Événement

The Church and Child Sexual Abuse: Tending the Spiritual Wounds of Survivors

2 hr Workshop

Great strides have been taken in the church regarding safe sanctuaries that protect children from abuse. However, the church often overlooks how they might minister to the adult survivors of abuse in their midst. Survivors of child sexual abuse often hide in plain sight, and the church has little awareness of the spiritual wounds they bear. In this workshop, we will discuss the many aspects of church that can prevent survivors from feeling safe or connecting with God. We will explore simple adjustments to common rituals that will allow those wounded ones among us to participate more fully in the life of the church, as well as the ways in which church members, clergy, and staff can reach out to those victims and walk alongside them in appropriate and healing ways.

Sue Magrath is the author of Healing the Ravaged Soul: Tending the Spiritual Wounds of Child Sexual Abuse. She is a retired psychotherapist, having spent 14 years as a pastoral counselor working with victims of child sexual abuse. She is active in the UMC as a spiritual director, retreat and workshop leader, church consultant, and advocate in the area of clergy wellness.