Content warning: this post contains information about responding to reports of harm and abuse which some readers may find triggering. Please take care when reading.
You find out that a Christian leader who has influenced your faith is under investigation and has stepped back from ministry in the meantime. How does this make you feel? Confused? Shaken?
Processing news like this can be spiritually and emotionally tough. The edifice on which your trust is built might tremble, leading you to question or doubt. What do you do?
It’s important not to let any feelings of alarm run away with you. What do I mean by this? Here are some things to consider:
1. Think carefully before asking questions about the nature or scope of an investigation. Social media might seem like a safe space to speculate, but it’s often rife with rumour, based on bias, and riven with rageful tirades. It is not the place for measured, nuanced, balanced and evidence-based exploration. If any potential victims, survivors or family members of victims and survivors read about an investigation and opinions on it, this can be hard to take. Out of respect for all parties, don’t post or comment in a way that may fuel speculation.
2. Support formal processes that need to be followed so that strong conclusions can be drawn that will lead to the best possible outcome for all concerned. Stifling meaningful engagement with an investigation through silence isn’t healthy or just. However, it is right to respect the role of appropriately appointed people in an investigation who know of or will come to know the facts and evidence, to ensure that any hurt caused or harm done is properly addressed and reflected in the investigation’s final statement or report.
3. Be sensitive in how you communicate and interact with others. Remember that people are at the centre of any concerns raised – people who may have suffered trauma, who could be anxious and depressed from non-recent or current harm. It takes a lot of bravery to talk about distressing situations, especially when influence and power are involved. Recognise this and honour it in how you respond.
4. Share any concerns you have with the right people, such as a Designated Safeguarding Lead where you have one. They will be trained in how to deal with and follow up any worries you have about someone’s actions or behaviour. If you don’t have a Safeguarding Lead you can safely talk to, look for other sources of help. If a friend or family member shares any concerns they have with you as a trusted person in their life, be prepared to support those responsible for the investigation by sharing information that will be helpful in giving a fuller picture of the various perspectives involved. You may be asked to do this on the person’s behalf, or you may offer to go with them to have a conversation about the concerns with the right person.
5. Pray for all involved. The courage to speak up can come at great personal cost and won’t have been an easy decision to make. Compassion is key.
Realise that the responsibility to examine reports or concerns isn’t on you. It isn’t a burden you need to carry when there are others with the training and experience necessary to do so. The ongoing support that you can offer someone who has been harmed or who has concerns may be the best thing you can do for them. It’s also important to accept the support of others when you’re the one having difficulty processing troubling emotions.
For more help and advice about responding to safeguarding concerns see our Help and Resources: thirtyoneeight.org/help-and-resources/
