GROUNDED: When sacred trust is broken

Leigh McFarlane knows that some places of faith have been unsafe for those seeking to grow in faith. Sadly, despite protection policies and procedural guidance being in place, spiritual abuse makes news headlines and there’s a growing list of once acclaimed leaders who have been exposed as being abusive. Revelations of abuse by faith leaders arouse feelings of disbelief and shock. It can be deeply disorienting to find that someone well respected can so readily undermine foundational principles of faith.  

All abuse highlights the devastating misuses of power and in these situations, the focus is often on the ‘flawed leader’, where the abuse is solely attributed to the individual. But would things change if attention shifted to addressing the cultures that enable these individuals to thrive?  Leigh is passionate about this important question and will share her thoughts on the cultures and practices that keep everyone safe!