The following is an essay I wrote over a year ago for Christianity Today. It was declined, but as I was going through some old files today, I came across it again. I’ve healed a lot since writing this, but I feel it captures a window into the grief resultant from abuse in the church. I hope you find it comforting.
Child Abuse in Reformed Presbyterian Churches – A Presentation
later abused, oppressed, and forsaken by those who should have loved him, I can think of no better time to be pondering how we can prevent and reduce abuse in His church.
Not Forsaken Support Group for Men, Women + Church Leaders and Counselors
I’m excited to announce the launch of three new support groups. These groups are not only for victims and survivors of physical abuse, but also psychological abuse and neglect, as well as for spouses, family members, pastors, and counsellors who want to support victims and survivors better.
Open Letter: An Update from The Haven OPC, Long Island, NY
Below is a letter from Pastor Bill Shishko and the Session of The Haven OPC Church in Long Island, New York, to update you on our situation following my Open Letter to the OPC: Regarding Abuse in the Church. First though, I’d like to update you on some other responses and results from it. Following investigations in both the OPC …
13, Abused, and Suicidal
I suspect that if someone had started asking the right questions, looking for patterns, and connecting the dots, they might have realized something was wrong. It is my hope that by reading these journal entries, and my analysis of them, you can be better equipped and aware for the sake of the children around you.
Not Forsaken: A Shepherd’s Guide
Not Forsaken: A Shepherd’s Guide is a practical how-to study and theological resource for seminaries, pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders who seek to minister to abuse victims and survivors with compassion and biblical wisdom.
Memories From Childhood: A Church Unsafe
When I was a child, my parents were friends with an inordinate number of abusers. Some were later convicted of crimes. Some were never reported. Most were professing Christians we’d met in OPC and PCA churches. I’ve decided to write a series of short blogs recounting my memories and incidents I witnessed. While these stories are true, I have changed …