I asked the question a few weeks ago about why the church has been resistant to change how it deals with sexual abuse. These responses were powerful.
1. We may have to demolish a power structure
2. It may mar our preferred view of church
3. It may mess with reputation
4. It would tear down an illusion
5. It messes with identity
6. It interferes with non-disclosure clauses
7. It ruins PR
8. It may trigger memories of assaulting another
I talk about these issues and more in WE TOO. You can order your copy here:
How about you? Why do you think the church is resistant to change in this area?
Thank you, Mary, for breaching the silence and broaching the question. I agree with each one of these 8 reasons. Too often, church leadership succumbs to the lie that it’s better to deal with it quietly than to honestly address the issue and its consequences with love, humility, grace, and dignity.
I’m grateful for the Twitter discussion a few weeks ago that started this discussion!
Thank you for your authenticity, Mary. As an author of the book, From Crisis to Compassion, about childhood trauma, I address the importance of this issue and it’s negative impact on healthy boundries and adult decisions. You have made us aware of the issues that are not shared from the pulpit and therefore are not approachable to those in positions of authority. This is not an issue of sex but of power and control which is the foundation of many traditional churches.