Sexual Abuse and the Church
The Church’s Response to Sexual Abuse Can Fall Short
For survivors of sexual abuse, the Trees of Hope ministry provides a caring, faith-based community to support their journey toward recovery.
The Church should be one of the safest places for anyone to heal, but historically, it has fallen short of creating that sanctuary for those experiencing sexual abuse. It has sometimes been more concerned about protecting the reputation of the church and its leaders than preserving the safety of the children and women in their care.
A church should be the safest place for those experiencing trauma, but victims can leave feeling dismissed and not believed. It takes great courage to tell your story candidly to a church staff member or volunteer counselor. If you have experienced sexual abuse, there is a caring, faith-based healing community through Trees of Hope.
Perpetrators can also lie within the very walls of the church. Scandals, cover-ups, and reports of pastors misusing their position of power and influence to take advantage of vulnerable women make it difficult for victims to trust a faith-based community. Evangelical and protestant churches have only recently started to understand the gravity of the problem and create safeguards for their congregants. Churches have failed to handle reports of abuse due to financial ramifications and preservation of their reputation.
Victims of sexual abuse or mistreatment by a pastor may be told they are ruining a “good man” or are “unforgiving.” They may even be bullied into compliance by someone within the body of Christ using the Bible to manipulate or distort the truth. This leaves the victim feeling vilified and void of prudent counsel on seeking safety.
In Ecclesiastes 4:1, King Solomon writes, “Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed - and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors - and they have no comforter.”
Jesus came to bring good news to the oppressed. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”(Luke 4:16-21) He proclaimed, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus advocated for victims of injustice and He has called all believers to love mercy and do justly (Micah 6:8).
Victims of sexual abuse within a church can seek help through various channels and take steps to ensure safety, well-being, and justice. First and foremost, seek safety if you are in immediate danger. This can include medical attention and a safe place to stay. Secondly, seek support through a Trees of Hope healing group. If and when you are ready, consider reporting the abuse to someone in authority in the church or a neutral third party.
If you are a church leader, it is crucial to take a hard look at your values and decide how your church will handle allegations of abuse within or outside of its walls. Church can be a healing community for everyone. Here are some ways a loving church community can respond to survivors of sexual abuse:
Listen without judgment. A victim wants to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Enlist help from outside agencies and law enforcement. An unbiased expert can help collect information and care for the victim.
Validate the victim’s experience and educate yourself on abuse prevention and reporting within your church community.
Prioritize safety, love, and belonging above the reputation of your institution.
Church leaders, staff, and volunteers have a responsibility to create a safe place where spiritual growth is encouraged and unhindered.
For survivors, healing from sexual abuse is a journey. It's essential to seek help and support that is right for you. Many resources are available through Trees of Hope; you don't have to go through this alone.
