Breaking The Silence
mostly addresses child abuse in churches. However it also includes adult relationships where there is
abuse of authority which they define as where someone in a position of authority takes advantage of that authority for personal gain, including financial gain, by:
- participating in bullying, belittling or harassing behaviour to achieve his/her own ends
- manipulative behaviour designed to get his/her own way by flattery or by suggestions of favouritism, special relationship, or special status
- spiritual abuse designed to get his/her own way by telling people that God will like them more etc.
- it also includes what is sometimes called "moral failure" or sexual misconduct where someone in authority has a sexual relationship with someone under their pastoral care.
Breaking the Silence covers the Presbyterian churches of New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Go to their
Abuse of Authority page.