On the safe side: Simon Webbe on the IICSA report

‘The concept of forgiveness can be misused.’

There is someone who has a record of abusing children, sexually. They attach themselves to a religious organisation that has children’s groups. Surely there will be an impenetrable barrier between this person and the group’s children?

Well, not exactly. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) reveals that many such dams are leaky, and that some religious organisations do not have them at all. One of the report’s two main recommendations is that ‘all religious organisations should have a child protection policy and supporting procedures’. It warns against ‘disguised compliance’, where a policy is in place but is seldom implemented.

The report acknowledges that many religious groups do valuable work with children, for instance by providing ‘social and leisure activities’ and ‘supplementary schooling’. The problem is that a lot of this work is informal and unregistered, and the traditions of the religious organisations can make it difficult for individuals to screen newcomers.

IICSA also identifies cultural aspects of churches and other worship communities that may cause their ‘dam’ to become far too porous. If a child who is abused knows that thereafter they will be regarded as impure or sullied in some way, they are far less likely to disclose what has happened to them. This is related to the nasty business of ‘victim-blaming’. Ideas of sexual purity may also discourage any discussion of sexual matters; and the huge respect which some religious leaders enjoy makes it hard to challenge them. The report also mentions that many such organisations are dominated by men, with few or no women being allowed to contribute to important decisions.

Some religious groups still fear discrimination, and hesitate to involve outside agencies. They also have a tendency, which the report highlights, to forgive offenders. As the report states, ‘the concept of forgiveness can be misused, both to put pressure on victims not to report their abuse and to justify failures by religious leaders to take appropriate action where allegations have been made’. In the report, this is not purely theoretical. A concrete example is given of a ‘cycle of forgiveness’ in one church, where ‘convicted perpetrators would be welcomed back into the church and into another leadership role’.

The distinctive culture of a religious organisation may confer many benefits on members, particularly children. ‘Supplementary schooling’ may give a child the boost they need to do well at school. Respect for individuals who have earned it is a natural part of human behaviour; and we are taught that to forgive is divine. But when we embrace these things, we should do so with our eyes open.

See ‘Meeting for Sufferings: IICSA report’ (8 October) and the call to ensure Area Meeting engagement on this issue.

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