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Human weakness is not an excuse for moral failure. A pastor is someone called by God to stand before the people in Christ’s stead. (Based on 2 Corinthians 5:20)
We acknowledge The Hope of Survivors for granting us permission to use material from their website.
A survey of 6,000 United Methodists found: Half of all laywomen and one-third of laymen witness or are victims of some degree of sexual harassment or misconduct in their congregations, from inappropriate comments by the pastor or laity in leadership to physical assault and stalking.
Heather Hahn. "Sexual misconduct tests denomination." United Methodist News Service (January 27, 2011).
Even in the church one witnesses our male ministers making sexual inference toward female colleagues and other female congregants. One observes how male ministers get touchy feely with younger attractive women and they seem to think it is okay.
Bishop Michael Vorster -The Methodist Church of Southern Africa Natal Coastal District
Unfortunately your experience is far too common, both in terms of the abuse and in terms of the response of the church (regarding the sexual abuse of a Methodist member by a minister and the church's lack of concern/action).
Professor Gerald West, School of Religion, Philosophy, and Classics & Ujamaa Centre, University of KwaZulu-Natal
The Methodist Church in Britain issues ‘full and unreserved apology’ to abuse survivors
The truth is that the onus of justice should not rest on the victim. If it were done correctly, the church would take every step to seek justice.
Jan Tuin, Executive Director Tamar's Voice
In a study in 1984 of 1100 Protestant clergy, 38.5 % admitted to inappropriate sexual contact and 12.7 % had engaged in sexual intercourse with a church member.
Diana R. Garland, Dean, School of Social Work, Baylor University
I wish to congratulate you on your inspiring work that brings hope to countless people.
A message to us from Valli Batchelor, editor of “When Pastors Prey”, a World Council of Churches publication