published a study which revealed that 70% of clergy regularly contemplate leaving their ministries. The same study showed that clergy are more vulnerable than other professionals to financial trouble, sexual dysfunction, pornography addiction, and generalized anxiety with concomitant substance abuse.
David Giffen is telling us that superficial charm and the trappings of success in a Church are no substitute for honesty, depth, and truth between’ sinners seeking grace’ (i.e., The Church). He asks a fundamental question: while I was popular, and moving up the ladder in the Church, the Church loved me. Would the Church still love me if it knew my problems? If it knew my past? If it knew the real me? David’s answer is simply, “God knows the real me and loves me. That’s all that matters.” Read and decide what matters to you.
The Reverend Phelan Scanlon
Hearst ON
Diocese of Moosonee
May 7, 2021
Let’s come to know about this book from the author. But 1st I want to say something about the author “David Giffen” that David has finished his Bachelor's and Master's certificate from Huron University College at the Western University in London, Ontario. Furthermore, in the wake of turning into a grown-up he David filled in as a road included minister in Toronto and London. David as an Anglican Clerk in Ontario in the Anglican Church of Canada was banished from his administrations as an occupant minister of his area. His significant plan of life was identified with social effort, remedial equity, and figuring out how to grapple with life and confidence in the quick advancing PC driven age. In 2018 David was determined to have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which drove him to turn into a public backer for the de-demonization of emotional well-being and habit issues.
Now I come to the book, 1st we start with the title of this book “Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest” I feel the title is an important one, it is straightforward and is an infectious one. Aside from this, it has that consideration getting quality since perusing the title it gives a vibe that commands the notice of the watcher. Cover then again is an appealing one, shading mix is pleasant.
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest by David Giffen is a descent of 136 pages where the author describes about sex, drugs, heroes, liquor, and the lopsided ascent and fall of the liabilities and the blameless. A genuine awful story yet the mending interaction and development was uplifting. The creator has introduced the foundation and characters so well. I had an outright energy to peruse a definitive battle and position of David after the entirety of his sufferings that is the reason my inquisitive head made me finish the book in only couple of hours. An entirely adjusted book and I truly cherished the cover.
Now I take you in a beautiful tour of this book. This book author who has the amount you can suffer after you've been broken. Greetings! Dear perusers. The book I read as of late is an incredible extraordinary recovery story. David served in the Anglican Church of Canada at a decent post for ten long years. In the year 2018, when he was seen as blameworthy for untrustworthiness he was quickly ended by the specialists from his predominant post. This was actually a destroy point in his life. He was in profound injury and before long analyzed by an unpredictable post horrendous pressure problem. Albeit this is an account of David's fall, however, his ascent and recovery is a definitive wonder of the book. David before long turned into a public backer for the de-slander of psychological well-being and fixation issues, he further considered and made his injury his solitary force. An awful story of high points and low points, injury and agony which show an amazing message coming out solid and offering endeavors to bring a change. The creator has edified a few parts of humankind which are made an untouchable. Turn the pages to investigate, learn and edify.
I would prescribe you to understand this and the book is likewise an extraordinary pick for the ones who need some genuine motivation and direction.
Now I come to the book, 1st we start with the title of this book “Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest” I feel the title is an important one, it is straightforward and is an infectious one. Aside from this, it has that consideration getting quality since perusing the title it gives a vibe that commands the notice of the watcher. Cover then again is an appealing one, shading mix is pleasant.
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest by David Giffen is a descent of 136 pages where the author describes about sex, drugs, heroes, liquor, and the lopsided ascent and fall of the liabilities and the blameless. A genuine awful story yet the mending interaction and development was uplifting. The creator has introduced the foundation and characters so well. I had an outright energy to peruse a definitive battle and position of David after the entirety of his sufferings that is the reason my inquisitive head made me finish the book in only couple of hours. An entirely adjusted book and I truly cherished the cover.
Now I take you in a beautiful tour of this book. This book author who has the amount you can suffer after you've been broken. Greetings! Dear perusers. The book I read as of late is an incredible extraordinary recovery story. David served in the Anglican Church of Canada at a decent post for ten long years. In the year 2018, when he was seen as blameworthy for untrustworthiness he was quickly ended by the specialists from his predominant post. This was actually a destroy point in his life. He was in profound injury and before long analyzed by an unpredictable post horrendous pressure problem. Albeit this is an account of David's fall, however, his ascent and recovery is a definitive wonder of the book. David before long turned into a public backer for the de-slander of psychological well-being and fixation issues, he further considered and made his injury his solitary force. An awful story of high points and low points, injury and agony which show an amazing message coming out solid and offering endeavors to bring a change. The creator has edified a few parts of humankind which are made an untouchable. Turn the pages to investigate, learn and edify.
I would prescribe you to understand this and the book is likewise an extraordinary pick for the ones who need some genuine motivation and direction.
March 11, 2022
“Forgiving is not forgetting; its actually remembering…remembering and not using your right to hit back. It’s a second chance for a new beginning. And the remembering part is particularly important. Especially if you don’t want to repeat what happened.”
— The Most Reverend Desmond Mpilo Tutu
Truth and reconciliation…truth and reconciliation. Words we scream at the top of our lungs demanding that the truth be spoken; the perpetrators receive their consequence and the victims given the space and place to heal.
Truth and reconciliation…oh, how we love to speak about truth yet many times we are not willing to live out in truth, not willing to listen to the ugliness and depravity of truth, as one’s life is spiraling out of control. Oh, how we love to speak on the necessity on being reconciled, yet how quickly when the work needs to be done to ensure the rebuilding of brokenness, many conveniently blot their ears and soothe themselves to sleep with an apathetic lullaby.
In David Giffen’s book, “Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest” is a daring tale on the consequences of sin, the abuse of power between priest and parishioner, the crumbling of one’s life and family AND the hypocritical and bumbling work of the Church which is supposed to be steeped in God’s truth and reconciling love, yet once again presents the veneer of piety as a human being simply cries out wanting to be heard of the truth.
I’m quite impressed that David wrote a book about his drug addictions, mental health issues, divorce and imploding Holy Orders…that takes guts! From this book, he has stood up, raised his hand, admitted his sins, was and is willing to take the many consequences (spiritually, legally, mentally) of his wrongs and all he wanted amidst the carnage is to have the Church stand in the professed waters of life, stand in the self-proclaimed rivers of redemption and reconciliation, and help David be washed, restored and reminded, he is a child of God.
Thanks be to God, for His love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace that David is reconciled to Jesus, the Truth and the Reconciler of All. Unfortunately, the established church is not willing to be reconciled to him.
The mantra continues for the established church, “power and position are more important than the broken and lost people.” We as the Church know better and we need to be better and do better.
Thank you, David, for your book, for your openness to share the horrors, your struggles and for being a living example that God calls all of us to live in a piercing truth and a reconciling love.
Fantastic book…this brotha gets real and raw! You’ve been warned!
— The Most Reverend Desmond Mpilo Tutu
Truth and reconciliation…truth and reconciliation. Words we scream at the top of our lungs demanding that the truth be spoken; the perpetrators receive their consequence and the victims given the space and place to heal.
Truth and reconciliation…oh, how we love to speak about truth yet many times we are not willing to live out in truth, not willing to listen to the ugliness and depravity of truth, as one’s life is spiraling out of control. Oh, how we love to speak on the necessity on being reconciled, yet how quickly when the work needs to be done to ensure the rebuilding of brokenness, many conveniently blot their ears and soothe themselves to sleep with an apathetic lullaby.
In David Giffen’s book, “Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest” is a daring tale on the consequences of sin, the abuse of power between priest and parishioner, the crumbling of one’s life and family AND the hypocritical and bumbling work of the Church which is supposed to be steeped in God’s truth and reconciling love, yet once again presents the veneer of piety as a human being simply cries out wanting to be heard of the truth.
I’m quite impressed that David wrote a book about his drug addictions, mental health issues, divorce and imploding Holy Orders…that takes guts! From this book, he has stood up, raised his hand, admitted his sins, was and is willing to take the many consequences (spiritually, legally, mentally) of his wrongs and all he wanted amidst the carnage is to have the Church stand in the professed waters of life, stand in the self-proclaimed rivers of redemption and reconciliation, and help David be washed, restored and reminded, he is a child of God.
Thanks be to God, for His love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace that David is reconciled to Jesus, the Truth and the Reconciler of All. Unfortunately, the established church is not willing to be reconciled to him.
The mantra continues for the established church, “power and position are more important than the broken and lost people.” We as the Church know better and we need to be better and do better.
Thank you, David, for your book, for your openness to share the horrors, your struggles and for being a living example that God calls all of us to live in a piercing truth and a reconciling love.
Fantastic book…this brotha gets real and raw! You’ve been warned!
August 29, 2021
What if someone becomes a defrocked priest ?
Having spent a decade as an Anglican cleric in Southwestern Ontario, David served in leadership in three urban social-justice focused appointments as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. David was deprived of ministry and terminated from his appointment as incumbent priest of his parish on December 12th, 2018.
He was in his fourth month on medical leave. David was formally accused, investigated and found guilty of sexual misconduct, all while he was drugged out, melting down on social media.
As someone working to heal from traumatic stress injuries from childhood, David's diagnosis with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2018 led him to become a public advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental health and addiction issues (especially when related to generational trauma).
He quickly learned the challenges and opportunities this presents, as he himself is one of the examples.
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a memoir embracing hard truths of trauma to help others heal their own.
The author is almost certain that if you don't like stories about sex, drugs, rock stars, alcohol, and the uneven rise and fall of the guilty and the innocent, you probably won't like the Bible either. Or this book. Otherwise, go ahead, dig into both.
This is a very heart- wrenching read but the motivation ahead is mind blowing. This is basically a memoir that tells the hard truths which will help others to heal faster than the usual.
You won’t be able to forget this novel as it’s so inspirational and motivating. The book revolves around the author itself, his own experiences and learnings. The way author has talked about each and every aspect is mesmerising.
The storyline is unique and to the point. It’s a short read, without being boring. If you like reading meaningful books, this one is for you.
The title captivates an idea about the storyline with a beautiful cover. It’s sad yet a beautiful and meaningful read. The language is simple and easy to understand.
Order yo
Having spent a decade as an Anglican cleric in Southwestern Ontario, David served in leadership in three urban social-justice focused appointments as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. David was deprived of ministry and terminated from his appointment as incumbent priest of his parish on December 12th, 2018.
He was in his fourth month on medical leave. David was formally accused, investigated and found guilty of sexual misconduct, all while he was drugged out, melting down on social media.
As someone working to heal from traumatic stress injuries from childhood, David's diagnosis with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2018 led him to become a public advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental health and addiction issues (especially when related to generational trauma).
He quickly learned the challenges and opportunities this presents, as he himself is one of the examples.
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a memoir embracing hard truths of trauma to help others heal their own.
The author is almost certain that if you don't like stories about sex, drugs, rock stars, alcohol, and the uneven rise and fall of the guilty and the innocent, you probably won't like the Bible either. Or this book. Otherwise, go ahead, dig into both.
This is a very heart- wrenching read but the motivation ahead is mind blowing. This is basically a memoir that tells the hard truths which will help others to heal faster than the usual.
You won’t be able to forget this novel as it’s so inspirational and motivating. The book revolves around the author itself, his own experiences and learnings. The way author has talked about each and every aspect is mesmerising.
The storyline is unique and to the point. It’s a short read, without being boring. If you like reading meaningful books, this one is for you.
The title captivates an idea about the storyline with a beautiful cover. It’s sad yet a beautiful and meaningful read. The language is simple and easy to understand.
Order yo
May 11, 2023
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a deeply personal and engaging exploration of the complexities of author David Giffen’s life experiences. Born to immigrant parents and raised in Canada, David’s childhood was marked by instability and a lack of emotional support. His parents’ separation only exacerbated his emotional struggles, leading him to seek solace in a life increasingly detached from reality. As he matured, David became embroiled in the world of sex, violence, alcohol, and drugs, trying to escape his troubled past. Despite his rebelliousness, he longed for stability and normalcy. Ultimately, he turned to spirituality and became a priest, starting a new chapter in his life. However, his past continued to haunt him, and he was eventually stripped of his priesthood due to his vulnerability.
Throughout the book, David’s writing is candid and introspective, inviting readers to explore his struggles and the challenges he faced on his journey. His reflections on spirituality and religion are particularly insightful, offering a nuanced and deeply personal account of the role these forces played in his life. His writing is infused with a sense of hope and resilience, reflecting his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. The book is structured non-chronologically, which may be confusing at times, as it can be easy to mix up the past and the present. Nonetheless, the writing is easy to follow, and David’s unfiltered accounts of his childhood provide a refreshing perspective on the issues of addiction and spirituality.
Redemptive Trauma is a compelling and honest memoir that offers a unique perspective on one man’s journey through life. I highly recommend it to readers seeking an engaging and deeply personal account of the challenges of addiction, spirituality, and self-discovery.
Throughout the book, David’s writing is candid and introspective, inviting readers to explore his struggles and the challenges he faced on his journey. His reflections on spirituality and religion are particularly insightful, offering a nuanced and deeply personal account of the role these forces played in his life. His writing is infused with a sense of hope and resilience, reflecting his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. The book is structured non-chronologically, which may be confusing at times, as it can be easy to mix up the past and the present. Nonetheless, the writing is easy to follow, and David’s unfiltered accounts of his childhood provide a refreshing perspective on the issues of addiction and spirituality.
Redemptive Trauma is a compelling and honest memoir that offers a unique perspective on one man’s journey through life. I highly recommend it to readers seeking an engaging and deeply personal account of the challenges of addiction, spirituality, and self-discovery.
May 13, 2021
David who served as an Anglican Clerk in Ontario in the Anglican Church of Canada was barred from his services as an incumbent priest of his parish.
While being on a leave David when examined was found guilty of sexual misconduct while being drugged out.
David has completed his Bachelor's and Master's degree from Huron University College at the Western University in London, Ontario. And after becoming an adult he David served as a street-involved pastor in Toronto and London. His major agenda of life were related to social outreach, restorative justice, and learning to wrestle with life and faith in the fast evolving computer driven age.
In 2018 David was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in which led him to become a public advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental health and addiction issues (especially when related to generational trauma). He quickly learned the challenges and opportunities this presents, as he himself.
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a memoir embracing hard truths of trauma to help others heal their own.
This book is all about sex, drugs, rock stars, alcohol, and the uneven rise and fall of the guilty and the innocent.
CONFESSION OF A DEFROCKED PROEST is a novel- once read -- we can never forget!!!!
I'm definitely a new fan of author David Giffen. It's TIMELESS......This story was so enthralling and unputdownable that it deserves much more than five stars!
While being on a leave David when examined was found guilty of sexual misconduct while being drugged out.
David has completed his Bachelor's and Master's degree from Huron University College at the Western University in London, Ontario. And after becoming an adult he David served as a street-involved pastor in Toronto and London. His major agenda of life were related to social outreach, restorative justice, and learning to wrestle with life and faith in the fast evolving computer driven age.
In 2018 David was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in which led him to become a public advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental health and addiction issues (especially when related to generational trauma). He quickly learned the challenges and opportunities this presents, as he himself.
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a memoir embracing hard truths of trauma to help others heal their own.
This book is all about sex, drugs, rock stars, alcohol, and the uneven rise and fall of the guilty and the innocent.
CONFESSION OF A DEFROCKED PROEST is a novel- once read -- we can never forget!!!!
I'm definitely a new fan of author David Giffen. It's TIMELESS......This story was so enthralling and unputdownable that it deserves much more than five stars!
April 13, 2023
I should preface what I am about to write by saying that I have known David in two capacities first as a priest in the diocese of Toronto, (not my pastor, but well known to me through communities we both moved in) and later after the events described, as a friend. David was a great priest in the diocese: capable, a powerful preacher, one of the bright lights - talked about as "future bishop material" after the events described in the book he was a pariah: yet another priest who couldn't control himself. (one wonders how many clergy have to mess up before "yet another" is recognized as a deeper pattern within the profession) That said, David's story is not new in the sense that he is far from the first to act this way or be disciplined in this way. This is a book about trauma not about healing. I think my rating of this book could have been higher if I got the sense that there was any kind of repentance happening in its pages, it describes one side of story, and that story is hugely compelling but it is just the one side. David's anger at the church a church which I still love and see good in is hard to read but important to understand nonetheless. I look foreword to the long awaited sequel "redemptive healing" in which the author learns to forgive himself and mean it.
November 7, 2025
There’s a compelling story here, but it’s obscured by heavy copy-editing issues and contradictions (e.g., luck vs. industry behind the family fortune, pp. 27 / 61). A second edition could fix this.
The book is ultimately more about redemption than confession, since the disclosures often concern other people’s sins. For example, when describing the reasons David entered into a sexual relationship with his employee, the bishop is blamed (p. 31) more than David’s own decision to lead heretically (p. 51). His godparents and parents, in his telling, fall short of the support he needed; and at moments he even seems to place fault higher still: when he acted out, it was "not like a villain so much as a defective toy that wasn’t properly made". I hope David sees that the compassion he seeks from others can be turned toward himself without softening accountability. Essentially, he’s loved but hard on those in authority -- including himself -- and he draws such a sharp line between them and his sister, son, and three close friends that the moral centre of the book wobbles.
That said, readers may find that its very openness about pain becomes the source of its deepest insight.
The book is ultimately more about redemption than confession, since the disclosures often concern other people’s sins. For example, when describing the reasons David entered into a sexual relationship with his employee, the bishop is blamed (p. 31) more than David’s own decision to lead heretically (p. 51). His godparents and parents, in his telling, fall short of the support he needed; and at moments he even seems to place fault higher still: when he acted out, it was "not like a villain so much as a defective toy that wasn’t properly made". I hope David sees that the compassion he seeks from others can be turned toward himself without softening accountability. Essentially, he’s loved but hard on those in authority -- including himself -- and he draws such a sharp line between them and his sister, son, and three close friends that the moral centre of the book wobbles.
That said, readers may find that its very openness about pain becomes the source of its deepest insight.
April 10, 2022
A first hand personal account of one man's extraordinarily difficult journey through childhood trauma, lifelong battle with addictions, and ever-contunuing search to find his true self. A son, a father, a brother, a friend, a priest, a lonely man. His struggles are at the same time intesified and soothed by his intense faith in god. Part journal, part poetry, part philosophy...and 100% authentic. The writing twists and doubles back on itself, reflective of the author's back and forth internal struggles. Redemtive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a must-read for anyone affected by addictions: persons struggling with addictions, their family, friends, and co-workers, and clinicians. Walk alongside the author for a few hours and come out the other side with insight into not only how trauma and addiction affected the author's multi-faceted life, but also how he perseveres.
- Judy D, BNRN, CHN(C)
- Judy D, BNRN, CHN(C)
May 31, 2022
How do I word this and not ruffle feathers. If you want to read something that leaves you slightly uncomfortable, possibly triggered and awakened to a twists and turns of a person’s REAL life, then read this book. That may sound harsh but the author didn’t share his brutal realities to make people feel warm and fuzzy. His exact story may not be relatable in the sense of knowing what it takes to be a man of the cloth but it’s about the man before and after. There is a rawness and vulnerability to it which is the most commendable part. I am not an avid reader but I did tell myself to start reading and see what happens and I found myself preferring to read over watching TV which hasn’t happened in a while. Do I recommend, yes. Absolutely.
March 15, 2022
As someone, and a priest, who shares a similar ACE score, this book was both difficult to read but hopeful; difficult in the memories that surfaced for me, but also hopeful that the Gospel still makes everything new. Resurrection never looks the same and I am thankful God renews even in the midst of trauma.
January 5, 2023
I met the author and he was very nice. His book is raw. I found it a bit all over the place at times. It was a good read and I was happy to support someone close to home. Not sure i would read it again but I would definitely recommend it to others. Seeing him really made the raw parts hit harder though. You have a face to connect to these stories too.
April 14, 2023
As a first responder I find a lot of correlations with the trauma of clergy. Often entering into the role to help others but having to contend with a system that fails to understand the nature of humans and trauma. I’d recommend this to anyone needing inspiration for their own journey or struggling with their identity, personally or professionally.
April 9, 2023
I found this book an excellent read, we all deserve a life filled with love no matter who we are. I work with David, and I can say this an excellent insight into trauma approach with an honest perspective.
April 9, 2023
Absolutely recommended reading. Read it in one sitting because of the candid, vivid storytelling about one person’s journey to find normalcy in the world of the church and life itself.
July 22, 2021
The book " Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest " is an incredible read which will surely leave a great impact on the readers mind. The author, David Giffen, had done a very good job by writing this book. I really appreciate his efforts. Now, you must be thinking how did he do a great job just by writing a book of his own wish? For this you must read this book out and i'm sure you won't regret picking this book up.
Talking about the plot without any spoilers, the whole story revolves around the author himself. He was a priest who served in a church. But while he was on his leave, David was formally investigated and found guilty of sexual misconduct. He was dragged out and that was all around in the social media. This book is encouraging and heart breaking at the same time as we walk through David's trauma and events of his past. What happens next? Did he really commit something wrong? Or was he innocent? To know the answers to your questions, hurry up grab the book.
The language used is simple and easy for anyone to understand. The writing style is impressive along with the usage of good words. The narration done by the author is smooth and flawless throughout till the end. It's a short and light read of around just 108 pages. I would recommend this book to all the readers. Overall, I loved it.
Talking about the plot without any spoilers, the whole story revolves around the author himself. He was a priest who served in a church. But while he was on his leave, David was formally investigated and found guilty of sexual misconduct. He was dragged out and that was all around in the social media. This book is encouraging and heart breaking at the same time as we walk through David's trauma and events of his past. What happens next? Did he really commit something wrong? Or was he innocent? To know the answers to your questions, hurry up grab the book.
The language used is simple and easy for anyone to understand. The writing style is impressive along with the usage of good words. The narration done by the author is smooth and flawless throughout till the end. It's a short and light read of around just 108 pages. I would recommend this book to all the readers. Overall, I loved it.
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