Join now to access this member-only content
Become a Member
Already a member? Log in for full access.
Former gymnast Rachael Denhollander—whose testimony against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar drew widespread media attention—told Christianity Today that “church is one of the least safe places to acknowledge abuse” because victims often receive damaging advice from church staff who know little about the topic.
The #ChurchToo movement (accompanying the #MeToo movement) reveals that churches are as susceptible to issues of sexual misconduct and abuses of power as secular institutions. Often, one or more individuals are to blame for abuses, but calls for reform are directed at churchesand their leadership.
Denhollander’s quote about acknowledging abuse is directed at institutional practices and mindsets that often make reporting and responding to abuse a fraught prospect for victims. And, while churches should not preemptively admit culpability before accusations ...
Related ResourcesVisit Store
Sex Offenders in the Church
Legal and safety concerns to address when dealing with a sex offender.
Sexual Harassment in the Christian Workplace - Executive Report 2020
An inside look at the 2020 Church and Parachurch Ministries Workplace Environment Study
Church Board Guide to a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy
Church leaders and boards can take relatively simple, yet effective steps to reduce the likelihood of child sexual abuse.
Understanding Church Insurance
Understand your church's insurance needs to be assured you have adequate coverage.
