Whether the victim is a child, teen or adult, the harm caused by sexual abuse in the ministerial relationship can last a lifetime. In recent years, the problem of sexual abuse by clergy and other religious leaders has surfaced in the media and the courts. Unfortunately our religious institutions, whether due to ignorance, denial or deception, have not always responded to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

Sexual abuse in a ministerial relationship occurs when a religious leader uses a congregant (parishioner/student/disciple) to meet his or her personal needs and crosses sexual and emotional boundaries. Trust is betrayed; boundaries are violated; body and soul are broken. Victims of abuse often feel abandoned by God.

No religious group is immune to this problem. FaithTrust Institute works to increase awareness and provide religious institutions of all faiths guidance with which to reduce incidences of abuse by clergy or spiritual teachers.