"Clergy sexual abuse is an ever-growing concern among Lay Evangelists who are truly working in the harvest. In fact, clergy sexual abuse and other types of abuses within the clergy arena are at pandemic proportions. The thought of a clergyman/woman abusing a person to gain control, sexually or to cause mental anguish to a person is alarming. We must remember these are tools strategically designed by Satan to destroy Christ’s already hurting sheep. This initiative is doing what the Word says to do in Isaiah 1:17, "...learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Today I stand up and say ENOUGH! Join me and others as we fight together to defend the oppressed and seek justice as God says. The Hope of Survivors epitomizes Isaiah 1:17. How about you?"—Vivionne G. Keli, Founder/President, Hold Your Peace Empowerment Seminars & The Reborn Identity Blog Talk Radio


"After women are sexually assaulted by a member of the clergy, they are often blamed by their congregation for having an affair. When clergy cross sexual boundaries with congregants it is never an affair. It is always sexual assault because of the position of power a clergy person holds in the congregation. Blaming and shaming a victim intensifies her shame of having been sexually violated and further isolates her. It also increases symptoms of assualt such as: spiritual crisis, post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation. Clergy sexual abuse and assault happen in all religions and every denomination. This is why Clergy Sexual Abuse Awareness & Prevention Day is much needed.  Creating awareness of this crime amongst the faithful will improve the likelihood that victims will be supported by other clergy and by their denomination. Such support greatly aids the victim and her family in their healing process."—Carolyn Waterstradt, M.A., Clergy Sexual Abuse Researcher


“When any trusted helping professional, be it a medical or mental healthcare provider, a lawyer, a teacher or a member of the clergy, puts their own needs ahead of those of their patient, client, student, staffer or congregant, exploitation occurs. Professional exploitation is one of the most egregious of human offenses. The harm done affects every aspect of the victim/survivors’ life and most often the damage is never really completely healed.  
 
Adult victim/survivors find little understanding when it comes to the fact that they hold zero accountability for the abuse they have endured. The professional is responsible for maintaining professional boundaries and ethics. Because there is an imbalance of power, authority, and trust, the adult victim cannot consent to the exploitive relationship.  
 
When a child is abused, everyone understands that they had no consent or accountability or responsibility. No difference exists when adults are exploited/abused by professionals that have vowed to forego their own needs for the needs of others that seek their help.  
 
There is not a more egregious offense than a member of clergy abusing a congregant. The loss of one’s spiritual self is added to the emotional damage that victim/survivors of other professionals don’t generally endure. For the victim/survivor of clergy abuse, this loss is the most devastating of all.  
 
The Hope of Survivors organization is a lifeline to those abused by clergy. The organization offers a hand up with unlimited resources and support. Those involved in providing the support are the most selfless among us. They care deeply and provide support for all those that face the long and arduous path to healing.
 
If there is just one thing that you can do to offer your support for The Hope of Survivors, it is to make a donation to ensure that this organization remains viable for all those that are in such dire need of guidance on their healing path and the support that only The Hope of Survivors can give."—Cindy Boling, President, AdvocateWeb (HOPE = Helping Overcome Professional Exploitation)