Victims raise profile of ‘spiritual abuse’

[cbayer]

Last edited Tue Mar 26, 2013, 12:19 PM - Edit history (1)

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/03/25/victims-raise-profile-of-spiritual-abuse/

Mar 25, 2013
SPOKANE, Wash. (RNS)

Karen Wanjico had no choice. Turn away from her mother like the rest of her congregation, or be exterminated by God at Armageddon — which could come any moment — with no hope of resurrection.

Wanjico, of Casa Grande, Ariz., was 17 years old when she chose to go with the congregation and shun her mom. Looking back now, at age 49, she says it was the most devastating thing she’s ever done.

After earning a Master of Divinity degree and working several years as an advocate for victims of sexual abuse, Wanjico can talk about what happened to her: She was spiritually abused.

Pete Evans, chief investigator for the Dallas-based Trinity Foundation — a group that investigates religious fraud — said spiritual abuse is widespread and takes many forms.

more at link

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

1. Spritual abuse comes in several forms

My younger brother feels that he was driven out of the Catholic Church because he is gay. I saw it happen, and I cannot disagree with him.

[cbayer]

2. Tragic and I am sorry to hear that.

There are support and activist groups for GLBT catholics. He may no longer be interested in having anything to do with the catholics though and I hope he is doing ok.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

3. He is no longer interested in any Church

He is doing quite well, and is hoping to marry his long-time partner, once it becomes legal in Illinois. He has asked me to be the best man and I accepted happily. (His partner's sister said that she would not be "matron of honor", so we settled on "best woman".)

[cbayer]

4. Congratulations to him and to you.

I hope his wedding becomes a reality very, very soon.

[okasha]

5. After this week's arguments before SCOTUS,

and if the Court opts for justice, your brother and brother-in-law may be able to marry legally in another state and be recognized as a married couple in Illinois regardless of where they actually hold the ceremony.

Here's to all of you!