Why do abusers thrive in church?

Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves. We discuss how theology, patriarchy and Christian cultures conspire to create the conditions that silence victims and expedite redemption for abusers. What does this modelling say for abuse within our own relationships and has the theology of forgiveness become an accomplice? And what needs to change to make our churches safe spaces where abusers can’t hide in plain sight? Coming up Our next Q&A episode is on Monday 2 February, so if you’d like to ask a question on anything you’ve heard from the podcast so far, then make sure you get your question to us by Friday 23 January to feature. Contact us via email, social media or our Substack page. Episode 7 – Do Christians just need a good wank? – is released on Monday 16 February. Now that the average age of marriage in western societies north of 30, is sexual purity really worth two decades of bottled up urges and internalised shame? Perhaps we all might be better off for enjoying a good shame-free wank every now and then. About A God We Could Believe In: A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you. New episodes are released every other Monday. Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com Stay in touch Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe