“To silence the voices of victims and cover up their pain is to dehumanize them and do violence against their souls, often in the name of God”

Expert lawyer Robert Peters has investigated all kinds of cases of abuse in churches. In an interview with ‘Evangelical Focus’, he argues why the “historically passive and superficial approach” in churches must change radically, and offers keys for action.

As Christians reflect on the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby and the findings of the Makin report, GRACE has prepared a statement emphasizing five critical reforms we have long championed—reforms that every denomination, every seminary, every church, and every Christian must embrace. These are not optional steps but essential fruits of a faith rooted in justice and compassion (Matthew 7:16-20).

While children who are abused are at increased risk of suffering from numerous medical and mental health conditions, we also know from a large and growing body of research that many maltreated children also suffer spiritually.

The church is called to care for those who have been abused.  While the church has fulfilled that calling with some survivors of abuse, she has also failed countless people and sometimes created more harm. This article provides guidance for becoming a more trauma-informed church.

Blue Sunday is an opportunity during worship to come together in solemn reflection and unified prayer to remember and support survivors of abuse and those who tirelessly advocate for them. We invite churches and ministries worldwide to unite in prayer, lifting up their hopes and desires for healing and justice to God. Together, let us stand in solidarity, a beacon of light amidst the darkness.

This scholarly publication will discuss how trauma informed care provides a framework for the use of child sexual abuse materials during a forensic interview. It further assists forensic interviewers in identifying alternatives to this potentially harmful practice.

As Christians read and discuss the response of the Southern Baptist Convention to the sin of child sexual abuse, GRACE has prepared a statement highlighting five reforms we have long advocated for--reforms that every denomination, every seminary, every church, every Christian should work for. It is by our fruits that we will be known (Matthew 7:16-20).

Harassment should be taken seriously as it “strikes at a person’s dignity and self-esteem precisely because it is sexual,” and may serve as a precursor to more serious violent acts, such as sexual assault, rape, and murder. When sexual harassment is present in church culture, the spiritual impact can be great. Below are some guiding principles that churches and church leaders can implement to help combat a culture of sexual harassment in their environment.

Children are abused at alarming rates. In the United States, roughly 2/3 of children go through at least one “adverse childhood experience.” The heavy physical, emotional, and relational toll of abuse are widely accepted, but the spiritual impact of abuse has often been overlooked. Churches, ministries, and all Christians must better understand and respond to the spiritual impact of child maltreatment.

Watch the recorded discussion about child safeguarding and survivor care during COVID-19 led by Boz Tchividijian, with special guest Rachael Denhollander, and including GRACE board members Laura Thien, Justin Holcomb, and Victor Vieth.

There has been much discussion about what a church should do when confronted with an abuser in its midst. Such a question cannot begin to be adequately or wisely answered unless we first grasp the truth of what it means to be an abuser of the vulnerable.

While it is unfortunate there are not flashing lights or hazard signs in our church, there are warnings that communities can heed when navigating issues around known offenders.  

GRACE Board Member, Laura Thien, and Reverend Carrie Walker Nettles explain how the words we use can unintentionally be sources of great injury for the survivors of abuse within our faith communities.

It's fair to say that if society as a whole is pretty clueless about rape and sexual assault, men and boys are trebly so. Hardly any deal with how to avoid becoming a victim of it—and none at all on what to do, or how to feel, if one actually does.

A deeper look into the ins and outs of reporting abuse. A recorded conversation with GRACE's own Mike Sloan, Amy Stier, and special guest, Eli Molina. We answer questions such as: What is a mandated reporter? What does reasonable suspicion mean? Where do you report abuse? Does a church need to investigate?

On October, 4th, 2019 GRACE Founder and Executive Director, Boz Tchividjian, addressed the Caring Well Conference hosted by the ERLC (a ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention).

A resource for the Church on sexual abuse, the Valued Conference featured GRACE board members and fellow advocates in March, 2019.

Survivor Wendy Westerfield explains her personal interaction with the GRACE Investigation Team, and what she learned about “holding space” for difficult experiences.