“If we are going to transform our faith communities to respond biblically to sexual abuse and exploitation, we have to be willing to have some uncomfortable conversations, call sin what it is, and be willing to stand in the gap to protect sexual abuse victims as they heal.” Trish Propson
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. John 12:46
The Heart of a Sexual Abuse Victim: Understanding Wounded Image-Bearers from Cradle to Grave
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." – 2 Cor 4:8-9 "I have never told anyone about my sexual abuse. I was ten years old when my Dad moved me into his bed following my mother's death. I...
Defining a New Mission: 4 Practical Steps to Consider to Minister to the Sexually Broken
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be." – 1 Peter 5:2-3"For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do...
Sexual Integrity: A Call to Church Leaders
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against their own body." – 1 Cor 6:18 "We cannot really get into issues like an elder's sex life. That is not our role here. I suppose that if she wants her husband to stop...
Not in Our Church: Busting Five Common Myths About Sexual Predators
"He said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness." – Mark 7:20-23 "We don't have a sexual abuse issue...
You Can’t Say That in Church: Why Defining Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Terms Matters
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let...
Illuminating the Sanctuary: Why Does the Issue of Sexual Abuse in the Church Matter?
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." – John 1:5 "I have never told anyone. It happened when I was ten. Do you understand that this has destroyed my entire life? I can't hide it anymore. I need to heal." This broken grandmother of nine sat across the table...
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Are Men’s Issues
Nassar, Weinstein, and Sandusky are household names, but high profile cases comprise only a small percentage of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Be Aware of Childhood Sexual Abuse Signs
By Trish Propson Published in the Times Villager, May 2017 “I wish my mom would see that something is wrong. Doesn’t she even care?” “I wish I could tell my mom my stepdad raped me.” “I wish I could tell my dad I feel invisible. Can’t he see I’m different now?” “I wish I could tell my dad...
Sexual Assault Is A Very Real Issue
By Trish Propson Originally Published in the Times Villager, April 2017 “I wish I could tell my mom I was raped on the school bus.” “I wish my mom would tell me why she lets her boyfriend have sex with me.” “I wish I could tell my dad to stay out of my bed and to keep his pants on.” These entries...
