If you want the survivor to grasp the faithfulness of God, then be faithful to them.

I've learned that when a church involved in a controversy releases a statement, it might need a second look. Here's how I decode what Naperville Presbyterian Church said about themselves - and @EKHyland uncommonpursuit.net/articles…

Why is is so hard to say sorry? And why is it so hard for survivors when there is silence? anglicanfutures.org/post/why…

Seems right to repost this as it was the first time I heard a married couple articulate the absolute destruction we felt at JF’s betrayal. Thank you again @matt_redman and Beth Redman for your bravery, truth and light.

Today sees the release of ‘Let There Be Light’ - a documentary exploring the pattern of harmful behaviours experienced under the leadership of Mike Pilavachi, a prominent figure in the UK Church. Our hope is for this film to be something of a care-package for the hurting, at the same time asking how we might become a healthier Church in the future. We know it won’t serve everyone, but we pray it will help some. We tell our story to shine light and help validate other’s experiences. It would have been much easier to say nothing - but a culture of silence up until now has been a significant force. Other voices speaking into this documentary are Dr Diane Langberg (recognised for her 50 years of clinical work with trauma victims), Dr Chi-Chi Obuaya (a respected London Harley Street consultant psychiatrist) and Dr Amy Orr-Ewing (a regarded UK theologian with a passion to advocate for survivors of abuse.) The film also points to some key organisations who provide support in this area and also safeguarding resources for churches. While speaking on a painful subject it’s also important to acknowledge all of the pastors out there faithfully loving those that God has entrusted to them. This is a story Beth and I chose to tell. Our prayer is for the healing of yesterday’s wounds and a brighter, safer Church tomorrow. Let there be Light. youtube.com/watch?v=YVZkgdt3…

So often an organization that has behaved wrongly will engage in bullying you & paint you as the wrongdoer in an attempt to cover up or at least muddy the waters.

Yes indeed! What a refreshing thing that would be. Genuine sorrys, repentance and remorse followed by doing whatever it takes to take proper and healing care of victims. Not the usual trite, rubbish, hurtful & re-abusing statements! 🙏