Spiritual abuse
Spiritual abuseSpiritual abuse
Spiritual abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse. It is characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious context. Spiritual abuse can have a deeply damaging impact on those who experience it. However, holding a theological position is not in itself inherently spiritually abusive, but misuse of scripture, applied theology and doctrine is often a component of spiritually abusive behaviour. (L. Oakley 2017)
The national church has created guidance for understanding spiritual abuse which can be found here:
4.2 Spiritual Abuse | The Church of England
Understanding Spiritual Abuse in Christian Communities
Dr Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys have produced a Spiritual Abuse summary document titled Understanding Spiritual Abuse in Christian Communities.
Replenished Life are an independent charity which supports those who have experienced abuse and trauma within faith.
Focus on Spiritual Abuse in the Diocese
Our Head of Safeguarding, Louise Whitehead, wrote a piece on Spiritual Abuse for Pathways, the magazine for the people of the
Dr Lisa Oakley (left) ran a workshop on Spiritual Abuse for our PSOs as part of the Safeguarding Sunday event we held at Christ Church Cathedral in November 2023
Further reading and resources:
- A two-part podcast with Julie Roys on the Roys Report podcast, featuring thirtyone:eight CEO Justin Humphreys – Understanding & Overcoming Spiritual Abuse
- Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr Lisa Oakley & Justin Humphreys (spckpublishing.co.uk)