Comments on: Sexual abuse of children crosses faith lines

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:19:00 +0000

For some reason, ARDA never seems to offer information on the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They don’t even appear on your county-by-county adherent breakdowns. In any case, people interested in learning about the sexual abuse scandal within the Jehovah’s Witnesses can visit http://www.silentlambs.org/ or read the transcript of the exceptional BBC Panorama documentary “Suffer the Little Children” at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/panorama/2114320.stm (click the link below the main image).

By: disgracing

disgracing — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:18:24 +0000

Thank you for a beautifully written article.

It is difficult to read the it-happens-elsewhere-too commentary from so many catholics used as some sort of defense. I always wonder why that is not followed by a call to lead on this issue. But I have yet to see it.

By: Carol Zamonski

Carol Zamonski — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:38:48 +0000

There are thousands of survivors of clergy and leader abuse in Central Ohio. People of all different faith, nationalities and races. SNAP, the survivor’s network of those abused by clergy/priests/leaders is for all of you. If you have never told anyone about your abuse, we are here to listen. Contact Carol at 614 447-2084 or snapcentralohio@yahoo.com

By: Carol Zamonski

Carol Zamonski — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:27:37 +0000

I am Carol Zamonski, the leader of SNAP Central Ohio. SNAP, the Survivor’s Network of those Abused by Clergy/Priests/Leaders provides support and advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse and work for systemic change in our society to protect children and at risk adults. There is healing and hope. In Central Ohio we conduct two monthly support groups, one in the Mansfield area and one in Columbus for survivors and their important people. We are not affiliated with any church and are an independent, survivor led organization. For more information contact me at 614 447-2084 or snapcentralohio@yahoo.com.

By: rastafoo

rastafoo — Wed, 19 May 2010 03:41:56 +0000

a group of us mk’s from senegal , west africa are currently dealing with this very problem of sexual and mental abuse by dormparents and other faculty members from our school that was ignored and covered up by the field leaders in our parents mission – NEW TRIBES MISSION. your website is an encouragement as we put pressure on the current leadership of said mission (even today – 20 yrs later)to deal with the abusers – SOME OF WHOM ARE STILL WITH THIS MISSION – and bring this issue to the foreground of their policy-making.

By: komom

komom — Wed, 19 May 2010 01:59:56 +0000

My husband and many other boys were abused by a clergy member in a very large Holiness church back in the late 70′s/early 80′s. When kids started to tell, the church just moved this guy to another state. The men in the church leadership somehow convinced the parents not to call the police – spiritual abuse at its worst. And yes, as your article stated, the leaders were more interested in protecting the institution than helping the victims.

By: David Clohessy

David Clohessy — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:42:48 +0000

David Briggs always approaches this painful subject with such fairness and sensitivity. And he’s so right to stress that the crimes and cover ups can be found in so many denominations.

David Clohessy, National Director, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 7234 Arsenal Street, St. Louis MO 63143, 314 566 9790 cell S(SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

By: Vivian Palmer Harvey

Vivian Palmer Harvey — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:08:19 +0000

it’s difficult to find words which wrap around and tie up the suffering. the voiceless desparately need to speak,find support and nurture.
The awful tragedy of it is that many victims are squashed into silence by family, church, religious organization, death threats, denial and much more still.
This has to change.
Thank you for posting the Truth!