In a recent Zoom conversation, "Celebrating the Power of Truth Telling," two leading voices in the fight against clergy sexual abuse—Christa Brown, author of Baptistland: A Memoir of Abuse, Betrayal, and Transformation, and Sarah Stankorb, author of Disobedient Women: How a Small Group of Faithful Women Exposed Abuse, Brought Down Powerful Pastors, and Ignited an Evangelical Reckoning, spoke with David Morris, publisher of Lake Drive Books—and discussed the power and necessity of truth-telling in faith communities.
You can watch the video of the event below.
The conversation centered on the ongoing battle against the institutional cover-ups of sexual abuse, particularly within the Southern Baptist Convention and broader evangelical communities.
Christa Brown, a trailblazer in exposing clergy sexual abuse, shared how her advocacy began almost two decades ago when she became one of the first to publicly disclose child molestation allegations against a Baptist minister. Her efforts have since been focused on demanding reforms to prevent abuse and protect congregants, particularly children. Despite significant hurdles, including institutional resistance and personal attacks, Christa has remained steadfast, continuously working to peel back the layers of secrecy surrounding clergy sexual abuse.
During the conversation, Christa recounted an experience with a reporter just the previous week, in which Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Bart Barber subtly dismissed her concerns about the SBC’s inaction. Barber’s remarks implied that no matter what progress the SBC made, Christa would never be satisfied. Such dismissive attitudes, she explained, are indicative of a broader pattern where survivors' voices are often downplayed or ignored. Christa emphasized that the power of truth-telling comes from the collective voices of survivors who are no longer willing to be silenced, stating, "Truth-telling has a way of snowballing."
Sarah Stankorb echoed Christa’s sentiments, reflecting on her journey as a journalist reporting on abuses of power within religious institutions. Having written extensively on the subject, Sarah’s book Disobedient Women documents how a small group of women exposed abuse in evangelical circles and brought down powerful pastors. Sarah remarked that her role has evolved from writing investigative pieces to being a voice for those who are still finding the courage to come forward with their stories. She noted that each story she encounters is part of a broader pattern of systemic abuse and cover-up, and while hearing these accounts can be emotionally overwhelming, there is a profound power in helping others speak their truth.
The Personal Toll of Advocacy
Both women spoke about the personal toll of their work. Christa shared how, early in her advocacy, she feared divine retribution for speaking out, a fear that was deeply ingrained in her due to the religious environment she was raised in. Over time, however, she grew more confident in her truth-telling, despite the emotional cost. “It was as though they tried to hold me underwater for so long, I finally just grew gills,” she said, illustrating the resilience that survivors often have to develop.
Sarah added that, as a journalist, she has also had to develop a thick skin, especially when dealing with the backlash that comes from reporting on abuse. She emphasized that while truth-telling is essential, it often comes with consequences, such as threats, lawsuits, and attempts to discredit survivors and advocates. However, she encouraged others to continue speaking out, saying, "The gift of being a light in the darkness comes through these acts of disobedience."
How to Create Change in High-Control Religious Environments
When asked what could be done to bring about change in families, communities, and faith institutions, both women offered thoughtful insights. Sarah suggested creating safe spaces where survivors can speak out, without treating abuse as a taboo subject. She cited an example of an event where survivors shared their stories in a church setting, emphasizing how crucial it is to have open discussions about abuse in faith communities. Christa, on the other hand, advised cultivating skepticism, particularly in high-control religious environments where deference and niceness are often prioritized over truth. "Skepticism brings us closer to the truth," she said, urging survivors to question authority and trust their instincts.
The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of clergy sexual abuse and those advocating for reform. Both Christa and Sarah stressed that while significant progress has been made, much work remains. The conversation underscored the importance of solidarity, resilience, and, above all, the unwavering commitment to truth-telling, no matter the cost.
As the event concluded, David Morris reminded attendees of the crucial role that authors, journalists, and survivors play in fostering community and holding institutions accountable. He encouraged participants to continue supporting the work of advocates like Christa and Sarah, as their efforts are not only about revealing past abuses but also about preventing future harm.
This Zoom conversation was a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to bring light to dark corners of religious institutions and the enduring power of truth in the face of overwhelming odds.
