“It won’t happen here!!”
Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash
As I work with congregations in our District, I sometimes meet members who believe our Safe Church practices are unnecessary, “over the top,” or a “lot of bureaucratic red tape.” This view is based on the belief that we in the Lutheran Church are immune from abuse and the highly publicised criminal abuse of some other denominations.
Furthermore, there is an assumption that because we know our fellow congregational members, there is no need for rigorous processes. A wise Lutheran school principal once told me, “Don’t assume anything.” He was absolutely correct!
We have had, and continue to have, instances of abuse in our church which cause great harm to individuals, financially cripple us, and damage our reputation.
Whilst we don’t want to dwell on the negative, acknowledging what can occur (the temptation to sin) is important in driving us to do better and act preventatively.
Three decades ago, at a Lutheran church in South Australia, Ryan Williams was sexually abused – while his parents were chatting with other adults after worship. Now a pastor of a church in New Mexico, Ryan explains what happened, why it often takes so long for survivors to talk about abuse, and why it’s so important to bring what happens in the dark, out into the light.
This is an important message for all of us to hear.
I encourage you to take the time to listen to Ryan’s message on Laudio, the LCA podcast platform.
If you need support, please contact: Lifeline 13 11 14; or Bravehearts 1800 272 831.
From Denise, your District Professional Standards Officer
