CCC 27-2_LR

PASTORAL CARE

What Every Counselor Should Know About Abuse in the Church

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Taylor Patterson, M.A., Ph.D. (candidate) and Lisa Compton, Ph.D., LCSW, CTTS, CFE

It is impossible to escape hearing stories in the news about egregious abuses of power by beloved religious leaders. Our stomach turns in disgust as we consider the damage done by people entrusted with the sacred responsibility to lead the Church. We find more stories of harm in our local communities by those who were supposed to shepherd. When our clients share their stories of abuse, we try to quiet our own grief and confusion so we can attune to their needs as they wrestle with how those who claim the name of Christ could act so wickedly. This suppression of our reactions only amplifies our feelings of helplessness. A question remains that haunts us… Shouldn’t we, as Christian counselors, do more to intervene amid the abuse crisis facing the Church today? And as a resounding “yes” answers back, more questions follow…. What can we do, and how do we do it?

30 Christian Counseling Connection