March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate women’s strength, achievements and numerous contributions throughout history. It is also a time to acknowledge the injustices women continue to face, particularly in institutions meant to uphold moral and spiritual values. Among these pressing issues is the pervasive problem of sexual abuse within the church.
Churches have long been places of guidance and hope. However, for many women, these same spaces have also been marked by silence, fear and violence due to sexual abuse and assault. Power dynamics within religious organizations, along with patriarchy and cultural norms that discourage speaking out, have allowed perpetrators to escape any accountability while survivors are left suffering in silence.
This is not a new issue but has gained heightened public awareness in recent decades. Sexual abuse reports have exposed clergy and religious leaders leveraging their positions to exploit and abuse women and children. Tragically, survivors who speak out often face dismissal, shame or punishment from their faith communities and, at times, from their own families.
Too often, institutions prioritize protecting their reputations over seeking justice. This perpetuates the cycle of abuse and cover-ups.
Recognizing the urgent need to address this crisis of sexual abuse in the church and society, Susan Shaw and I co-authored “Surviving God.” This book critically examines how traditional theological perspectives often contribute to the problem of sexual abuse rather than foster healing.
Many prevailing views of God reinforce harmful power structures that enable sexual abuse rather than reflecting the gospel’s vision of a God of love and justice. We need to reimagine God in different ways that do not promote sexual abuse but instead see a God who is with us in our suffering.
“Surviving God” calls for a transformed church, one that actively works to end sexual abuse and become a sanctuary for healing.
The Path Forward: Taking Action
Ending sexual abuse in the church must be a priority. It requires more than exposing past wrongs. It demands meaningful change at every level.
First, we must empower survivors to speak out without fear of retribution. Breaking the stigma surrounding abuse in faith communities is essential for change.
Second, we must also ensure accountability, as no one should be above the law. Religious status must not shield perpetrators from justice. Institutions must implement and enforce strict policies to investigate and prevent abuse.
Furthermore, we need to prioritize survivor support. The church should be a place of healing, not abuse. Resources such as trauma-informed counseling, survivor advocacy and spiritual care must be central to faith communities.
Finally, we must reimagine a theology that focuses on gender justice, not on violence, patriarchy and oppression of women.
Women have long been at the forefront of justice movements, including the fight against sexual abuse in religious institutions. From survivors courageously sharing their stories to advocates pushing for institutional reform, women continue to demand accountability and systemic change.
Women’s History Month is not just about celebrating achievements. It is also about acknowledging ongoing struggles and commitment to gender justice.
The fight against sexual abuse in the church is not solely a women’s issue but a human rights issue that demands collective action from individuals, faith communities and society.
This month, let’s amplify survivors’ voices, hold churches accountable, and work toward a future where faith and safety coexist. Change is not just possible—it is necessary.
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