New Workbook as a companion to "Innocence Betrayed"

WHY A WORKBOOK?

We have written this companion workbook as a tool to aid you in reading and processing our book, Innocence Betrayed - A Dad’s Story of Clergy Misconduct. The workbook and book are designed to work together as a systematic problem-solving resource guide.

Primarily, this workbook has been written for current and former church members and to aid the families of the affected victims of clergy misconduct. It will also help chairpersons and other members of church committees be aware of how multiple episodes of clergy misconduct may affect a family and extended family of a victim and encourage them to take action when clergy misconduct is suspected or brought to their attention.

The story exposes the multiple techniques employed by an unscrupulous clergyman during the "grooming" process of unsuspecting parishioners, including adults and children. One of our goals is to provide a backdrop to facilitate your long journey towards
wholeness.

These techniques are also used by other authority figures, such as therapists, counselors, teachers, doctors, etc. to gain access to a victim. Everyone needs to know.

REASON #1:
To tell the story that needs to be told, however painful, in order to encourage parents, teachers and church leadership to be aware of the potential for clergy misconduct – even in their very own church. We know the questions and the doubts – but we also know how to read the signs – AND SOUND THE ALARM. This book – this story – IS THAT ALARM.

REASON #2:
To encourage critical thinking among parents and teachers about
this issue. Families everywhere may not realize just how unprotected they are in a place that should be a safe haven. It’s happening everywhere – in any church – of any denomination.

Go through this workbook at your own pace. We suggest working through it alone, and then discuss it with a trusted person in your life. The subject matter may be hard to get through.

At the end of each section, there will be 2 exercises. The first will be a question that we suggest that you think about through the day.

Don’t answer it quickly. Ponder it. Chew on it. Swallow it. Digest it. THEN TALK ABOUT IT.

Following the question, there will be one PROACTIVE suggestion or ACTION Step that we challenge the reader to attempt to complete. Pay close attention to how you are FEELING during this exercise. WRITE down your feelings, thoughts & questions in your journal.