Q&A: Why do abusers thrive in church?

Feb 2, 2026

They tackle why abusive behaviour can flourish inside churches and how cultures and structures can enable harm. They outline warning signs of grooming and when pastoral bonds become unsafe. Practical steps for safeguarding small and large communities are discussed, plus how transparency, boundaries and legal changes can help rebuild trust.

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INSIGHT

Two Truths Can Coexist

Churches can simultaneously feel safe for some and unsafe for others, so personal positive experiences don't negate harm to others.
Recognising that dual reality is essential to reassess church culture and how it protects people.

ADVICE

Announce Clear, Ongoing Safeguarding Steps

Publicly and regularly state safeguarding procedures so victims know exactly what happens after they report.
Name the safeguarding lead and explain step-by-step what the institution will do to reduce fear and shame.

ADVICE

Treat Safeguarding As Continuous Training

Make safeguarding an ongoing conversation, not an annual checkbox or short video.
Repeat core policies monthly, name the contact and teach signs of grooming so abuse becomes harder to hide.

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We’re responding to your questions on our latest episode, ‘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.

What does safeguarding look like in practice? What are the signs that a pastoral relationship has become abusive? And how should communities respond when allegations of abuse come to light?

Coming up

Episode 7 – Do Christians just need a good w**k? – 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 w**k every now and then.

The following Q&A is on Monday 2 March – make sure you get your questions to us by Friday 20 February to feature.

Then on Thursday 12 March, we’re joined in person by Revd Dr Helen Paynter for a live event in Leeds on Christianity and the Far Right. Subscribe to our substack page or keep an eye on our socials for more information.

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