Faith in action for the abused
Public prayers for abuse victims, though well-intentioned, may appear hypocritical without concrete actions for justice. Victims need acknowledgment, support, and redress, not just prayers. Faith in action speaks louder than words alone.
(This is an excerpt of a longer article By Christopher Longhurst | New Zealand published in LaCroix on March 5, 2024 - a link to the full article can be found at the bottom)
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. (James 2:18)
Many churches across the world designated a national day of prayer and penance for victims of abuse and violence. In New Zealand's Catholic Church, that day was the first Friday of Lent.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors stated that "prayer is a central, important part of the healing process for victims/survivors and for the whole community of believers. Moreover, public prayer is an important way of raising consciousness in the Church."
Indisputably, prayer is important for believers, a crucial part of any healing process for those of faith affected by abuse. However, when it comes to abuse in churches, especially abuse and violence perpetrated by church leaders themselves, and an appropriate response from the local faith-based community, actions are needed to bring faith alive and restore the harm done.
Biblical teaching
Given biblical teaching, major risks exist of misinterpreting the intention of using prayer to raise awareness around abuse and violence. While this awareness raising is vital, direct ways exist for church leaders to do so rather than making a public spectacle of prayer; for example, church announcements, parish bulletins, and speaking up against abuse, and above all, standing in solidarity with victims.
Because when it comes to prayer, Jesus said, "when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward" (Matthew 6:5)…. Read the full article at: Faith in action for the abused
Dr Christopher Longhurst, a Catholic theologian, serves on the executive of the Association of Practical Theology in Oceania, and is lecturer in theology at TeKupenga Theological College of Aotearoa New Zealand.