All Sexual abuse articles
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Reviews
For our daughters: When womanhood is defined by submission to men, it opens the door to abuse
A new documentary attempts to explain how abuse has been allowed to fester in US evangelical churches. Greg Garrett says For Our Daughters is urgent and important, and will challenge Christians to return to the way of Christ
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Opinion
From Harrods to the Church, we must stand up to abusive leaders
The culture that allowed allegations of rape against Mohamed Al Fayed to go unchallenged for so long must change, says Susie Flashman Jarvis. And the Church must learn those same lessons, too
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News Analysis
Explained: Who is Father Marko Rupnik and why are there calls to remove his art?
The disgraced Jesuit has already been excommunicated by the Catholic Church, following sexual infidelity. Now, as the Church awaits the findings of a new abuse investigation, survivors are calling for his once-popular mosaics to be taken down
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Real Life
‘I was shot at point-blank range – twice! But God saved me’
After surviving sexual abuse, drug addiction and an assassination attempt, Tommy Hanrahan became a church leader – and saw both his abuser and would-be murderer come to Christ
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News Analysis
Explained: Who is Mike Bickle and what are the allegations against him?
The International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) movement has cut all ties with its founder, Mike Bickle, after concluding accusations of sexual misconduct were true. Tim Wyatt explains what has been happening
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Opinion
The complicated case of Russell Brand’s (sort-of) conversion
How do we cheer on someone’s walk towards Christ without minimising the pain of their past actions? As Russell Brand speaks of needing a personal relationship with Jesus months after being accused of sexual offences, Emma Fowle explores
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Opinion
Westminster abuse allegations are in the headlines. But our churches need to change too
Former MP Nadine Dorries’ new book contains a series of shocking allegations of rape, sexual abuse and misogyny in the halls of Westminster. Tragically, it’s nothing new, says Bekah Legg. Christians and churches need to equip themselves to respond appropriately
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Opinion
Abuse and violence against women is rife. Why does it keep happening?
From Lawrence Fox’s misogynistic comments to allegations against Russell Brand and the murder of Elianne Andam, there is one common thread. Men who see women as objects. It isn’t how God created us, says Bekah Legg
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Reviews
The Secrets of Hillsong
The latest TV docuseries to scrutinise Hillsong’s failings is the most thorough and fairest yet. As Carl Lentz gives his first interview since being fired from the megachurch, Sam Hailes argues that we can’t blame the media for wanting to shine a light on abuse and moral failings in the Church. It’s time to learn the lessons
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Magazine Features
I used to be Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson. Here’s what I’ve learned about complicity and corruption
Ruth Malhotra was working as Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson when abuse allegations were first made against the apologist. The revelations began a journey that would take her from spokesperson to whistleblower to advocate
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Opinion
Pastors guilty of sexual abuse should never be restored to ministry
High profile US pastor Johnny Hunt was restored to ministry despite serious allegations of sexual misconduct. What happened to permanent disqualification, asks Beth Allison Barr. And what does it say to the women in their congregations?
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Opinion
I offered free domestic violence training to the churches in my town - but not one man came
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Sally Hope asks: How can we end violence against women if men won’t engage?
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Opinion
Children are still being groomed, raped and exploited in Church. Things must change
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse identified a ”callous indifference” to the suffering of victims in a Church that prefers to protect its own reputation over the most vulnerable in its flock, says Samantha Smith
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Real Life
‘I was abused for a decade and made to feel it was my fault’
As the damning report into the sexual exploitation of children in Telford is finally released, 20-year-old Samantha Smith shares her story of grooming and abuse, and how her faith is slowly helping her through it
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Magazine Features
Is complementarian theology abusive?
In the wake of abuse scandals and the #MeToo movement, Megan Cornwell asks: is it time for Christians to re-evaluate Church teaching on gender roles?
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Opinion
‘We tried to tell you for years and years’: How the Southern Baptist Church woefully failed abuse survivors
For decades, sexual abuse in the largest US Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, was covered up by church leaders. Survivors, many of whom were assaulted as children, were treated appallingly, says Rachael Denhollander, who has been working to hold SBC to account
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Opinion
Triggered by scripture? This version of the Bible could help you
While supporting survivors of abuse, pastor Mike Leake found Eugene Peterson’s The Message translation of the Bible instrumental in their healing journey
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News Analysis
Bruxy Cavey confessed to an affair. But Christian leaders say his sin is worse
Bruxy Cavey has admitted infidelity and resigned from leading his Canadian megachurch. But other Christian leaders say his 'confession' does not go far enough. Heather Tomlinson looks at how attitudes are changing when it comes to what constitutes abuse in church settings.
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Testimonies
I was a heroin addict but Jesus turned my life around. Now I'm helping others make a fresh start
Chaz was sexually abused as a child, addicted to heroin and has spent twelve years in prison. Yet thanks to a fresh start at a Christian housing project, he has turned his life around. Now, he’s doing the same for others
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Opinion
The sexual abuse inquiry was right: Churches of all denominations must do more to safeguard children
Baptist, Methodist and independent evangelical churches have all come under scrutiny