How does a pastor respond when informed of allegations concerning child sexual abuse? All too often the responses by pastors are too little too late.   Here is a simple rule that should be followed by pastors and everyone else: Immediately report allegations of child sexual abuse. 

In order to truly safeguard children, faith communities must recognize that activities involving children attract two kinds of people: those who love children and those who would prey on children. At any given point in time, we cannot be certain which of those two types is engaging with our children.

New Gospel Outreach Church knowingly hired a convicted sex offender as their senior pastor, but they are not alone. pastor!  Many churches and faith communities are increasingly faced with decisions related to sex offenders and disclosures of sexual abuse. 

The Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) has adopted Overture 6. Boz Tchividjian explains what this means for abuse prevention in PCA churches.

Nothing is safe when Aslan is on the move. But rest assured, that is good news. As stated best by Mr. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when describing Aslan: “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course He isn’t safe, but He’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” 

As we take time to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month, Christians must acknowledge that there are still many dark places inside the Church. Reflecting Jesus means shining a light on those dark places.

A silent church will always protect perpetrators over God’s little ones.  A silent church will always abandon the very ones God holds precious.  In fact, a silent church is no church at all. God was certainly not silent in the face of evil, neither should we.

We should all understand one important truth: child sexual abuse is both a sin and a serious crime—a crie that should always be reported.

Understanding the reality of abuse begins with seeing the scope of it. Transforming our faith communities into places where children are safe and abuse survivors are welcomed, valued, and loved begins by realizing every number is a person. 

Adapted from an interview Boz Tchividjian had with Rachel Held Evans, this article reveals some of the common misconceptions Christians have when applying Matthew 18 and other Scriptures to sex offenses.

Six lessons from a church that understands how to respond well to abuse.

Learning how offenders think and act is the first step in prevention, which can keep our communities safe from those who pose a risk to our little ones.