Justin Welby, former Archbishop of Canterbury, recently made comments about his failure to follow up on abuse allegations within the Church of England because the scale was “absolutely overwhelming.” This statement struck a nerve with me and with many survivors of sexual abuse. I get it. As a survivor of clerical abuse, I’ve seen firsthand how massive and deeply rooted the problem of sexual abuse and its cover-up has been. The number of survivors is staggering, and their stories are gut-wrenching. The institutions that cover for predators rather than protect the vulnerable are all around us. Yes, it’s overwhelming.
Let’s be clear: feeling overwhelmed is not an excuse for inaction. If anything, it’s the biggest reason to do more—not less.
Time and time again, scandal after scandal breaks. Time and time again, we watch as predators continue on unchecked, even defended and protected. Survivors are ignored. The cycle continues because institutions repeatedly choose silence over action. Yet, who ultimately pays the price? Survivors. Far too many are still living in the shadows. Too many remain too afraid to come forward as they drown in shame while believing it’s pointless because they’ve watched others be dismissed. Every time another survivor is ignored, it sends a message to the rest: “You don’t matter, so don’t even bother coming forward.”
Living with the scars of abuse is painful. While beauty can absolutely rise from the ashes, and while there is always hope and strength and resilience in our scars, the pain remains. Nothing can undo the years that have been stolen from so many victims. Nothing can take away the weight survivors carry every single day. For those who have never been given a real chance to heal and to truly live again after abuse, the suffering doesn’t end. Rather, it festers.
Stop Ignoring the Issues
We can’t afford to keep ignoring the issues. This is why we must stop pretending the mess will clean itself up. Let’s face it: we already know what needs to be done.
• We can’t continue to cut corners. Half-measures only protect predators.
• There needs to be absolute transparency and accountability. The secrecy and cover-ups need to end. No more protecting reputations over people.
• Justice and healing for survivors needs to be pursued. We can’t just hand out empty apologies. There needs to be real, meaningful action.
• There can be no second chances for predators in positions of authority. If you abuse, you’re out. Period.
The Church, as well as every institution facing this crisis, has a choice. They can do the hard work now or keep delaying the inevitable. Then they can sit back and watch while more and more people get hurt. They’ve stalled long enough. Survivors deserve better, and we must not stop speaking out until survivors get the help and justice they deserve.
Be a part of the change and an end to the silence. Enough is enough.
Unmasking Sexual Abuse Forum
The TentMakers of Louisiana has witnessed firsthand how inaction harms lives. They have seen the staggering number of survivors whose voices have been silenced, dismissed, or outright ignored. That’s why they’re stepping up with real action. If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of real change, join the TentMakers on April 25, 2025, in Lafayette.
On April 25, 2025, at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Student Union, they’re hosting the Unmasking Sexual Abuse Forum 2025: Understanding, Healing, and Empowering Through Justice and Resources. Click the link for more information and to reserve your spot today!
This isn’t just another panel discussion-it’s a high-impact event designed to create real dialogue, education, and action for survivors, professionals, and community leaders. It’s about breaking the silence, equipping people with resources, and making sure justice isn’t just a word but a reality.
