Boy, Oh Boy!

Photo taken from the Roys Report article

I had another post scheduled for today, but this morning, a lawyer friend of mine from the US sent me this piece of news. I have been saying the chickens are coming to roost and a reckoning is coming. It is happening!

The Roys Report published an article yesterday, announcing a new website by a Florida-based organization (ProtestantAccountability.org). It exposes the names of church leaders who have been accused of abusing children or vulnerable adults. The goal is to make public the names of such individuals, so they are not able to recidivate or be hired with impunity. The list includes pastors, sons of pastors, worship leaders, and youth leaders. You can do a search, and you may find names you are familiar with. The founder of my former church is indeed included.

This will be really useful as churches hire pastors, worship leaders, or youth workers. It will also be a great source of information for the general public. Too often, past abuse is hidden, and predators keep offending in new places.

It is not random. My understanding is that there needs to be some sort of complaint already registered, or a lawsuit, or a news report, in order to add a name to this list. I hope and pray it will give courage to survivors of abuse, and give them the confidence to come forward.

Just this morning, I heard another report of a young woman in my former denomination who was assaulted by a pastor’s son. This is a recent event. That young man is also working for a church. There needs to be accountability! Most victims I speak with or hear about do not want to go public. They would much rather stay silent and move on with their lives. Being retraumatized is not an appealing prospect. Maybe this website will provide more support and validation.