"I Need Hope."

Believe God’s Promises 

Clergy sexual abuse represents a grave form of oppression imposed upon the victim, casting a dark shadow on their well-being and sense of security. It is an egregious act in direct violation of God’s Word. When a pastor uses his authority to obtain sexual contact from someone under his spiritual care, he is no longer leading her to believe God’s Word but is misusing his power to abuse her. This is not what God intended. God has much to say about oppression in the Bible (e.g., Ps. 9:9, Ps. 56:1, Ps. 72:4). 

God invites you to embrace His words rather than the abuser's. You do not have to live in the darkness of oppression, carrying the weight of an abuser's secrets (John 8:36).

You do not need to participate in a church or ministry cover-up or submit to leadership that requests you to lie or remain silent about the abuse (e.g., sign a non-disclosure agreement). It is not your responsibility to protect the abuser’s reputation or the reputation of the institution. God does not lead his people to lie in order to keep people in the church. On the contrary, God invites us to live in the light as He is in the light. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). We can live in the light and leave the results to God in whom we can safely put our trust (Ps. 9:7–10, Ps. 56). 

If you are considering stepping forward to seek justice against an institution that has failed to protect you and that you feel needs to be held accountable, Boz Tchividjian, a highly recommended attorney, specializes in helping both adult and child victims of church abuse, such as clergy sexual misconduct. Know that choosing to address the abuse through a lawsuit is a personal choice, and you should not feel pressured to do so.

It may feel intimidating to consider that speaking up about the abuse could lead people to learn about it. Consider God's promises for comfort  (Heb. 13:6, Rom. 8:31-38, Rev. 12:10-11). Remember, He is "the friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24) who promises to "cover you with his feathers" and "shelter you with his wings." His faithful promises are your "armor and protection" (Ps. 91:4). Consider his promise to provide everything that you need physically, mentally, and spiritually (Phil. 4:19). Trust that He has the power to heal you (3 John 1:2), comfort you (2 Cor. 1:3–4), and provide people to encourage you, both new friends and old (Luke 18:29–30). Believe that you have a brighter future ahead of you by believing God's will for your life is to live abundantly in Him (John 10:10). 

Remember the beauty of the gospel. Jesus chose to lay down His life for you (1 Cor. 15:1–4). He cares for you. Therefore, He will take care of you.