Church-related abuse is harm that happens in a church setting or is linked to a church role, relationship, or belief system.
It can affect people of any age, background, or faith.
It is not about faith itself. It is about misuse of power, trust, or authority connected to a church context.

What does “church-related abuse” mean?

Church-related abuse refers to abuse or harm that is connected to a church or faith organisation, including:

• Abuse carried out by someone in a church role (such as a leader, volunteer, or trusted member)
• Abuse that happens within church activities, spaces, or communities
• Abuse justified, minimised, or silenced using religious language, beliefs, or authority
• Abuse that continues because of pressure to forgive, submit, stay silent, or “pray it away”

You do not have to be a church member, believer, or practising Christian for your experience to count.

Key factors that define church-related abuse

An experience may be church-related abuse if all of the following apply:

You experienced abuse or harm connected to the Church

This could be directly within a church setting, or through a relationship that existed because of the church.

The abuse caused harm

The harm may be:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Psychological
• Financial

Harm does not have to be visible or recent to be real.

The abuse occurred in a church context or church-linked relationship

This includes abuse that happened:

• During church activities or events
• In pastoral, leadership, or ministry relationships
• In families or relationships shaped or controlled by church beliefs
• Where the church response (or lack of response) caused further harm

Types of abuse that can be church-related

Church-related abuse can take many forms. You may recognise one or more of the following.

Sexual abuse or sexual violence

Any sexual act without consent, including:

• Sexual assault or rape
• Sexual exploitation by someone in a position of trust
• Sexual abuse of children or adults
• Pressure to remain silent for the “good of the church”

Physical abuse

• Hitting, restraining, or physical punishment
• Physical harm justified as discipline or correction
• Violence within relationships supported or ignored by church leadership

Psychological or emotional abuse

• Manipulation, intimidation, or humiliation
• Fear-based control
• Threats of exclusion, shame, or spiritual consequences

Spiritual abuse

Spiritual abuse happens when religious belief or authority is used to control, coerce, or harm.
This may include:

• Using scripture to silence or blame
• Demanding obedience to leaders
• Telling someone their abuse is a test of faith
• Blocking access to help outside the church

Coercive or controlling behaviour

• Monitoring behaviour, relationships, or decisions
• Isolating someone from friends, family, or support
• Controlling how someone dresses, thinks, votes, or lives
• Presenting control as “godly”, “biblical”, or “loving”

Financial abuse

• Pressuring someone to give money they cannot afford
• Taking or controlling finances
• Using fear, guilt, or spiritual consequences to demand giving
• Misusing church authority to exploit financially

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can be church-related when:

• Abuse happens within a marriage or family shaped by church teaching
• Survivors are told to stay, submit, or forgive instead of being protected
• Abuse is minimised or ignored by church leaders

Conversion therapy

Any practice that seeks to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
This includes:

• Prayer, counselling, or pastoral pressure
• Teaching that frames identity as sinful or broken
• Practices that cause emotional, psychological, or spiritual harm

What church-related abuse is not

• It is not about criticism of faith or belief
• It is not a disagreement with church teaching
• It is not your fault
• It is not something you must endure to be faithful

Abuse is about harm and power, not belief.

If you’re unsure whether your experience counts

Many people affected by church-related abuse say:

• “It wasn’t violent, so maybe it doesn’t count”
• “It happened years ago”
• “Other people had it worse”
• “I should have known better”

If you were harmed and the harm was connected to a church context, your experience matters.

You do not need proof, labels, or certainty to seek support.

Support for people affected by church-related abuse

You deserve to be listened to, believed, and supported, without judgement or pressure.

If reading this has brought up difficult feelings, you are not alone. Support is available.

The post What Is Church-Related Abuse? was created by First Light.