As I sell my book, Lillie's Redemption, and follow-up with readers, I am finding that many people know of Clergy Sexual Abuse (CSA) in their own church or town and my book allows them to begin to see it more clearly for what it is. They become ready to talk about what they know and the need to process their feelings and thoughts, the damage they have experienced, heightens.
When one person is willing to take the step to speak the truth and ask the hard questions about CSA, then others become willing to do the same. Once a group forms around speaking the truth and sharing what we know, people begin the process of feeling better, figuring out what to do about the abuse that has occurred and problem-solving toward prevention of further abuse.
Anyone involved in a church where CSA has occurred, whether or not they were directly involved as a victim, or a church leader, or whether it happened recently or 40 plus years ago, has experienced emotional, psychological and spiritual damage. They carry this damage around inside, where it becomes toxic over time, until they can begin to get it out. When they start getting it out, by talking about it or writing about it, even creating art about it, they feel a sense of relief from the inner pressure and blockage. Once the flow has started then a person can begin the process of healing which leads to well being.
If a person so damaged by CSA does not work to get it out, then the damage takes on new forms such as depression or illness, even cancer. This is a toxic brew that eats a person up on the inside. We all need to get it out and to talk about it in order to heal. The conversation, honest and brave, is one important therapeutic tool we must employ, together. Join me in the conversation about Clergy Sexual Abuse!
