Accountability Measures for Sexual Harassment by Religious & Interfaith Leaders

The whisper network is never fast enough nor broad enough to protect the vulnerable. Yet, too often, accountability measures amount to fending for yourself and, worse, reinforce shame, and stigmatization. Many religious communities have individuals and groups who are working toward advocacy, reform of institutions, and trauma-informed responses. In this discussion, we define some terms and the roles each of us has to play in changing cultures of abuse. We explore the ethical principles of the advocate and the community, including the nature of organizational trauma. Finally, we look at the principles and ideals of our faith communities that can support and undermine this work, including within Interfaith spaces.