My Nonprofit Reviews

The Hope of Survivors (THOS) is the greatest source of hope and healing for every person impacted by clergy sexual abuse, but particularly for adults. Unfortunately, when a spiritual leader has a relationship with an adult member of his flock, the overwhelming majority of the church places the blame on the congregant. This lie from Satan is what causes the most damage to the member who was abused, her family, the church, and the Kingdom of God.

Finding the truth that my relationship with my pastor was not an affair, but was in fact, an abuse of power, was the first step in my recovery. Several other myths were dispelled that brought additional healing. The truth sets us free. THOS has helped free countless lives who were bound by the brokenness caused by clergy sexual abuse.

THOS provides hope and encouragement that guide a victim to become a survivor. They offer support and truths that help survivors rebuild and strengthen their relationship with God. They have been instrumental to the healing my husband and I have experienced.

Every person impacted by clergy sexual abuse will find hope and healing from The Hope of Survivors!

The Hope of Survivors speaks truth that sets victims free to becoming survivors! Their constant message of abuse of power versus an affair is the foundation that allows victims to begin healing. My husband and I have benefited greatly from this organization. Every person who has ended up in a relationship with clergy will find hope and healing through The Hope of Survivors!

After being pursued by my pastor that ended in a relationship, I was devastated. I researched 'pastoral affairs' and found The Hope of Survivors, a great source of encouragement and help. After years of healing and gaining emotional and spiritual support from a peer representative, I became a volunteer. In March of this year, I became a full-time employee, as Executive Assistant and Victim Support Coordinator. I am now able to spend more time working toward awareness and prevention while offering hope and healing to other victims.

Without The Hope of Survivors, I believe I'd still be lost in the pain and confusion of being abused by my pastor. The Hope of Survivors is a beacon of light to those living in the darkness of clergy sexual abuse. I am forever grateful to God for Samantha and Steve Nelson and this organization.

I came across The Hope of Survivors after experiencing Clergy Sexual Abuse five years ago. They offer hope, healing, and support to victims by teaching the truths and dynamics of CSA. After a few years of healing and reading the wealth of information on their website, I became a volunteer in victim support services. What shocked me the most was the number of victims who are suffering in silence because they are too afraid to speak, or suffering because they are blamed and feel at fault for an act of abuse they endured. The most important truth THOS is working endlessly to promote is that any time a spiritual leader has a relationship with someone under their care, it is not an affair; it is abuse. THOS is vital to the church's healing by promoting the truths and dynamics of CSA as well as offering hope to its victims.

The Hope of Survivors (THOS) offers a wealth of information on Clergy Sexual Abuse that provides hope, healing, and support to all victims. Their goal is to inform the church that a relationship between clergy and a congregant is NOT an affair; it is abuse. This truth brings much healing to those abused by their church leaders. THOS has been instrumental in my healing process and has given me strength to become a volunteer and to help others understand the dangers and dynamics of CSA. If every church leader and member became more aware of CSA, prevention would follow. THOS is vital to reaching this goal.

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During a recent search for a support group for women who were involved in a pastoral 'affair,' I found The Hope of Survivors. The information, support, and encouragement they offer brought me hope and healing. I learned the truth about the imbalance of power and although I was responsible for my actions, the greater responsibility falls on the pastor/shepherd whose role is to guide, protect, and help his flock. I was able to read numerous survivor stories that were all too familiar with my own and found hope from those who overcame the damaging effects of being abused. THOS is a safe place to communicate with other survivors in a world that does not yet understand the dynamics of pastoral abuse. THOS is a voice for those silenced by shame. THOS is a refuge of healing for the wounded soul. THOS offers hope to victims and their families who have been pursued, used, and abused by men whose responsibility is to protect.

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