UNITES STATES
EthicsDaily
May 22, 2019
U.S. Protestants offered mixed views when LifeWay Research inquired about the extent of sexual abuse by clergy in local congregations.
When asked if they “believe many more Protestant pastors have sexually abused children or teens than we have heard about,” 37% somewhat or strongly disagreed, 32% somewhat or strongly agreed and 31% were unsure.
Similar numbers resulted when respondents were asked about clergy sexually abusing adults, with 41% somewhat or strongly disagreeing, 30% unsure and 29% somewhat or strongly agreeing that it happens more than they know about.
Respondents had high views of their church’s ability to respond appropriately to allegations and to help in the healing process of abuse victims.
When asked if church leaders would try to cover up abuse claims, only 7% agreed that they would do so, while 83% disagreed.
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