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We have all seen the cases before, and been left scratching our heads. How did the church miss this? Here are some helpful thoughts from Practical Theology Professor David Murray that we would all do well to consider.
The play, #ChurchToo, effectively and artfully touched on themes such as power imbalances, denial, silence, grooming, guilt on the part of the victim, and male heroes in the Bible who used their power and position to victimize women.
Of all The Network articles floating around in my mind I wanted to write, all important topics for Safe Church Ministry—this is what came out when I sat down to write. It's a hopeful reflection on life with God.
What are we to make of all the sexual assault allegations we’re hearing? And how are we to respond, as the church, when we hear these stories, and address allegations in our own congregations? Here's a resource that can help.
It is a joy and a privilege to work with organizations like Dove’s Nest for the building up of Christ’s body in a loving and faithful way. Sign up for their free newsletter to stay up-to-date with great resources!
Safe Church is offering mini-grants of up to $1,000 to host an event or to create a resource that fits with our mission to equip congregations in abuse awareness, prevention, and response.
Across the Body of Christ, fellow sisters and brothers are speaking up against abuse, sharing stories, and seeking to follow Jesus' way in creating and sustaining safe places for all!
Last night, I spent time with Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo Movement! She emphasized that my voice and my story mattered.
A “partnership with” model of power is not about being nice, nor does it come about overnight. We start with safe spaces where we can talk about the construction of gender roles, power differentials, and the changing social values.
This was one of those conferences that doesn’t just fade away from your memory once you return home. On the contrary, I was inspired to do more, study more, read more, and be a stronger advocate for victims of abuse.
I wanted to share my experience as a new Classis Coordinator in Classis Hamilton. I'm curious, what has your experience been? What can we learn from each other?
What Safe Church brochures/materials would be best to hand out at a classis meeting?
As a man, its time to tell my story of sexual assault at school.
Classis Chatham used Safe Church Mini-Grant Funds to help create a video to promote a counseling fund for those who would like to receive counseling after an experience of abuse. Several other classes have a similar fund. What could your classis do with a Safe Church Mini-Grant?
Sharing our new Circle of Grace video and other resources from Safe Church!
Recently, Safe Church Ministry and the Office of Social Justice collaborated to draft an action alert urging you all to write your congress members in order to help achieve justice for many sexual assault survivors. Due to this injustice many perpetrators of sexual assault still run free, and the silence speaks loudly to the survivors.
This story should help us realize that sexual assault must never be minimized and there must always be proper discipline administered to those who abuse their power. This too should remind us of the devastation that sexually inappropriate and assaultive behavior causes for women and men in all walks of life.
Reflections on the documentary, "Over 18", and information on upcoming screenings and events with director Jared Brock.
From an outsider looking in at this situation and how it continues to unfold, there are some lessons that we in Safe Church Ministry should consider.
This story is part of our SOS series - "My sister's story" can help us understand the devastation that happens in families as a result of domestic abuse. How might the church respond to make a positive difference?
Miriam Spies just started serving as Volunteer and Communications Specialist for Disability Concerns (20 hrs) and Safe Church (10 hrs).
Does your classis have a Safe Church Coordinator or Team Leader? We are excited to see more begin coordinating to further equip, collaborate, and resource our congregations throughout the Christian Reformed Church in North America.
Listen to two stories of how attending the Safe Church conference ignited fruitful safe church ministry in central Montana and in western Michigan. Consider what it could mean where you live and worship.
We are in the process of creating an interactive toolkit to assist in creating and revising safe church policies. We would love to have you send us any policies or resources that have been helpful to you.
Amy’s story can help us understand what it is like to experience abuse from a trusted church member, and then not to be believed when she tried to tell about it.