Sexual Abuse is More Common than You Might Think

It's Even More Traumatic When It Happens in Church

You all know that I usually write about some aspect of spiritual abuse in churches or about some phase of healing from that trauma that falls somewhere along the spectrum of “wholeness.” I don’t usually write about sexual abuse, but that topic is unfortunately found in churches as well as “out in the world.”

I recently came across a webinar to watch called “Spiritual Direction with Survivors of Sexual Trauma” presented by Anne Richardson, a well-seasoned Spiritual Director. She writes:

“Did you know that one in three women and one in six men will experience a sexual trauma in their lifetime?

Sexual trauma differs from other types of trauma because of embedded shame that says, “Something is wrong with me. I am not worthy.” Many victims of sexual trauma, especially children, internalize it as their fault. Many survivors struggle with trusting God. There is a greater stigma attached to sexual abuse than other types of trauma, which can cause the survivor to keep silent. This topic is very uncomfortable for most people, including spiritual directors.” Quoted from Anne’s workbook for her webinar.

May I suppose that each of my readers knows very well about sexual trauma in churches, at least because of headlines in newspapers about yet another pastor or priest who has been accused, sued, or disbarred from any future ministry.

However, it’s not always the pastor who is the perpetrator. Yes, sometimes the abuse comes from lay people.

The church is not immune from such travesties. What I’m moved to ask of any of you, is to pray for the persons who have received such abuse. To say that “Life after sexual abuse is difficult” is an understatement. Pray for them. But pray for the abusers as well. They also need a lot of prayer.

But also pray for the Church herself. Yes, I know we are made up of “saints and sinners” but sexual abuse tears a church apart. The Church, y’all! The Body of Christ! Pray for the Church.

Let me know what you think. And share on your social media.