When CRC Ministers Abuse Part I
Cynthia* never expected that a pool party with church council members and her pastor would leave her humiliated and traumatized decades later.
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Cynthia* never expected that a pool party with church council members and her pastor would leave her humiliated and traumatized decades later.
From North America to Africa, from Europe to Asia, one of the great tragedies facing humanity, a tragedy not often talked about (or certainly not enough), is that of women as victims of violence—even in the church.
Half of the Christian Reformed Church’s 1,100 congregations now have a Child Safety Policy in place. And approximately half of the 47 classes (regional groups of churches) have Safe Church Teams in place.
About 25 years ago reports began to surface about physical, emotional, and sexual abuse perpetrated by members and even leaders in the Christian Reformed Church.
As a teenager Joanne Ravensbergen was abused by her brother-in-law, now a retired CRC pastor. . . the abuse “destroyed my faith,” she said. “I’ve burned my Bibles.”
Consent is a short word, but long on meaning. There is much to know about consent, and there is much to misunderstand about consent.
In some instances, the law places a restriction on consent—not because of age or cognitive ability—but because there is a higher societal value to uphold. This article will look more closely at that issue.
Here are some tips on facility changes for the protection of youth.
Attached is a link to a free webinar on mandated reporting for churches.
This webinar explores how churches can navigate between these truths so that the church becomes a safe and healing community, a station of hope for those who are repentant and seek the Lord's help to make better choices and walk in righteousness.
This webinar will provide an overview of CRC Safe Church Ministry and discuss the reasons why abuse prevention and response is critical to the life of our churches.
This valuable resource for teens by Gayla R. Postma and Rev. William Veenstra discusses sex and intimacy in healthy relationships.
Preventing abuse takes bold leadership, leaders who are not afraid to talk about the issue and bring it out into the open.
Circle of Grace is a primary prevention program that trains children and youth to be an active participant in creating a safe environment for themselves and others.
The Advisory Panel Process has been put in place to support Christian Reformed congregations in responding to church leader misconduct.
Are there warning signs in a relationship?
Recommended steps for child safety this summer.
Insurance company devoted to reducing the risk of abuse in the church by providing sample child safety policies, insurance coverage, church volunteer training, written and video resources
CLEO provides many services, including booklets on abuse-related topics that are downloadable; example - Elder Abuse: The Hidden Crime
Here is the website of the Safe Church Ministry of the CRCNA with resources to create awareness of abuse and to assist churches and organizations to respond effectively and justly to abuse incidents.
Faith-based organization that provides written and video resources for the prevention of sexual assault, domestic violence, and church leader misconduct .
This webinar is designed to help us understand the problem of domestic violence, so that we can recognize it and respond in practical and effective ways.
A book from Faith Alive Christian Resources for teens that humorously covers topics related to healthy sexuality.
This free guide provides a thorough description of emotional abuse, victims, abusers, and effects along with information about what to do when you recognize it and how to report it.
Preventing Child Abuse will guide churches and nonprofit organizations through the process of designing and implementing child safety policies and procedures.