In this blog post, Rev. James Evinger highlights some recent research trends, including research in communities and contexts that are underrepresented or ignored in Western media, evidence-based methodologies, conceptual frameworks and analysis that explore theological and ethical responses to abuse, secular and institutional responses, and relevant historical material. Since 1995, Rev. Evinger has reviewed materials and updated the Annotated Bibliography of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Sexual Boundary Violations in Religious Communities. This huge undertaking has provided an extraordinary resource ..read more

In this blog post, Rev. James Evinger highlights some recent research trends, including research in diverse religious communities and settings that have been underrepresented or ignored, evidence-based methodologies, and specific factors related to clergy abuse cases within the legal/justice system. Since 1995, Rev. Evinger has reviewed materials and updated the Annotated Bibliography of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Sexual Boundary Violations in Religious Communities. This huge undertaking has provided an extraordinary resource for scholars and researchers, as well as those seeking to address the n ..read more

In this blog post, Rev. James Evinger highlights some recent research trends, including research in diverse religious communities and settings that have been underrepresented or ignored, evidence-based methodologies, and specific factors related to clergy abuse cases within the legal/justice system. Since 1995, Rev. Evinger has reviewed materials and updated the Annotated Bibliography of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Sexual Boundary Violations in Religious Communities. This huge undertaking has provided an extraordinary resource for scholars and researchers, as well as those seeking to address the n ..read more

Reflection by Rev. Amy Gopp This powerful reflection was written by Rev. Gopp as part of her work with Odyssey Impact's new educational series Healing the Healers: Domestic Violence. This video-based series provides insights and strategies for care, along with practical tools to building a strong network of support in your faith communities. The series can be used for self-learning, workshops, trainings, as well as in the classroom and community. It includes 4 episodes and an expert written guide that navigates the complex issue of domestic violence to encourage and support faith leaders in cr ..read more

In this blog post, Rev. James Evinger highlights some recent research trends, including the emergence of diverse frameworks for understanding sexual boundary violations within spiritual contexts and the increase in research in communities and religious contexts that have been underrepresented or ignored. Since 1995, Rev. Evinger has reviewed materials and updated the Annotated Bibliography of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Sexual Boundary Violations in Religious Communities. This huge undertaking has provided an extraordinary resource for scholars and researchers, as well as those seeking to address ..read more

Many religious stories begin with a breath. God creating the universe with just a breath, and then light. A breath that clarifies thought, leading to understanding. The breath that pulses through the universe, inhabiting every person and everything—uniting us. “I…can’t…breathe.” This is the reality of where we are. And who we are. Our culture creates this violence, and supports it ..read more

By Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune: In this corona era, many local communities are reporting up to a 50% decrease in 911 calls in general but a 20% increase in domestic violence calls. There is no surprise here. When we first heard the news of orders to shelter in place, many of us immediately thought about what that would mean for women and children who are battered or sexually abused in their homes. Basically it meant being locked up with one’s abuser, having limited access to help from the outside, and limited opportunity to escape ..read more

Not too long ago, when I was first learning the ins and outs of Anita Hill’s testimony against Clarence Thomas and the “Year of the Woman,” I called my mom and asked what she remembered about it all. I was just a toddler in 1992; my mom was a camera woman at the local NBC affiliate—a boys’ club. Despite having worked at a news station, she didn’t remember much about the hearings or how many women joined the Senate (4) or the House of Representatives (24) the next year. What she did remember were her coworkers’ unwanted kisses, the sexist comments, and that time she threatened to quit her job ..read more

In this blog post, Rev. James Evinger highlights some recent research trends, including the emergence of new voices, nationally and internationally, that are expanding the conversation about clergy abuse, its impact, and congregational responses. Since 1995, Rev. Evinger has reviewed materials and updated the Annotated Bibliography of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Sexual Boundary Violations in Religious Communities. This huge undertaking has provided an extraordinary resource for scholars and researchers, as well as those seeking to address the needs of survivors ..read more

Since 1995, Rev. James Evinger has reviewed materials and updated the Annotated Bibliography of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Sexual Boundary Violations in Religious Communities. This huge undertaking has provided an extraordinary resource for scholars and researchers, as well as those seeking to address the needs of survivors. In this blogpost, Rev. Evinger highlights some of the recent international research trends related to addressing clergy abuse, child sexual abuse, and national and institutional responses ..read more