Join us as we dive into the hidden world of spiritual abuse within church communities, uncovering shocking revelations and the urgent need for justice. But what happens when the very institutions meant to provide solace and support become complicit in perpetuating harm? Tune in to find out what happens next.
If you're feeling frustrated and helpless because your efforts to stop abuse in your church or faith community are being ignored, then you are not alone! You may have already tried reporting the abuse to church leaders or authorities, only to see it swept under the rug or dismissed. Instead of seeing justice and accountability, you may be witnessing the perpetrators being protected and the victims being silenced. It's time to come together and take action to demand change and ensure that everyone in your community is safe and treated with respect.
My special guest is Johnna Harris (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnna-harris-b83433173)
(Listen to part 1 of this two-part interview here (https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com/s9e166) .)
Johnna Harris, a dedicated advocate and co-host of the Bodies behind the Bus (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bodies-behind-the-bus/id1601586078) podcast, brings a wealth of experience and empathy to the conversation around spiritual abuse in church and faith communities. Her unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of survivors and promoting awareness is truly commendable. With a unique blend of personal insight and professional dedication, Johnna's work is making a real impact in the lives of many. Her passion for fostering healing and understanding shines through in her thoughtful approach to advocacy, making her a valuable voice in the ongoing dialogue about supporting survivors and creating positive change within faith spaces.
We have to be willing to say no person is perfect, and no person is above questioning. And our church leaders, our pastors, these ministry organizations, all of them, we have a rubric for what their integrity and character should look like. That has been thrown into survivor faces over and over and over again in the SBC. It's thrown into women's faces. You cannot be here. You cannot be leading if you are a woman, because it needs to be a man. Here's what it says in the Bible. Yet we're not holding them to those standards. All I'm asking people is to actually be consistent and hold our leaders, hold our churches to the standards that we were told matter to them, that we were told matter to God. - Johnna Harris
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Understand how to address Southern Baptist Convention sexual abuse.
• Discover survivor stories and advocacy for change.
• Embrace the importance of justice and accountability in faith communities.
• Take action against spiritual abuse within your church.
• Join a Patreon community for difference-makers in promoting justice.
Hear survivor stories
Listening to survivors' narratives is a powerful way of understanding the gravity and reality of spiritual abuse in faith communities. Each story offers a firsthand perspective that illuminates the complexity and nuance of this issue. It is through these narratives that we can become better allies, advocates, and agents of change within our communities.
Listen to Part 1 of this 2 part interview with Johnna Harris. If youu haven't heard part 1, listen to it here (https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com/s9e166) .
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
• Join the Defund the SBC movement by designating your donations to specific areas in your church and asking for transparency on where the money goes, especially in relation to legal fees and image management efforts.
• Send letters, emails, and make phone calls to church leaders and denomination policymakers to advocate for justice and transparency in handling abuse cases.
• Follow abuse survivors in the SBC on social media and read their stories to understand the impact and importance of seeking justice for survivors.
• Consider making a New Year's resolution to actively do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God in your circle of influence, taking tangible steps to make a difference.
• Join the Difference Maker community on Patreon to access exclusive episodes and engage in deeper conversations about advocacy and making a difference in various spaces at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference (https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference) .
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• Key Takeaways:
• Understand the impact of Southern Baptist Convention sexual abuse on individuals and communities.
• Hear survivor stories and learn about their advocacy efforts for change.
• Recognize the importance of justice and accountability within faith communities.
• Take actionable steps to combat spiritual abuse in church settings.
• Join a Patreon community for difference-makers in promoting justice and accountability in faith commun...
