The Church Can Respond Well to the Sexual Abuse Crisis: Author Interview

Last updated on: August 12, 2019 at 9:02 am by Kelley Mathews

The Church Can Respond Well to the Sexual Abuse Crisis: Author Interview 2019-08-12T09:02:16-05:00 Kelley Mathews

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Mary DeMuth, a prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction, is also an advocate for the abused. Herself sexually abused as a child, she has dared to face that dark reality by writing it into some of her fiction, by straight-out sharing her story in person to groups large and small, and by encouraging other victims through her written testimony. Mary is an example of someone who has allowed God to redeem brokenness so the darkness doesn’t win but God’s grace has room to shine.

When #metoo and #churchtoo broke into public awareness in 2018, the church as a whole began to grapple with, and often deny, the reality that sexual predators enjoyed too much freedom to flourish and escape judgment—inside the church. Leaders prominent and lesser-known began to face repercussions from their own disgraceful conduct toward women, and more women began coming forward with their stories of sexual abuse. Some church leaders wondered how to better protect their congregations from potential predators, while others continued to ignore the issues or lash back at accusors. Even the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) used their annual convention in summer 2019 to highlight the issue and consider solutions for churches.

In the midst of this national conversation, Mary was writing We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis. In it, she urges the church she loves to face the evil of sexual abuse and harassment with candor and empathy. Including research and survivors’ stories, founded in her deep love of Scripture, Mary provides a healthy framework for the church to become a haven of healing instead of an institution of judgment.

Listen to Mary’s heart in this interview as we anticipate the release of We Too:

1. You have written on sexual abuse in the past (Not Marked, in particular). What prompted you to write We Too?

Mary: I have grieved over many stories of folks who have run to the church for help only to be maligned, disbelieved, or dismissed. This does not represent the heart of Jesus toward those who suffer. Because I love the church, I grieve every time this kind of callous indifference surfaces because it has broken people’s hearts, and, in some cases, caused them to leave church altogether. Writing this book was my response, hoping to encourage churches and their leadership teams to look at this issue biblically.

2. Describe your writing process, especially for difficult content like this that has touched you personally.

Mary: In the case of this book, I wrote it fast (in a month or so) because the subject matter was difficult on my heart. Typically I read a lot of books, listen to a lot of people who have dealt with an issue, and I do a lot of internet research as well. Then I outline the book and write, write, write.

Previous Post

August 5, 2019

Max Lucado Releases Newly-Illustrated Children's Classic

Next Post

August 15, 2019 Are Christians Supposed to Be Nice?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category adoption art bible Bible study books compassion creation culture dogs facebook faith family friendship funeral grieving justice leadership Mardi Gras marriage memorial mental illness milestones missions MOPS movies parenting politics race relationships social media technology Thanksgiving theology trusting God Uncategorized wedding women worship

Select a Month June 2021 April 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 November 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 October 2013 September 2013 October 2012 August 2012 January 2012 October 2011 May 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who lived in Ur of the Chaldeans before God called him?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Jacob Abram Isaac Lot

Books by This Author Books by Kelley Mathews

See All Titles »