Trust
Your child’s safety must always come first — especially in today’s world. In recent decades, society has become painfully aware of abuse cases involving children and trusted adults, particularly religious leaders, educators, and community figures. The disturbing reality is that children have been harmed by individuals placed in positions of spiritual or moral authority — people we’re often told to trust without question.
“The wounded recognize the injured.” — Nora
Broken Trust
These offenses aren’t isolated incidents. Survivors have bravely stepped forward to expose abuse and break decades of silence. But behind each case is a child who lost more than their innocence — they lost trust in the very people meant to guide and protect them.
Far too often, those exposed hide behind titles, denials, or silence. As John Paul Warren reminds us,
“Let the world know what you live for… not what you fall for.”
Religious Abuse Cases and Public Shock
From actors portraying pastors, like Stephen Collins in 7th Heaven, to real-life clergy like Darrell Gilyard and Bishop Eddie Long, allegations and convictions of misconduct against minors have shaken public faith in religious institutions. Often, these revelations come long after the damage has been done — after trust has been broken, and lives forever altered.
While some churches attempt reform or limit interactions between children and leaders under investigation, accountability still lags. Many offenders are shielded or excused under the guise of authority or faith.
“Beware you be not swallowed up in [worldly] books.” — John Wesley
Your Child’s Safety: Your Responsibility
This is why parents must be vigilant. Trust is earned — not assumed based on a title. Even if someone appears pious or respected, that doesn’t automatically mean your child is safe around them.
“So be as shrewd as snakes and as gentle as doves.” — Matthew 10:16
This doesn’t mean living in fear — it means being informed, proactive, and observant. Ask questions. Know who’s in your child’s circle — from coaches and clergy to youth group leaders and teachers. Create open lines of communication so your child feels safe sharing concerns.
Teen Behavior and Hidden Pain
When trust is broken, many children suffer in silence. They may display signs of:
-
Depression or withdrawal
-
Anger or emotional outbursts
-
Sudden fear of specific people or places
-
Changes in academic performance or social behavior
These signals are not always obvious, which is why you must remain present, supportive, and alert to shifts in your teen’s behavior.
The Role of Integrity
Religious leaders, like everyone else, are human — they make mistakes. But abuse of power is never a mistake. It’s a choice. And when that trust is violated, consequences must follow.
“Men of the cloth are not exempt. The level of their integrity does not make them infallible.”
We must advocate not only for justice — but for prevention. Teach your children about safe boundaries, about the right to say no, and about speaking up if something feels wrong.
Final Thoughts: Advocate for Their Safety
Your child needs you to believe them, protect them, and prioritize their well-being above social pressure or religious obligation. Not all threats wear scary faces. Sometimes, they wear robes and carry titles.
Protect the innocent. Be the voice your child can trust when others abuse theirs.
How do you protect your child? Leave a comment below.
The article is a great message to alert people who really are seeking the divine (note the Divine is always with us..if we learn to be still and take heed to the quiet voice of God) that there is some men of cloth in wolf and sheep clothing, not all men of cloth are doing what is being said by medias. However we must be aware that there are some who aren’t walking the way the Creator anoint them to be and this hurt not only children also Adults. Strength to you’re writing.
Empress Maxine, Thanks for your continue support.
It is horrible, this is not just pastor related but teachers and coaches. You have to educate your kids and then pray they do the right thing and tell if approached.
Aimee, So right we have to educate and protect our children. Thanks for your support.
This is so unfortunate and sad. I have heard of these cases. We must pray for our children, that they be protected and covered from such things and pray for church leaders that they walk in the calling of God and not veer to the right or left. Prayer changes things. Thanks for sharing.
Natasha, Thanks for politely sharing your views and give your support.
This was a very good read. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for support
Hello Patrice,
I can never wrap my mind around how someone can hurt an innocent child. And Aimee is right, it’s not only Pastors but teachers and even family members.
I don’t know what I would do if one of my kids were to tell me this was happening. Mama bear would certainly come out with the claws..that would be my first reaction.
Thank you for sharing this.
Corina, You and Aimee ….Correct how can I forget those horrible teachers preying on young minds. We have to continue to talk to our kids. Thanks for your support.
This is so sad and so horrible. I hate the fact that there are cover-ups in the church. And I hate the fact that children are being abused. I am glad these are starting to be exposed, even after all these years.
Tina, Yes, we must talk about these topics that are cover-up as you say. Thank you for your support.
It is so sad that we have to worry about these things with our children. I try to make my children aware of their surroundings. It is so hard to make them aware without making them scared of everyone.
Amy, I hope I did not scared you. But these are things we need to talk about and bring to the forefront so that we can be aware. Thanks for your support.
Oh how horrible it is. This would be enough to rang parents not to easily trust people with regards of their children for safety reason. Thanks for the alarm.
June, Th is tragic but we need to turn it around talk about, exposed the person and get involve. The kids need a safe environment to grow.
I’m so relived you mentioned it’s not just the Catholic Priests, but others in authority in other churches as well. I’m a Catholic, I was abused myself as a child from a Catholic, but never faulted the church. Just like I didn’t fault the school when a teach hit my brother or the Scouts when someone abused a friend. We have got to be more open with our kids about what is right and wrong…no matter who the person is who’s abusing, or attempting to abuse them. Power corrupts and the corrupt seek power
Sharon, I am so sorry for what happen to you and I admire your courage to talk and not kept abuse a “Secret”. Kids need to hear this so they can also be aware. Thanks for sharing & your continue support.
We have to be so careful and aware of anyone our kids are around.
This could happen anywhere. Yes, we have to be aware of who is around our kids.
Not all are abusing, but we should take care how much we trust our children’s care and education to others.
Debbie, yes not all are abuse; we as parent need to monitor our children at all times. Thanks for continue support.
The abuse any adult inflicts on a child is mind boggling. As a practicing catholic, it breaks my heart that these things happen and I can only pray that these offenders find their way and that this hurt stops NOW.
Chelley, That is all we can do hope they find there way and teach our kids awareness. Thanks for your support.
It’s so sad when children are abused. They’re victimized far too often. This crime is always particularly shocking when performed by a “man of the cloth.”
Sojourner, This hurt us deeply. Thanks for your continue support.
This is so sad, I think the congregation needs to do something about this and not only the pastor and other elders. Praying to all of the victims.
Manu Kalla, So true. Thanks for your support.
I just can’t believe people actually do such things. No one should be doing such heinous acts to anyone.
Celeste, Sad but true it happen …not all Pastor. Thanks for your support.
That’s what it says ” we all human and prone to every mistakes, hopefully we learn from other people mistakes.
Mhie Lee, Thank you for your support.