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The time to revisit Safe Spaces for children, youth, and young adults is now. True leaders must be willing to spend time and effort to support this subgroup. Among this generation, some leaders have reasons to choose organizations other than the church. They wish to be heard.
Why Young People Disconnect
Although this survey was taken a few years ago, it is still what I hear today. When they are not heard, this leaves young people open to other religious networks.
Silent – No More – Clinical Professionals
Clinical professionals offer another view for consideration. First, leaders must listen with open hearts and not criticism. We must have a wish to create positive spaces for this subgroup to develop and grow. Why? Most are in pain. The first protectors of children are supposed to be parents, teachers, older siblings, pastors, and police officers. Unfortunately, these individuals can also be children’s first predators. Establishing tools to build safe spaces for conversations is a great start. Healthy spaces are good for everyone. The cost of inaction is too great.
Networks of Psychological Trauma
Second, we must engage to share insights. We need to determine how to push the development of “Safe Spaces for Children, Youth and Young Adults.” It is important to grow a strong base of caring, insightful leaders. How? Gather information from gifted clinical therapists for insight. These professionals have the knowledge base about networks operating in their field, including information about current, organized religious networks. Not all networks work in the interest of solving problems. Sadly, some networks foster psychological trauma among our most vulnerable populations. Even more shocking, some networks exist to foster religious child maltreatment (RCM).
What is Religious Child Maltreatment ?
When Janet Heimlich began writing her book, Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment, she realized something important. The term religious child maltreatment (RCM) was not among the most popular for online searching. In fact, the subject matter, according to Heimlich, made many uncomfortable. RCM is religious child abuse. Predators of RCM, like other networks, use social media as an online method. They aim to gain access and infiltrate the mindset of the young. As a result, some of our young people are falling into the hands of predators without leaving their homes. Beyond the home, predators also look for places where young people hang out, i.e., with friends, schools, college campuses, recreational centers, shopping malls, etc.
As a norm, children, youth, and young adults take a “leap of faith” in adults without much fear and experience. They follow the religious teachings and steps of their parents. However, the impact of social media on the value system is real. Therefore, it is crucial to include this population in our conversations to help them feel at ease engaging in discussions. We must prioritize knowing more about the topic. Sharing information with them about Religious Child Maltreatment (RCM) is essential for change.
Be Silent No More
Some institutions of faith have open safe havens to discuss sexual abuse and immorality. Some institutions choose to abandon the discussions and just pray about it. On the other hand, some faith-based organizations are part of national organizations for transforming policies that support their theology. Nevertheless, research shows that trauma continues to increase across all areas of social and economic status. For local pastors and ministries, this is a known problem as a related decline in attendance. Subsequently, it gives them unique opportunities to serve people. This service includes addressing values, religious trauma, and faith.
Personal Attachments Make It Harder
According to clinical professionals, personal attachments make it harder for abused people to leave their situations. Some leaders practiced RCM and are defined as religious cult leaders. Well-known examples include Jim Jones and Wilbert Thomas. Why? Their followers’ emotional attachments gave them a sense of protection by their abusers. However, according to clinical professionals, most leaders of RCM are not widely known. What can today’s true leaders offer to victims of RCM? (1) Conversation and definition of RCM. (2) Gives people the true message of what faith and grace is based on the Word and not human theology. (3) No more silence. (4) Remain knowledgable and discerning with materials i.e., The Child’s Song: The Religious Abuse of Children. The late Dr. Donald Capps (Princeton University Seminary) writes about religious abuses in this book,
Workshops of Support
Today, let us continue to make an impact in 2025 and beyond. Remember that you are relevant – not a mistake.
Other suggested articles, read The Next Generation Is Leaving the Faith Earlier Than You Realize. For further study, read “The Cost of Inaction for Young Children Globally by the Institute of Medicine Forum. It highlights the need to do more.