Spiritual abuse, the misuse of spiritual authority to maltreat followers in the Christian Church, is a complex issue.  Spiritual abuse by clergy happens in churches. It shouldn’t, but it does.  There are a number of websites, blogs, and books that address spiritual abuse and recovery. Many people are trying to raise the awareness about spiritual abuse in the church today.

Spiritual Abuse Websites

The following websites and blogs are addressing spiritual abuse and recovery.  The term: ‘spiritual abuse’ was Googled.   Well over 130 sites with articles on this topic were checked, in order to see who was speaking out and what they were saying.  These sites are the best of the bunch.  I trust that this list is helpful.    

Most websites have a general approach to provide information and warning about spiritual abuse.  Some websites are quite personal and deal with issues related to their specific church or group.  These sites provide insights into people’s lives and experience of spiritual abuse.  You can decide which ones are your personal favorites.                                                                                    

Dr. Barb Orlowski

1. Church Exiters – Dr. Barb Orlowski
   http://www.churchexiters.com
   
2. BGBC Survivors Blog – Julie Anne Smith
   http://bgbcsurvivors.blogspot.ca
3. Healing Spiritual Abuse – Brandon Santan
   http://www.healingspiritualabuse.com
4. Kingdom Grace – Linda
   http://kingdomgrace.wordpress.com/resource
   http://kingdomgrace.wordpress.com
5. Battered Sheep – Paul Sue, Allan Mack
   http://www.Batteredsheep.com
6. Spiritual Abuse Recovery Resources – Dr. Jeff VanVonderen
   http://www.spiritualabuse.com
7. The National Assoc. of Christian Recovery – Dr. Dale Ryan
   http://nacronline.com
8. Recovery from Abuse – Dr. Dale Ryan
   http://www.recoveryfromabuse.com/wordpress/?page_id=16
9. What Really Matters – Anna
   http://www.setfree0408.blogspot.com
10. Futurist Guy – Brad Sargent
    http://futuristguy.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/recovery-from-spiritual-abuse-part-1-five-personal-lessons-from-my-surviving-toxic-leaders
11. Setting the Captives Free – Aida Carter
    http://no-more-chains.blogspot.com
12. VM Life Resources – Wendy and Doug Duncan
    http://www.dallascult.com/index.php?page_id=271
13. Pure Provender – Donna
    http://pureprovender.blogspot.com
14. Spiritual Abuse Awareness – Lisa Bertolini
    www.spiritualabuseawareness.com
15. Soul Liberty Faith
    www.soullibertyfaith.com
16. The Wartburg Watch – Darlene and Wanda
    http://thewartburgwatch.com/2010/07/27/spiritual-abuse-common characteristics
17. SpiritualAbuse.org – Lois Gibson
18. ChurchAbuse.com
19. John Mark Ministries
    http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/2108.htm
20. Apologetics Index
    http://www.apologeticsindex.org/a04.html#articles
21. Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Aust. – Pat Zukeran, David Henke
    http://www.caic.org.au/zabusive.htm
22. International Cultic Studies Association – Dr. Michael Langone
    http://www.icsahome.com
23. Rick Ross Institute  Study of Cults, Controversial Groups, and Mvmts
    http://www.rickross.com
24. Wittenberg Gate – Dory
25. http://www.wittenberggate.com/2006/08/advice_when_fac.html
26. The Barnabas Ministry – John Engler (Audio)
    http://www.barnabasministry.com
27. Jamesfive19.com – We survived abuse
    http://jamesfive19.com/blog/?page_id=423#Other
28. Ministry From Two Poles – Andy Little
    http://revandylittle.com/2009/07/03/scapegoating-spiritual-abuse-in-churches-part-1/
29. Ruby’s Emporium – Ruby
    http://www.rubysemporium.org/spiritual_abuse.html
30. Under Much Grace – Dr. Cindy Kunsman
    http://undermuchgrace.blogspot.com
31. YouTube:  Spiritual Abuse – What is it?/Effects
32. Mommy Life – Barbara Curtis
    http://mommylife.net/archives/spiritual_abuse/
33. Association of Former Pentecostals
    http://ex-pentecostals.org/spiritualabuse.htm
34. “Ten Signs of Spiritual Abuse” – Rod Smith
    http://rodesmith.com/2009/02/09/ten-signs-of-spiritual-abuse/ 
35. Spiritual Abuse: 10 Ways To Spot It – Mary DeMuth
    http://www.marydemuth.com

Peace and Safety in the Christian Home (PASCH)
Founder:  Dr. Catherine Clark Kroeger
http://www.peaceandsafety.com/home

Peace and Safety in the Christian Home (PASCH) is a loose coalition of academics, professionals, clergy and lay people who are alarmed by domestic violence in the Christian home and are interested in solving the problem of abuse in the Christian home. Our goal is to increase peace and safety in the Christian home, and in the world it serves, by addressing and decreasing all forms of abuse.

In the words of PASCH Founder, Dr. Catherine Clark Kroeger: “Evangelicalism has been effective in proclaiming the redemptive and reconciling love of God to a world in desperate need. In the last half-century, it has gained in both numbers and influence throughout the globe. Believers can point to many accomplishments and ministries through which they have sought to bring glory to God and healing balm to those in need. There has been a recognition that we must be doers of the word and not hearers only. In at least one area, however, evangelicals have lagged far behind others involved in humanitarian endeavors. We have failed to address the issue of domestic abuse in any significant way. In actuality, our leaders have been caught in a dilemma that leaves them with a high degree of discomfort even to acknowledge the problem.”

In response to this dilemma, Peace and Safety in the Christian Home emerged. PASCH has grown into an international network providing biblically based, practical resources to all who address issues of domestic abuse. We offer theological insights, research, training, and safety information for health care providers, rescue teams, shelter personnel, social workers, clergy, therapists, counselors and anyone else concerned about overcoming domestic abuse in Christian communities. We believe that God promises to breathe new life to those who suffer the injustice of domestic abuse. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:8)

The RAVE Project
Dr. Nancy Nason-Clark
http://www.theraveproject.com/index.php

The RAVE Mission Statement:

“There is no place like home; when abuse strikes, there is no home.”

RAVE seeks to enable religious leaders to respond to domestic violence in ways that are compassionate, practical, and informed by the latest research and best practices for professionals;

RAVE seeks to enable religious leaders to respond to domestic violence in ways that are compassionate, practical, and informed by the latest research and best practices for professionals;

RAVE seeks to walk alongside victims and survivors on their journeys toward healing and wholeness;

RAVE seeks to forge pathways between the Steeple and the Shelter;

RAVE seeks to hold abusers accountable for their actions, while offering hope for a transformed life.”

The Hope of Survivors
Clergy Sexual Abuse
http://www.thehopeofsurvivors.com

Sexual Abuse—Pastoral
Power Point by Diane Langberg PhD
http://wisecounsel.wordpress.com/articles-slides-etc/

Pastoral Sexual Abuse with Diane Langberg, PhD

Quote from Resources Articles at Wise Counsel

“If your primary allegiance is to your church, to the institution’s preservation, then you will sin to preserve it. If your allegiance is to Christ, you will relinquish the church, the institution, rather than sin.”

The Anglican Communion   Safe Church Consultation

The Consultation is a growing international group of people committed to the physical, emotional, and spiritual welfare and safety of all people involved in churches throughout the Anglican Communion.

Its members have been providing resources to educate about the issue of abuse and misconduct in the churches, and have equipped and supported people working to make their churches safe.
http://safechurch.anglicancommunion.org/index.cfm

Partnering for Prevention: A Conference on Abuse in our Communion and our Communities held June 23 – 26, 2011, Victoria, B.C., Canada.

See:  Resources    http://safechurch.anglicancommunion.org/resources/index.cfm

1. Abuse Response and Prevention, Mennonite Central Committee
   www.abuse.mcc.org
2. Clergy Sexual Misconduct Study and Resources, Baylor University
   www.baylor.edu/clergysexualmisconduct
3. Dove’s Nest Collaborative
   www.dovesnest.net
4. FaithTrust Institute
   www.faithtrustinstitute.org
5. Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute
   www.csbsju.edu/isti
6.  Quebec Government’s Website on Sexual Assault
   www.sexualassaults.gov.qc.ca
7.  United Methodist Website on Sexual Ethics
   www.umsexualethics.org

1. G.R.A.C.E.  Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment
   http://www.netgrace.org
2. Emerging from Broken – Sexual Abuse – Darlene Ouimet
   http://emergingfrombroken.com
3. The Missionary Myth – MK Abuse – Vivian Palmer Harvey
   http://www.missionarymyth.com
4. Overcoming Sexual Abuse:  Embracing a New Life - Christina Enevoldsen, Bethany Ruck, Patty Hite, and Jennifer Stuck
   http://overcomingsexualabuse.com
5. Live Uncaged – Mary DeMuth
   http://www.marydemuth.com
6. Facebook and Book Title: Breaking Their Will: Religious Child Abuse and Neglect – Janet Heimlich
   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breaking-Their-Will-Religious-Child Abuse-and-Neglect/
7. Child Abuse Effects – Darlene Barriere
   http://www.child-abuse-effects.com
8. Dove’s Nest Collaborative
   www.DovesNest.net

What is Sexual Assault?

The following is a Definition found on the Government of Quebec site:

http://www.sexualassaults.gov.qc.ca/en/understanding/index.php

Definition

Sexual assault is an act that is sexual in nature, with or without physical contact, committed by an individual without the consent of the victim, or in some cases, through emotional manipulation or blackmail, especially when children are involved. It is an act that subjects another person to the perpetrator’s desires through an abuse of power and/or the use of force or coercion, accompanied by implicit or explicit threats. Sexual assault is an attack on a person’s basic rights, particularly their rights to physical and psychological integrity and to personal security.

This definition applies regardless of the:

• Age, sex, culture, origin, marital status, religion, or sexual orientation of the perpetrator or the victim
• Type of sexual act
• Place or living environment in which the act occurred
• Relationship between the perpetrator and the victim

We are referring to sexual assault when we use other expressions like: 

• Sexual abuse, sexual offence, sexual contact, incest, child prostitution and pornography, and rape. 

It is completely unacceptable — and is illegal! 

Sexual assault is unacceptable, regardless of the form it takes, the acts involved, the situation, the relationship between the perpetrator and victim, or the circumstances. 

• All acts or forms of sexual contact are illegal. 

• And all acts or forms of sexual contact with people under the age of 16 are considered to occur “without consent” and are thus illegal. *

Prevention

Can you prevent sexual assault?

Vigilance is key.

Remember: most victims of sexual assault knew their assailant.

In Québec, 69% of sexual assaults . . .

*   take place in private residences

*   involve victims under the age of 18

Children 

• Sexual assaults against young girls most often take place in the family home and are committed by people such as the victim’s uncle, cousin, brother, friend, father, mother’s partner, etc. 

• Sexual assaults against young boys most often take place outside the family home and are committed by people such as the victim’s coach, teacher, etc.

In general, sexual offenders are almost exclusively male, and are mostly adults of sound mind. They can be a Partner/spouse, friend, acquaintance, professional, colleague, employer, classmate, neighbour, or family member.

In Québec, various organizations and groups in the public, parapublic, community and private sectors are mobilizing their efforts to reduce the number of sexual assaults in all settings.

The risk of sexual assault is highest for children and young people under the age of 18. For that reason, it is important for them and for those with responsibilities in settings where they are present to be aware of the importance of prevention. One important group working throughout Québec to prevent violence, including sexual assault, is the Regroupement des organismes Espace du Québec (www.roeq.qc.ca), which is an umbrella organization that unites all the Espace organizations.

Thank You to the Government of Quebec for this information.