Mary Jo Noworyta
In 2010, after 5 years of grooming, my ‘pastor’ used his position of power to pursue and abuse me. He used his clergy status to satisfy his own needs rather than upholding the rightful role of spiritual caregiver. Most survivors are blamed for this ‘fall’ and sympathy extends to the abuser. This wrongful process must be addressed to prevent clergy sexual abuse (CSA).
“Then you will know the truth
and the truth will set you free.”
(John 8:32 NIV)
After my abuse, I discovered The Hope of Survivors while doing a search on “pastoral affairs.” Like a sponge, I soaked up as much information as was available. My husband was already feeding me truths about the imbalance of power and the importance of spiritual leaders’ job to protect the flock. Eventually, I reached out to a THOS peer support volunteer via email and had conversations with a survivor of CSA, and my husband and I had the opportunity to attend a THOS Hope and Healing Conference in Ohio. This conference was invaluable to us as we were facing the greatest betrayal and pain of our lives. As the truth was being revealed, healing began occurring. After a few years, I became a volunteer and I have continued to serve The Hope of Survivors in various capacities over the years.
The Hope of Survivors can be a lifeline for those who experience CSA, whether directly or indirectly. It is vital to know the truth, that a relationship with a spiritual leader is NOT an affair, it is an abuse of power. Recognizing this reality was the beginning of our healing, and I have seen the same results in other survivors. God brought us indescribable comfort during our greatest pain and He used THOS in implementing that healing.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort
those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
(2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV)
The Hope of Survivors aids in empowering victims to become survivors. I am excited to be a volunteer with the hope of sharing truths about CSA to set us free!