Sexual abuse and violence within Christian churches and the precarious role of forgiveness in their aftermath

Abstract

This article explores the role of forgiveness in the aftermath of sexual abuse and violence in Christian churches. It suggests that forgiveness is a precarious concept in this context. The precariousness of forgiveness is contingent upon the seriousness of the offence and on who brings forgiveness into play, with studies showing that forgiveness is primarily used by perpetrators and church institutions, not victims. The article demonstrates that forgiveness is frequently employed as a means of self-justification and as a tool for placing moral pressure on victims, potentially causing further harm. It goes on to explore the historical evolution of the verbs ‘forgive’ and ‘vergeben’ in English and German, highlighting the ways in which these have shaped our understanding of forgiveness, suggesting that their application can exacerbate abuse. The article thus emphasizes the necessity of a shared interpretation of the incident, its severity, the responsibilities, and the impact on all parties.