Betrayal Blindness
People in high-control groups cannot allow themselves to fully engage with reality. Why? Because acknowledging the truth would threaten the church relationships that they depend upon for survival.
Child Abuse and the Lutheran Confessional: A Call to Elevate Christ’s Teachings on Children above Church Traditions
The Lutheran concept of private confession is a human doctrine not found in Scripture. As a result, it must give way when keeping a confidence violates the clear commands of Scripture. In the case of child abuse, Jesus clearly commanded his followers to protect children from abuse and this directive must take precedent over tradition.
The Danger of Inadequate Child Protection Policies
Inadequate child protection policies are often more dangerous than the absence of a policy because nominal policies allow church members to believe that they are safe when they are actually in grave danger.
The Kingdom of Children
View the recording from our Zoom discussion with R.L. Stollar about his forthcoming book, The Kingdom of Children.
I trusted you
One of the many parts of abuse of any kind is the betrayal. The trust broken. The belief of safety shattered. Even if what happened was a stranger there was still a trust that you were safe. You no longer trust safety. You no longer trust people. People you know or people you don’t.
An Introduction to Child Liberation Theology
In today’s world that sees children as having no rights themselves, but rather sees parents as almighty rulers over their property, Jesus’s point stands out. By lifting up children, Jesus really is making the last first. He is making clear that children deserve the same rights, and bear the same value, as adults.
Suffer the Children: Developing Effective Church Policies on Child Maltreatment
Although churches, synagogues, temples and other places of worship are increasingly implementing policies to protect children from abuse, the policies adopted are often inadequate and of limited value. This article includes ten concrete suggestions for faith institutions that will aid in developing and implementing policies more likely to keep children safe.
We’re heading to Albany
On May 3, CFCtoo will be joining forces with Rabbi David Ingber from Romemu and other proponents of child welfare to speak with New York State legislators on the importance of the CARE Act.
Pigs in the Parlor
Understanding CFC’s approach to demon possession and how it serves as a tool for spiritual abuse requires a trip back to the 1970s when CFC first started.
Make clergy members mandatory child abuse reporters
Well-meaning pastors are not qualified to rehabilitate offenders. Coupled with naivete about recidivism, this leaves children vulnerable to continued abuse. Instead of offering abusers endless chances to “repent,” pastors should focus on immediately protecting victims.
Pastors are front-line responders to disclosures of abuse; their failure to report concerns or suspicions leaves a gaping hole in critical response efforts. The CARE Act would make members of the clergy required reporters of mistreatment.
Supporting our work
We are a community of survivors for survivors, and we want to be able to better support each other.
The Fear Our Children Carry
CFCtoo is not a political organization, but we do not believe that child safety should be a political issue. We firmly believe that child safety is the responsibility of every single adult.
Protests, Apologies, and Zaccheus
The role of the surface apology is not repentance or restitution. The purpose of a surface apology is twofold: to make the person you hurt go away and to absolve you of your own guilt.
So how do you issue a sincere apology and work towards restitution if you have wronged someone? And conversely, what type of apology and restitution should you expect if you are wronged?
Victim Blaming in the Church
Victim blaming is the act of holding a person responsible for the harm they have experienced or the crime committed against them. This often looks like attributing blame or responsibility to the victim for their own victimization, rather than the perpetrator or other external factors.
Why we CARE
Child sexual abuse is heinous and tragically common in church settings. Strong evidence suggests that child predators are attracted to churches. Sexual abusers benefit from Christian teachings on repentance and forgiveness; if they’re caught, they can simply performatively express remorse, rely on unwise church practices that grant access to all in the name of grace, and then secretly continue their abuse.
Dear LGBTQ+ Survivors
We want you to know that we are a safe space for LGBTQ+ survivors and we value your stories and your partnership as we learn and grow. We are proud to stand alongside our LGBTQ+ survivors and support them as we all heal from our experiences at CFC.
Emotions & Abuse: Part 3
The people who say that what you are calling abuse is “hurt feelings” or “bitterness” probably have a vested interest in denying that you were abused. Ask yourself what their connection is to your abuser or the network in which your abuser exists. What do they stand to benefit if they can convince you and others that you were not abused?
Emotions & Abuse: Part 2
God created us with emotions. Our God-given emotions keep us safe, help us live an abundant life, and motivate us to take action based on our values and goals.
Emotions & Abuse
I was and still am a serious Christian, and it was important to me to obey God. But I thought that meant I had to do things that felt really bad to me. If it felt hard, that was probably God telling me to do something.
Leaving Well
Leaving a church is not a decision most Christians take lightly. It is especially difficult where intergenerational friendships have taken shape, discipleship, marriages, births, baptisms, and deaths have stitched a fabric which you were convinced kept you warm. This fabric has been a comfort. A barrier to outside elements threatening your safety and security. You feel safe.