All Abuse articles
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ReviewsSee No Evil: This Channel 4 documentary paints John Smyth’s family as his first victims
A new documentary on the Church of England’s most prolific abuser John Smyth includes exclusive interviews with his three children and the wife who stood by him til the end. It’s a harrowing tale of a psychopathic patriarch whose family lived in fear of him, says Tim Wyatt. But was his wife a victim - or should she have done more to stop him?
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OpinionAs a vicar I want to be held accountable. Unchecked power is dangerous
After witnessing abuse scandals up close and personal, Rev Jamie Sewell knows that accountability isn’t an optional extra for Christian leaders. It’s vital for the health of the whole Church
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ReviewsThis book reveals how theology can enable abuse – and what the Church must do about it
Dr Selina Stone’s latest book tackles the uncomfortable connection between theological beliefs and abuse within evangelical Christianity, examining high-profile scandals and challenging commonly-held doctrines
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Real Life‘Being silenced by my church was like being re-abused’
A UK church recently paid £100,000 to a woman abused by her pastor and boss. The abuse Claire* suffered and the lessons churches need to learn have already been published exclusively by Premier Christianity within this major article. But here is Claire’s full story in her own words
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InterviewsDr Selina Stone on Pentecostalism, spiritual abuse and her evolving faith
If white Christians are serious about building multiethnic churches, they need to start sharing power with Black and Brown people. That’s according to Dr Selina Stone who worries too much energy has been wasted by Black Christians on the issue. The Pentecostal theologian also speaks candidly with Sam Hailes about why studying theology at the highest level has deepened rather than dismantled her belief in God
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News AnalysisExplained: Who was Chris Brain and what was the Nine O’Clock Service?
Chris Brain, leader of the now-disgraced Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) has been convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault. It is the latest scandal to rock the CofE and once again poses questions around complaints that were ignored for years
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ReviewsInside the Cult of the Jesus Army is a sensitive portrayal of the pain of abuse
Focusing on former members as they unpack the trauma inflicted by years of coercion, control and abuse within the Jesus Army, a new BBC documentary lays bare the grim reality the cult managed to mask for decades. Watching it, Tim Wyatt says, there’s little to do but weep with them
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OpinionAge verification on porn was just the first step. Now we need to ban it altogether
As age checks on UK porn sites come into effect, James Mildred welcomes the move but argues it doesn’t go far enough. To truly protect our children, we must confront the harms of the porn industry and push for a total ban, he says
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Magazine FeaturesTirades of abuse, constant criticism and physical assault: Meet the church leaders abused by their congregations
As one church leader reports being afraid to open their emails in anticipation of the abuse they’re likely to receive, Heather Tomlinson investigates the claim that pastors - not congregants - are the most common victims of spiritual abuse
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Real Life‘Healing from trauma has been a long journey. Now I’ve written a book to help others’
Tracey-Jane Campbell was a successful music artist. But behind closed doors, she was struggling to come to terms with childhood trauma and abuse. Now, she wants to help others
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News AnalysisExplained: Who is Sean Feucht and what has he been accused of?
A former Bethel Church worship leader turned political activist Sean Feucht is facing allegations of spiritual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as financial impropriety. Tim Wyatt explains
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OpinionMichael Tait has confessed his sins. I’m relieved he did the right thing
After being accused of serious sexual misconduct and drug abuse, the former Newsboys singer Michael Tait has issued a full apology. George Luke hopes other Christian leaders caught in sin will take the same approach
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OpinionWhy the mainstream media’s reporting on alleged abuse at YWAM falls short
Christians should be grateful whenever abusive practices within the Church are brought into the light. But too often a lack of religious literacy within our national newspapers leads to inaccurate reporting, says Tim Wyatt
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OpinionKathleen Stock and Laurence Fox are testing the bounds of free speech. I know who I side with
Free speech protects great minds discussing ideas, not small minds abusing people, says George Pitcher, as he looks at the recent cases of Laurence Fox and Kathleen Stock
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OpinionThe CofE cannot mark its own homework when it comes to safeguarding
To the bewilderment of many, the General Synod has voted against transferring oversight of its safeguarding to an independent body, a decision that George Pitcher says has shown it is well past time to purge the CofE of its hypocrisy
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Real Life‘My husband abused me. The church told me to forgive him’
Jill was told by church leaders to “forgive” her abusive husband. She explains why such advice amounted to spiritual abuse
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OpinionThe Children’s Society were wrong to cancel Welby - but I understand why they did
Refusing a donation from the Archbishop of Canterbury makes sense in our ’cancel culture’ society, says Miriam Cates. And until the CofE starts putting people above process, the problems will remain
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News AnalysisWhy is the leader of a once-thriving London church being deported?
Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the now defunct SPAC Nation church, faces deportation after losing his appeal to the Immigration Tribunal to stay in the UK. George Luke explains what has taken place
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OpinionHow the trauma of advent brings God's healing
When God came into the world, it was traumatic, argues George Pitcher. But Advent reminds us that now, more than ever, the Church needs the healing balm of Jesus - even if it is painful at first touch
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OpinionJustin Welby’s resignation is too little too late for victims of abuse
The Archbishop of Canterbury had to step down. But it’s what happens next that will decide the fate of the Church of England, says abuse survivor Samantha Smith
