Trauma Informed Pastoral Accompaniment

This booklet was developed by the Survivors of Sexual Misconduct Task Force (Special task force established at the 223rd General Assembly (2019)).  

Excerpt from the introduction:

We knew that trauma from sexual misconduct did not simply affect churches in that moment, but it could reverberate for the survivors, families, congregations, and communities for decades. We felt that pastors and church leaders needed a tool to provide trauma-informed pastoral accompaniment in the aftermath of sexual misconduct.

This booklet was written to be used after the accused pastor or church leader has left the congregation, in the hope to provide guidance in healing and pastoral care in the aftermath. This resource is not designed to prevent sexual misconduct or address polity issues. We hope that your sexual misconduct policies, the Sexual Misconduct Response Team, and the Book of Order will focus on those aspects. Nor is this resource something that should replace therapy. We encourage people to seek out mental health professionals, as they are needed.

Instead, this is a pastoral resource that will accompany individuals, families, and churches in beginning the journey of spiritual healing. That healing will come, in large part, through telling our stories in the light of God’s care.