Help for Victims of Church-Related Sexual Abuse
Churchnet is seeking to reach out to persons who have been victims of sexual abuse at church. Utilizing a grant recently received, the Congregational Health Team of Churchnet is prepared to assist those who contact us for confidential help.
It is well understood that sexual abuse at church, particularly at the hands of clergy, does enormous damage emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Too often church organizations have attempted to quietly brush aside reports of misconduct to avoid “conflict in the church.” The victims of abuse have been victimized a second time by uncaring and unsympathetic church structures that have been more concerned about their images than the wellbeing and recovery of the persons offended.
Churchnet is forming a network of survivors of clergy abuse, and we are developing a list of psychologists and therapists in various parts of Missouri who specialize in sexual abuse treatment and recovery. Churchnet’s website has links to a list of books that provide valuable information on the subject, and there are websites listed for organizations that offer resources.
If you have been hurt by sexual abuse
at church, whether it was recent or
years in the past, we want to help you.
We can enable you to speak with
persons who have shared similar
experiences and with professionals
who can help you overcome.
You can begin the process of getting
help by contacting our Strategy
Development Team Leader, Bob Perry,
at (888) 420-2426, ext. 706 or
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A hopeful future for a church may not look like our expectations. The hopeful future may involve some churches “giving themselves away” for the sake of the Kingdom. It may involve joining with others, creating new partnerships or new models of church. But whatever is ahead, because our God is with us, there can be hope and positive expectations.