Boy, we did it this time. Except this time, instead of quoting us about a particular abusive church leader, they interviewed us!
Since last fall, reporter Sarah Stankorb has been working behind the scenes calling Dee Parsons of The Wartburg Watch, Amy Smith, Ashley Easter, Jules Woodson, Kelly Haines and me for an article she was working on. When some of us were at Ashley Easter’s Courage Conference in October, we were interviewed in person, and a team of photographers flew down to Raleigh to snap some pictures. Whoa – that’s when I knew they were serious – they didn’t just want a cell phone head shot like this one!
Well, the article finally came out yesterday.
I know after talking with Dee, that both of us have been doing this work, not for the notoriety, but to expose harm done in churches. Sarah did a ton of work gathering info and fact checking people from our past, our experiences, by phone, e-mail, and text. So, for that reason alone, I’m grateful for this article, because Lord knows we certainly have had quite a few naysayers! But what it means is that we are being taken seriously. I think that gives us a bit more credibility. When we reach out to church leaders and ask questions, they will know we mean business.
But a big thanks goes to YOU, my blog readers who keep this place going, who support and encourage survivors! Thank you!
Here’s the link to the Washington Post article: The Crusading Bloggers Exposing Abuse in Protestant Churches .
Spiritual Sounding Board 
It’s great seeing all of you “survivor blog gals” getting credit for the incredible work you do. Well done!
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I mentioned my team and their names. I’m bummed the article didn’t mention the rest of the team.
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This provides a greater spotlight on the abuses in the church. I am glad all the survivor blog women were interviewed and validated.
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This.Is.Amazing.!
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Wow!!!
Great article.
Nice work ladies.
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Keep up the good work all of you guys! (guys in a modern context means women too)
Your hard work as whistle blowers on the behalf of little people will make it increasingly harder for the CIC (christian industrial complex) to conduct business as usual.
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Thank you, Muff. 🙂 FTR, I just said “you guys” in a recent comment. That’s how I talk 🙂
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I was so happy to read that article in the Wa Post! You all deserve accolades for all that you do for the vulnerable and powerless. I’m curious if you will find blog readership go up in response. Good job, all of you!
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Thank you. Amos 😊
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It’s really wonderful (!!!) to see some positive recognition for you and the others that have put your heart and soul into fighting for victims of abuse (especially in church settings).
Not that any of you have done it for personal recognition…not at all. What I mean is that readers can see that this movement, of blogging and bringing victim’s stories to the public’s attention, is really ministering to the hurt and disenfranchised. The advocacy is real and your work is bearing good fruit!
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It’s sad that the church’s response to a light shining in dark places is name calling and demonization. I hope the church wants to be a safe place for victims because that is her calling, but if she becomes a safe place because of the watchdogs, that works, too.
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Thank you, Song of Joy! 💕
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Julie Anne,
Way to go! Awesome. I don’t think I had ever seen a picture of Dee before, so I’m glad I read the article first from a FB link with her natural face before seeing the duck face. LOL.
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Julie Anne,
So proud of you, Dee, Amy and so many others who’ve made it easier — and in some cases, made it possible — for the abused and heartbroken to find a voice, and a little justice. Great to see you all getting the recognition you deserve.
Keep it up!
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This verse comes to mind when I see today’s corrupt church leadership
“When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.” (Isaiah 1:15)
Then the heroic bloggers come to the rescue!
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)
Great job, ladies.
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I quite like the duck face, Steve. 🙂 Thanks!
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Thank you for your long-time support. SKIJ. I so appreciate it! 🙂
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Thank you, David!!
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Congratulations on the media attention. This is wonderful and will be helpful long term.
Now that explains why CJ Mahoney was spotted reading the Post and clipping coupons for Depends.
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Thank you, Scott!
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