Putting the issue into Perspective.

In recent times, instances of abuse have gained significant attention, with concerns raised about its occurrence within churches and religious settings. While it’s crucial to acknowledge and confront abuse in any context, it’s essential to understand the broader picture and not single out any specific institution.

1. Understanding the Wider Context

Research reveals that abuse can occur in any environment, including homes, schools, clubs, sports, and religious institutions. A study by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse found that religious settings accounted for six percent of reported abuse cases, less than those reported in schools. The Church may be viewed as the more dangerous setting, but the stats show there is more risk in school settings. (See stats below.)

“The Truth Project, which is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, is documenting people’s experiences so they can inform the recommendations in the IICSA’s final report in 2022. More than 5,400 survivors of child sexual abuse have shared their experience and 5,104 personal accounts have been analysed for research purposes. Fifteen per cent said their abuse was in a school setting and six per cent said it was in a religious setting. Sixty per cent said it was not in an institution or they did not know, with 48 per cent saying the abuser was a family member.”

PremierChristian.news – “Religious settings second most common place for child abuse among institutions, after schools”

That being said, the overwhelming majority of abuse situations did not happen within institutions. Just under half of victims claimed their abuser was a family member, making the home the most likely setting for abuse to take place. This highlights the sobering reality that abuse can occur anywhere, rather than a false assumption that religious contexts are the only areas of risk.

Identifying the Perpetrators and Their Relationships

It is essential to recognize that perpetrators of abuse come from diverse backgrounds and relationships. According to Community Advocates for Family & Youth, approximately 60% of perpetrators are nonrelative acquaintances, while 30% are relatives of the child. (See stats below.)

“Most often, sexual abusers know the child they abuse but are not relatives. In fact, about 60% of perpetrators are nonrelative acquaintances, such as a friend of the family, babysitter, or neighbor. About 30% of those who sexually abuse children are relatives of the child, such as fathers, uncles, or cousins. Strangers are perpetrators in about 10% of child sexual abuse cases. Men are found to be perpetrators in most cases, regardless of whether the victim is a boy or a girl.”

CAFYonline.org – Community Advocates for Family & Youth, “Who Are the Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse?”

According to the research provided, in a small percentage of cases, strangers are the perpetrators. This data demonstrates that abusers often have previous relationships with their victims. Moreover, they are not limited to any specific institution or organization, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness across all settings where vulnerable persons may be at risk.

Confronting Abuse as a Universal Responsibility

Abuse, regardless of where it occurs, is an evil that must be addressed and condemned unequivocally. It is crucial to underscore that abuse is a human sin problem, not exclusive to any particular religious group or organization. We must work collectively to combat abuse, protect the vulnerable, and support survivors. Moreover, the Church should be at the forefront of calling out and addressing abuse, regardless of the social or financial outcome of the institution or organization. The victim’s care and justice should be the primary objective.

Seeking Redemption and Starting to Heal

The Gospel of Jesus Christ offers hope in providing redemption, justice, healing, restoration, and transformation for all individuals affected by abuse. All Christians should emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and seeking justice for the oppressed. Churches and other Christian organizations have a responsibility to address abuse with utmost seriousness, providing support, counselling, and resources for survivors, and if and where appropriate the perpetrators.

A Caveat to Close

Abuse of any kind, in any place to anyone is evil. It shouldn’t happen in the home, in schools, in clubs and sports, and especially not in the local church. And yet, we can’t escape the fact that it does. It’s important to remember that this is a human, sin problem, not just a secular or Christian problem. To repeat my previous statement, redemption, justice, healing, restoration and transformation can be found by anyone through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.