06/13/2026
I’m genuinely curious why so much sexual immorality happens in religious organizations. Why is SA not a big deal but if two teenagers have mutual consensual relationship all hell breaks loose. The stories go on and on.
I’ve talked to several who try to justify it. Like for instance Sean Addis tried to tell me the other day a twelve year old Girl was at fault for him taking advantage of her. He said she seduced him. He said it was ok to talk about because the statute of limitations was up. He’s not the first to say this. I’ve talked with several that have tried to tell me r**e is not a thing. In a conversation the other day he also said another member didn’t SA his wife she said she didn’t want to do it and he convinced her to do it anyways and that’s just her job. He wouldn’t have to force her is she did her job.
One question has weighed heavily on me since leaving a high-control religious environment:
Why do allegations of sexual abuse seem to surface so frequently in organizations that demand unquestioning loyalty and obedience? Why do these type of people flock to religion????
This is not an accusation against every member. Many of the people I knew were kind, sincere, and genuinely trying to do what they believed was right. But I believe it is fair to ask difficult questions about systems, cultures, and beliefs when those questions involve the safety of children and vulnerable people.
What is it about environments where authority is rarely questioned that can make abuse harder to report?
What happens when members are taught that speaking out is disloyal, rebellious, or harmful to the reputation of the group?
What happens when victims fear losing their family, friends, community, or even their relationship with God if they come forward.
If an organization values truth, then truth should never be a threat to it.
If an organization values justice, then protecting victims should always come before protecting reputations.
If an organization values accountability, then no leader, teacher, elder, minister, or authority figure should ever be above scrutiny.
History has shown us that abuse is not limited to any one religion, denomination, or organization. The problem is often not belief itself, but systems that place power beyond questioning and loyalty above accountability.
I don't ask these questions to attack people. I ask them because every victim deserves to be heard, every child deserves to be protected, and every organization should be willing to examine itself honestly.
Silence protects systems.
Truth protects people.