We have all read headlines of prominent church leaders abusing their positions of authority to take advantage of women in their congregations. In some cases, we have not just heard the stories; we have experienced predatory sexual misconduct firsthand. How tragic that in the church—which God meant to be a sanctuary for safety—women sometimes feel vulnerable, intimidated, and ashamed.
In 2002, the reported cases of rape in India stood at over 31,000, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Marital rape is not criminalised in our country. In our shame and honour culture, there is little doubt that sexual abuse is grossly underreported.
How Safety for Women in the Church is Violated
When it comes to abuse within the church, online research reveals news reports of individual cases but no formal records or statistics. Nevertheless, the stories I have heard are horrifyingly vivid.
A “counselling” session with a church leader turns into a predatory relationship. Sometimes a teen girl is groomed by a pastor, who claims she is the only one who “gets” him. She is sworn to secrecy and is made to feel guilty, as if she is responsible for the crimes committed against her.
Abusive people have used God’s Word to manipulate their victims in God’s house
A newlywed is physically abused from the first day of her marriage by her husband, who is a beloved worship leader at their church. I work with a women’s shelter in Bengaluru, where many survivors have escaped from violent husbands. Some of these men are leaders in rural churches, who twisted Bible passages to justify their actions.
We do not need to get into the stomach-churning details to know that something must change. Over generations, abusive people have used God’s name and God’s Word to manipulate their victims in God’s house. The silence on the subject needs to be broken.
What are some ways churches can ensure that women feel safe in it, not vulnerable?
Bring it to the Light
As churchgoers, we dismissively shake our heads at the evil “out there.” But we rarely admit to the darkness lurking within the church. Scripture says, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6-7). Unfortunately, many within the church “say” one thing and continue to walk in darkness (Eph. 5:3, 11-14, 1 Thess. 4:3-8, Col. 3:3-4).
When it comes to abuse, we simply do not know enough
As a first step, we first need to acknowledge—even in our culture, where authority is seldom questioned—that abuse of power is an issue in the church in India. As a starting step, we need to come out of our holy huddles and admit it publicly: yes, abuse takes place in the church in India. There is simply no pretending anymore.
Confess Our Failures
Far too often have we heard this refrain from victims: “I didn’t think anyone would believe me.” The sad truth is that churches have looked suspiciously at women who share their stories of abuse. We entertain the idea that “there must be something more to it.”
After all, we think, he’s such a compelling speaker, such a gifted worship leader, such a knowledgeable Bible teacher. But Scripture instructs us to be “as wise as serpents.” (Matt. 10:16). There are wolves out there in sheep’s clothing. Unfortunately, we lap up the spiritual language and persona of the offender, who abuses his position, influence, education, and knowledge of the Bible, to victimise the vulnerable.
Church, do we confess that our silence has often amounted to complicity? Do we admit that our doubting the victim’s story has led to deep shame? Do we acknowledge that we have chosen to protect the institution rather than the individual? If we have not modelled Jesus’s love for the vulnerable, may we start from a place of confession (Isa. 58:5-7, Ps. 37:28, Jer. 5:26-29).
Learn from a Place of Humility
We can never learn from past failures if we are puffed up with pride. When it comes to abuse, we simply do not know enough. We have not educated ourselves enough. Nor have we invited victims to share their stories enough. We have not looked outside our comfort zone for help enough.
If we think we are perfectly right in keeping our heads down when it comes to abuse, then God provides a warning, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Prov. 12:15) God works in us and through us when we admit that we are simply not enough on our own.
Advocating for victims of abuse is part of our calling
Throughout the story of Scripture, God guides the humble in his way. We need Christian leaders, doctors, counsellors, social workers, legal experts, and simply those who care about safety in the church. The whole body of Christ needs to come together to humble ourselves before God so we can learn, grow, and create safe spaces for women in the church. We need to build safe channels of communication and resources for victims.
Intentionally Speak of the Value of Women
We have been so wary of appearing to support a leftist, feminist worldview of women that we have often omitted speaking of women being an integral part of the body. But Scripture asserts the beauty and value of women, whether it is through Mary, the mother of Jesus, or the women who were first at the empty tomb, or the numerous examples of godly women throughout the Bible.
Now is the time to course-correct and speak the whole truth of Scripture without being fearful of offending someone. The next generation needs to see women as image bearers of God whose complementary role does not diminish their worth in any way.
We need to speak the truth in love, just as Jesus did. When he discovered evil within the church, he did not stay silent. He overturned tables because the sanctuary had been desecrated (Matt. 21:12-13). May we overturn tables of abuse by speaking up with boldness because our silent complicity has caused deep hurt.
The Lord wants us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” with him (Micah 6:8). Advocating for victims of abuse is part of our calling. May the church come alongside survivors to listen, to love, and to point them to the suffering Saviour who bears their wounds and is making all things new (Isa. 53:8-9, Rom. 6:4, Rev. 21:5).
