Enough is Enough: Raising Awareness about Clergy Sexual Abuse
"Clergy sexual abuse is intolerable. Religious leaders wreak destruction when they abuse their power by treating others as objects of sexual gratification rather than precious ones created in God’s image. They destroy lives of people and congregations who put their trust in their leaders to represent God. And they destroy themselves in the process. Clergy sexual abuse happens in our own congregations, and in the lives of our friends and families, but we do not see it because we have not known to pay attention. May this campaign give people language we need. A sexualized relationship between a leader and a congregant is not an affair, and it is not private. It is abuse of power, and it affects all of us. No more."—Diana R. Garland, Ph.D., Dean, Baylor School of Social Work; Waco, Texas
Enough is Enough, an international campaign to raise awareness about the problem of clergy sexual abuse, sponsored by The Hope of Survivors.
Stay tuned for more information, and visit the website to find out how you can be a part of it.
Posted by AnnetteA at 5/3/2011 6:00 AM 
Categories: Enough is Enough
Tags: pastoral sexual abuse clergy misconduct affair enough is enough
Categories: Enough is Enough
Tags: pastoral sexual abuse clergy misconduct affair enough is enough
It is encouraging to know there is a campaign to raise awareness about clergy sexual abuse. I want to help spread the truth of the sad reality of the abuse of power and the great damage done to countless women whose hearts and souls have been affected by such abuse. Although, I have a slight fear of rejection as it hurts when people are silent because it appears there is a lack of concern. What hurts the most is when people believe that I am as much to blame as my pastor who held a position of power, authority, and trust, whose title and responsibility was to protect, not use me. At times I feel alone, but I am not alone because my Father is with me. I have a strong support in my husband, family, and friends. And there is THOS, a great support, encouragement, and place to find hope and healing, where others know the dynamics of clergy sexual abuse, know the grooming process, know the deep pain and betrayal, and know that it is a blatant abuse of power, position, and authority. God will not take lightly the damage caused by men who use their pastoral title and position for self-gratification. I am excited there is a campaign for a greater awareness about clergy sexual abuse and pray God’s truth on this issue will be revealed throughout the world, particularly within the church. And I will do my best to spread the truth in spite of fear and possible rejection.
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