Reader Reflections, Part Three
ACNAtoo has been reflecting on what we’ve each learned during our first year and we invited you to share your thoughts as well. The following reflection was submitted by one of our readers.
As ACNAtoo marks a year of advocacy, I want to publicly express my gratitude for their work. I have especially appreciated the ways ACNAtoo:
amplifies survivor stories, providing a safe space for people to name their experiences and the ways they were injured in our churches.
shares supporting documentation in formats that external observers can read and digest.
models respectful interaction that offers dignity to all people and space for alternate perspectives.
provides well-researched and trauma-informed resources to educate and equip individuals and communities
offers practical help, particularly the survey of ACNA diocesan policies and contact information as well as guest posts from trauma-informed professionals.
compiles observations from witnesses in order to draw attention to areas of unhealth and needed growth within ACNA culture.
exposes individual instances of harm and systemic failures that contribute to the injury of God’s people.
I have heard some people claim that ACNAtoo seeks to damage and destroy ACNA churches. I disagree with this. Hidden wrongs cannot be addressed. Unnamed injuries cannot be repaired. Healing and justice can only come when things are exposed by the light.
Thank you, ACNAtoo, for your work this past year. Without your team's determination to publicly tell the truth, many in the ACNA would be unaware of the painful reality of our manifold failure to safeguard those entrusted to our care. Thank you for offering our churches the gift of needed clarity. I pray we will have the moral courage and will to repent, make amends where possible, and change.
We invite further reflections from our readers.