Abuse of Power Through the Lens of the Christian Reformed Church

About the Book

Abusive power by the pastors and church leadership is real and comes to our church members in many ways. It can be about church leader's violating boundaries, betraying trust, breaching confidentiality, and lying about what a church leader said or did. This book challenges the appeal process (council, classis, synod) of the Christian Reformed Church. Although the appeal process was not designed for abuse allegations, it is what is used when victims come forward with abuse of power allegations. Read about weaknesses of the appeal process and how change in the appeal process could create a safer church for all.

About the Author

Judy grew up near Rock Valley, Iowa, and graduated from Dordt College in 1984. She has taught at several Christian schools, worked as a Marriage and Family therapist in the Minneapolis Metro Area, and now has private practice in Sioux Falls. She serves as an advocate for those abused by the church , having been trained by the MN Council of Churches and the Archdiocese of St. Paul. Her other books include Breaking the Silence within the Church, Forgiving the Church, Understanding Abusive Church Leadership, and How You Became You and Why You Do Things You Do. She enjoys playing the piano and organ, decorating her condo, watching all kinds of football, and is an avid reader of TWINS fan. Recently, she completed her Doctor of Ministry degree at Sioux Falls Seminary with her final project titled: Clergy Accountability.