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Shedding Light on Children of Priests with Brendan Watkins - Ep 161

Unraveling Adoption

Release Date: 09/02/2024

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"The Church, of course, is doing everything it can to silence victims." - Brendan Watkins

EPISODE SUMMARY:
In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, the host, Beth Syverson, interviews Brendan Watkins, an Australian adoptee who shares his emotional journey of discovering his origin story filled with religious intrigue. Brendan found out that his birth mother became pregnant in the 1950s and relinquished him for adoption, and later became a nun. He then discovered that his birth father was a Catholic priest. Brendan's memoir, Tell No One, sheds light on the challenges faced by children of priests and nuns. The episode delves into the complexities of adoption, the impact of secrecy and shame, and the need for awareness and support for individuals affected by such circumstances. Brendan emphasizes the importance of mental health support and seeking legal assistance for those in similar situations. The episode highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition faced by children of priests and nuns, urging listeners to educate themselves and support those affected by these issues. 

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📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL

📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar

✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing

💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX

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RESOURCES:

Brendan Watkin’s information:

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources:

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to [email protected]

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

Check out our website: http://UnravelingAdoption.com

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TIME STAMPS:

  • Introduction to Unraveling Adoption: 00:00:02-00:00:34

  • Brendan's Early Childhood and Adoption Revelation: 00:01:36-00:03:08

  • Discovering Birth Mother's Identity: 00:03:28-00:05:14

  • Revealing Birth Father's Identity: 00:06:34-00:08:53

  • Insights into Relationship Between Birth Parents: 00:09:19-00:09:51

  • Discussion on Celibacy and Wealth in the Church: 00:10:32-00:12:53

  • Impact of NDAs and Confidentiality Agreements: 00:16:15-00:19:01

  • Support and Justice for Children of Priests and Nuns: 00:20:11-00:22:56

  • Reflections on the Church's Actions and Victims: 00:23:20-00:26:04

  • Resources and Conclusion: 00:26:54-00:28:30