By Abi Thomas2023-09-11T07:58:00
Luis Rubiales, president of Spain’s football federation, has resigned, three weeks after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s world cup win without her consent. Abi Thomas reflects on her own experiences, and what we can do in the Church to make sure that our physical contact is helpful, honouring to God and one another
The first time I was sexually assaulted, I was 14. On a family holiday in Italy, a man on a crowded ferry began rubbing himself against me. As I tried to get away, he followed. It was only recently that I discovered this is not an unusual practice, and even has a name, “frotteurism”. But at the time I told nobody. I barely understood what had happened myself; I just knew I felt deeply uncomfortable about it.
I’m now 41, but it’s still not unusual for me to receive unwanted sexual advances, comments or even touch. The difference now is that I know it is wrong, and I’m prepared to answer back. On one occasion while riding my bike wearing shorts, a teenager on a school trip made lewd comments from the pavement. When I had processed what he said, I cycled back and explained to the (now silent) student how his words had made me feel. Flustered, his teacher - who had clearly not been planning to address the issue - muttered that he would “take it up back at school”.
2023-09-13T10:09:00Z By Catherine Disher
As part of world childless week, Catherine Disher reflects on her own journey, and what she wishes other Christians knew about not having children
2023-08-30T20:26:00Z By Jane Chevous
Luis Rubiales’ mother locked herself in a church to petition the Lord for her son, who is facing the sack after he kissed Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips during World Cup final celebrations. While her motherly instinct to turn to God is well placed, she might not find the answer she is expecting, says Jane Chevous
2021-03-30T15:07:00Z By Michele Guinness
Michele Guinness shares her own story of sexual abuse in church, and urges Christian men to help make the Church a place that is safe for everyone In my short lifetime I have witnessed one of the greatest revolutions in the history of the West ...
2025-06-12T18:28:00Z By George Luke
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
2025-06-12T17:53:00Z By Miriam Cates
A new UN report says all but three countries in the world will have below replacement levels of reproduction by the end of the century. God’s command to ”increase in number” was never meant to be an optional extra, says Miriam Cates. It’s time that Christians took it seriously again
2025-06-12T17:41:00Z By Krish Kandiah
With so much tragedy and unrest dominating our news headlines, it can be tempting to turn away or become disheartened. But in a world where conflict drowns out compassion, we need peacemakers more than ever, says Dr Krish Kandiah
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