GRACE

GRACE - Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment || Empowering Christian communities to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse.

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

2025 has been a difficult year for so many-- and we have felt that here, at GRACE. In addition to the loss of our friend, and beloved Executive Director Pete, this has also been a year of unexpected funding loss. Our resources are stretched, even as the demand for GRACE’s work continues to grow into new, and exciting territory.

And that’s why we’re turning to you. GRACE’s work has always been fueled by people who believe that the Church can do better—and must do better. Your generosity is not just a gift. It is participation in our mission. It tangibly protects children. It strengthens churches. It offers survivors the dignity of being heard and supported. Your year-end support is a source of light in the darkness, ensuring that GRACE can continue responding to those who need us— those looking for a reason to keep hoping that compassionate, safe, accountable, healing faith communities are possible.

Give today at https://t.co/6ctT4T3lA5

#GRACE #yearendgiving #abuseprevention #abuseresponse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

We are thrilled to share that GRACE has officially been awarded the Excellence in Giving Certified Transparent Seal! The Excellence in Giving independent review process required GRACE to disclose more than 175 data points across our operations, leadership, finances, and impact—a process that far exceeds the standards required by the IRS, BBB, or Guidestar.

Every day, we call faith communities to a higher standard of transparency and accountability. This process is one small way for GRACE to practice what we preach by giving our donors and partners a radically open, transparent, accountable picture of our organization.

If you would like to join in GRACE on its mission to help faith communities recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse, visit https://t.co/gTf1b79PEr

Whether it’s $10, $25, or $100 a month, your consistent support builds the foundation for real, lasting change.

#GRACE #ExcellenceInGiving #TransparencyMatters

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Online Short-Form Leadership Course with Wade Mullen
The Gaslight Religion: Combatting Toxic Church Systems
July 13, 12-2pm ET

When a community of faith becomes a source of confusion rather than clarity, it may be operating under the influence of a "Gaslight Religion." In this live 2-hour training, we will explore how abusive leaders and institutions construct a version of “faith” that protects power rather than people. We’ll look closely at the tactics, language, and cycles of coercion that keep individuals and communities confused, isolated, and unable to see what is happening to them.

Register now - https://t.co/i32n8v5ls8

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Over four weeks, we received 473 responses. The data revealed that although over 78% of respondents identify as Christian, only 50% regularly attend religious services, and fewer than 15% feel “very comfortable” attending. This highlights a profound reality: a substantial portion of Christians remain
disconnected from, unsafe in, or uncomfortable with traditional worship spaces.

When asked which specific spiritual questions they actively wrestle with in the aftermath of abuse or trauma,
respondents reported they struggled with the following:
● 53% - Am I broken or permanently damaged because of the abuse I suffered?
● 50% - Does the time I spent suffering have value, or was it wasted?
● 46% - Why did God allow this to happen?
● 46% - Am I worthy of love, care, and support?
● 42% - Where was God in all of this?
● 39% - Does God care about the details and experiences of my life?
● 37% - Is forgiveness necessary for my healing?
● 37% - Do I need to find a purpose in my suffering?
● 35% - How do I distinguish between God and the people who represent Him?
In addition, our research revealed that 66% of our respondents do not feel safe in faith spaces without trauma-informed safeguards, and 55% struggle to read Scripture due to past abuse. When asked about exploring their spiritual questions and building community, survivors identified a 'fear of re-experiencing harm' as their primary barrier. Yet, a deep hunger for connection remains. Overwhelmingly, they requested trauma-informed theological resources and community-wide abuse training to help them safely navigate and process their pain.

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Recently, GRACE asked survivors of faith-based harm to share their stories, revealing a devastating reality of abuse compounded by institutional betrayal.

Survivors expressed a need for specialized, trauma-informed care and patient leadership over generic pastoral responses.

To everyone who courageously shared: thank you. We see you, and your voices are now the blueprint for our work.

Because of your vulnerability, we are:

— Developing trauma-informed theological guides.

— Enhancing leader training to recognize coercive control.

Your courage is reshaping the modern church, and together, we will demand absolute accountability to ensure faith communities become the safest places on earth.

You are not alone.

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

GRACE Director of Safeguarding, Mike Sloan, was invited as a panelist for The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida's annual safe church training webinar, "Leading Safe Churches: People & Policies." Mike led a session of the diocese wide training on practical policy implementation.

“The church should be the safest place in the world, and when the church fails to do that, it causes confusion and harm,” Bishop Holcomb said. “It causes confusion for those who are survivors, wondering why it’s not safe, and for those who are not inside the church, it causes them to be repelled.”

To read the full article, visit: https://t.co/XsXGdnCywO

To learn more about brining GRACE's training and policy development to your faith community, visit: https://t.co/kDUWi48c2w

#ProtectionPolicy #GRACE #SafeChurch #ChurchNews #AbusePrevention

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Although comprehensive protection policies are often the first step of safeguarding a faith community, they, alone, are not sufficient. Safeguarding goes beyond checking a box. True safety within our churches requires an active, ongoing commitment that includes:
Training & visibility so everyone knows the standards.

- Practiced procedures around appropriate response
- Genuine institutional will to prioritize protection over reputation
- Ongoing training and education

Wherever your faith community is right now, GRACE can help you move to the next step of safeguarding. Learn more at https://t.co/B8wevnimLb

#GRACE #Safeguarding #ChildProtection #ProtectionPolicy #AbuseResponse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

TOMORROW!
Online Short-Form Leadership Course
May 6, 1-3pm ET

Join us tomorrow for a 2-hour online course about:

-Recognizing and protecting against grooming, cyberbullying, and sophisticated scams
-Proven strategies and resources for talking to kids and teens about online safety
-Step-by-step guidance on what to do if a digital boundary is crossed

This presentation is designed for all caring adults - parents, educators, youth pastors, children’s directors, and ministry leaders - who want to move from fear to informed confidence.

Register now - https://t.co/p0q2Slq5Db

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Truth telling often comes at a cost. If you find yourself overwhelmed today in the midst of speaking out for what is right, may Dr. Diane Langberg's words encourage you to keep on.

#GRACE #AbuseResponse #DianeLangberg #ChurchHarm #SpiritualAbuse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

With summer comes overnight youth trips—whether lock-ins, missions trips, informal hangouts, summer camp, or other student ministry travel—unstructured time creates an increased risk for children and teens.

If you are a youth leader or volunteer, this article is for you! GRACE outlines practical safety recommendations for sleeping arrangements, showering and changing, and other vulnernable situations.

Read the article here: https://t.co/MD3QH2tvY0

#StudentSafety #YouthTrips #TeenMissionsTrips #SummerCamp #YouthLeader #GRACE

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

We often think of teaching our kids about body boundaries, online safety, and healthy relationships as one big, daunting milestone. But treating it like a single, massive "talk" puts a lot of pressure on both you and your child.

In our most recent GRACE Live Conversation, Detective Tony Godwin likens age-appropriate safety talks with your kids to discussions about brushing your teeth... in other words, they should start early, happen frequently, and be normalized.

To listen to the whole conversation on safety and artificial intelligence, visit GRACE's YouTube Channel at: https://t.co/SobID6iBhj

#BodySafety #GRACE #AbusePrevention #ParentSafetyTips

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

One week away!
Online Short-Form Leadership Course
June 23, 1-3pm ET

Join us for a high-impact presentation to equip parents, ministry leaders, and all who care about protecting kids and teens. This 2-hour course brings together the frontline experience of seasoned law enforcement and church leadership to provide a practical and faith-based grounding for prevention and response to online threats, including:

-How to recognize and protect against grooming, cyberbullying, and sophisticated scams before they hit home.
-Proven strategies and resources for talking to kids and teens about online safety.
-Step-by-step guidance on what to do if a digital boundary is crossed.

This presentation is designed for all caring adults - parents, educators, youth pastors, children’s directors, and ministry leaders - who want to move from fear to informed confidence.

Register now - https://t.co/YF2JATPDCz

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Every child deserves faith communities that lead with courage, compassion, and protection. GRACE Executive Director Laura Thien is joining Wartburg Theological Seminary and Zero Abuse Project for a FREE webinar on becoming a Trauma-Informed Church. This is the fifth episode in a series on prevention, pastoral care and healing, and is grounded in the ELCA Social Message on Child Protection. Register today to save your seat!

📆 June 18
🕠️ 6:45–8:00 PM CT
💻️ Zoom
Reserve your free seat: https://t.co/AWUdZ3FYca

#TraumaInformedCare #GRACE #TraumaInformedMinistry #FreeTraining #AbusePrevention

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

VBS is a beautiful, high-energy week, but ensuring the safety of children must be your baseline of preparation. Offenders look for environments where privacy is accessible and chaos masks boundary violations.

Make your VBS a sanctuary of safety: https://t.co/l1ZnTsxPFG

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

An objection that we occasionally hear at GRACE is that by recommending faith communities use SAMHSA's six trauma-informed care principles as a framework for responding to abuse, we are imposing a secular model over a biblical one. However, as therapist Chase McKinney commented in GRACE's recent Safe Church Course, trauma-informed care is deeply aligned with the character of Christ.

We believe that trauma-informed care does not stand in opposition to Scripture to act as a replacement. Rather, it is a practical tool for carrying out God's command to care for the vulnerable.

To read more about the intersection of trauma-informed care and faith, check out Pete Singer's article "Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church." https://t.co/pG7Pfd2fdI

#GRACE #trauma-informed #abuseprevention #abuseresponse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

In May, Georgia legislators passed the "Clergy Sexual Abuse Bill," which adds religious leaders to a list of authority figures, such as teachers and coaches, accountable for sexual misconduct. The bill acknowledges the unique position of power that clergy hold and how it can be used to abuse those under them.

Read more about the new legislation: https://t.co/O5uZYrZPy2

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Online Short-Form Leadership Course
Led by Crystal Nordby & Mike Sloan
June 23, 1-3pm ET

This 2-hour course brings together the frontline experience of seasoned law enforcement and church leadership to provide a practical and faith-based grounding for prevention and response to online threats, including:

-How to recognize and protect against grooming, cyberbullying, and sophisticated scams before they hit home.
-Proven strategies and resources for talking to kids and teens about online safety.
-Step-by-step guidance on what to do if a digital boundary is crossed.

This presentation is designed for all caring adults - parents, educators, youth pastors, children’s directors, and ministry leaders - who want to move from fear to informed confidence.

Register now: https://t.co/YF2JATPDCz

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

We believe that abuse prevention and response isn't just a social mandate—but a biblical one. As GRACE Director of Institutional Response Robert Peters stated in a recent interview with Evangelical Focus:

"A culture of concealment lies to victims and to the world about who God is and what He thinks of them. It replaces the sacrificial love of Christ with a self-protective avarice that prioritizes an institution's image over the imago Dei in each person. Every individual is precious in the sight of God. To silence their voices and cover up their pain is to dehumanize them and do violence against their souls, often in the name of God. The cost of this failure is severe, both for the individual and for the Church's collective witness. When the Church fails to live out its professed values, it signals to a watching world that it does not actually believe them."

To read the rest of Robert's interview with Evangelical Focus on the centricity of abuse prevention and response to the Church's witness visit: https://t.co/6WHOt051gp

#GRACE #EvangelicalFocus #AbusePrevention #AbuseResponse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Online Short-Form Leadership Course
June 23, 1-3pm ET

In an era where a significant portion of our lives are online, staying ahead of digital threats is essential for families and faith leaders alike.

Join us for a high-impact presentation to equip parents, ministry leaders, and all who care about protecting kids and teens. This 2-hour course brings together the frontline experience of seasoned law enforcement and church leadership to provide a practical and faith-based grounding for prevention and response to online threats, including:

-How to recognize and protect against grooming, cyberbullying, and sophisticated scams before they hit home.
-Proven strategies and resources for talking to kids and teens about online safety.
-Step-by-step guidance on what to do if a digital boundary is crossed.

This presentation is designed for all caring adults - parents, educators, youth pastors, children’s directors, and ministry leaders - who want to move from fear to informed confidence.

Register Now: https://t.co/YF2JATPDCz

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Our GRACE Live Conversation on AI and online exploitation with special guests Doctor Rebecca Portnoff (Head of Data Science & AI at Thorn) and Detective Tony Godwin (ICAC Investigator & Host of A&E’s Predator Hunters) is now available on YouTube!

Watch Now: https://t.co/4Y8BqqKIFA

#GRACELiveConversation #GRACE #AI #OnlineExploitationPrevention #OnlineSafety