“Sex Offenders Groom Churches Too: How predatory behavior goes undetected in congregations” (Christianity Today International)

“Sex Offenders Groom Churches Too: How predatory behavior goes undetected in congregations” (Christianity Today International, June 2018) by Kimberly Harris

Excerpts:

A man who had long sexually abused children sat in front of his pastor, wanting to confess his crimes. He began cautiously, mentioning that there had been accusations against him. He got no further, as his minister broke in, “Well, that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of,” the minister said quickly. “You’re the last person I’d believe that of. End of conversation.”

This true account was shared in Anna C. Salter’s 1991 book, Predators, Pedophiles, Rapists, And Other Sex Offenders. As a psychologist who has spent over 20 years working with and studying victims and sexual offenders, Salter says that “many offenders report that religious people are even easier to fool than most people.”

Evangelical churches can also grow in understanding what kind of culture sexual abusers count on and work to create. Psychologists call it “grooming.” A proposed definition of grooming states that abusers, “... strategically manipulate the victim, their family, and the community to hide their deviant intentions and avoid detection.” The predators that are statistically likely to be in the pews, volunteering, and even behind the pulpit aren’t just grooming their victims, they are grooming their community to view them as trustworthy and even as spiritual leaders.

Related article: DSWD supports call to ‘break the silence’ in child sexual abuse and exploitation (February 2017)

Excerpts:

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the lead agency in the protection and promotion of children’s welfare and rights especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable, pledged to fully support the call to end child sexual abuse and exploitation during the Break the Silence National Network Launch held on Monday at the Philippine Christian University (PCU).

Break the Silence is a campaign against child sexual abuse and exploitation started by Stairway Foundation, Inc., a children’s rights organization.