Rachael Denhollander, attorney, educator, consultant and author, speaks about developing theologically-rich and practically effective abuse prevention and crisis response in faith-based organizations.

“ If we truly believe our theology about justice and holiness and forgiveness and repentance, then we ought to be the first to repent of where we have erred in the past, particularly regarding past handling of abuse and injustice. We are brought to be the first to engage in robust conversation about the reality that repentance and scripture is always accompanied with practical, tangible restoration. And what would that actually look like in our communities?“ - Rachael Denhollander

“Leaders are ignorant of critical information needed for both prevention and response, leading to consistent patterns of victim blaming, miscategorizing, and mishandling reports, allowing abusers to move freely within Christian communities. And because these reasons are often rooted in poorly developed but very sincerely held theological beliefs, any expressed questions or concerns is immediately perceived as an attack on Christianity itself, a demonic, ungodly woman or advocate bent on the destruction of the church.” - Rachael Denhollander

This video was originally recorded at For the Good of the Public on October 7-8, 2024 in Washington D.C. Join us this year! Buy your tickets now!