Cultures of Secrecy and Abuse: A Paradox for Churches
by Cara Beed
This book calls on churches to face structures and processes in their organisations that inhibit personal autonomy and undermine faith. Religious knowledge should empower all individuals. Openness, mutual accountability, and personal authenticity are paramount where religious faith is proclaimed. There is a paradox where spiritual abuse occurs in churches.
This timely exposé of the misuse of religious power not only defines patterns of abuse, but highlights avenues for positive change.
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While acknowledging continuing good does exist in religious organisations, Cara Beed seeks higher levels of responsibility from hierarchies throughout mainstream churches. While applauding the many demonstrations of accountability visible in the wider organisations representing the fullest range of the churches, Cara Beed calls on the churches to face the structures and processes in their organisations which inhibit personal autonomy, undermine the dignity of faith and inhibit personal contributions to the community of faith.
Structures and processes can be, and are, used to bind individuals and groups in forms of spiritual abuse. All forms of secrecy and any forms of physical, mental and emotional abuse contribute to spiritual abuse. Churches must ensure these aspects of human behaviour are not encouraged by the very nature of the church organisation. Openness, acknowledgment of truth and dignity of individuals are paramount where espousal of religious faith is promulgated. The paradox of church organisation being conducive to spiritual abuse must end.
