This article references sexual abuse and rape.
I enjoy seeing people find their way to God. As a Christian woman, my faith has been instrumental to my life and I want other people to experience it, too. As a survivor of sexual abuse, on the other hand, seeing the church embrace alleged abusers with open arms makes me feel uncomfortable.
The beauty of Christianity is that it allows anyone who seeks him to encounter God. But, where does that leave the role of the church and how it treats alleged abusers? How can churches ensure the safety of their congregation?
Last month, CNN posted a video of Sean Combs (also known as Diddy) physically abusing his then-partner Cassie Ventura. In November 2023, Ventura filed a lawsuit claiming that she suffered years' worth of abuse and violence at his hands.
Combs released a video apologising for his actions saying: “I had to ask God for his mercy and grace.” He had originally denied the claims.
Kelly Price, a prominent Gospel singer, offered prayers for Combs in the comments – saying: “I have seen you at your best and at your worst I know what you are capable of being when you were at your best, despite the seductions of this industry.”
Another user said: “The man is posting an apology and here come people to tear that down – we’re not GOD so let’s not judge.” Are these people weaponising religion to uphold ancient patriarchal traditions? Or, do they want men with power and fame to come to religion so they can show the world that God can change anyone?
He's been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.
A few weeks ago, comedian and actor Russell Brand took to Instagram to share his recent baptism. Brand was baptised in the River Thames and told his followers that the experience left him “changed” and “transitioned”. Comments from fellow Christians came pouring in. “So proud of you! Welcome my brother in Christ Jesus. All things are new,” one user said. Another comment read “God bless you my beautiful brother in Christ!!!!!”
Brand went on to say that his baptism was “an opportunity to leave the past behind.” Which element of his past was he referring to?
A Channel 4 Dispatches special came out last year which detailed allegations of sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand. The investigation detailed accusations by four women including rape, sexual assault, and abuse between the years 2006 and 2013.
The Metropolitan Police subsequently interviewed Brand – who vigorously denied all claims and said the claims were “very, very hurtful” in a recent interview with host Tucker Carlson.
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Brand isn’t the only person to reconsider his relationship with God amidst a wave of allegations.
Influencer Andrew Tate shared his conversion to Islam last October. This came a few months after Tate was charged with rape and human trafficking. Tate was indicted alongside his brother and two other associates. However, the influencer and former professional kickboxer claimed that there was no evidence against him.
Some Muslims welcomed Tate’s conversion (or reversion) to Islam. However, many Muslims – especially women – weren’t celebrating Tate’s newfound love for God. “What has been particularly worrying for many in the Muslim community in the West is that Tate has become a role model for some Muslim men, especially after expressing his admiration for Islam in this YouTube video,” Yousra Samir wrote in Al Jazeera.
Similar to Brand, Keke Palmer’s ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson got baptised amidst domestic abuse allegations raised by Palmer. In an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Jackson told his followers that he was 'extremely blessed to have repent & be baptised in the name of our Lord Jesus.’
In a court filing, made in November 2023, Palmer highlighted several events of alleged abuse. But, Jackson filed a counterclaim and alleged that Palmer was verbally and physically abusive towards him. Palmer was granted a temporary restraining order and temporary sole custody of her child.
Taking on the identity of a persecuted religion like Islam allows Tate to mask his vitriol in the politics of persecution.
What do all these men have in common? They discovered a newfound love for God a short while after allegations of abuse materialised. We can’t police people’s relationship with God. Everyone has a different way of encountering religion that cannot be disputed. But, the timing doesn’t seem to be a coincidence.
In Christianity, there’s a concept of being ‘born again.’ It essentially means that the old you has gone and you are a new creation in God. Are these men using religion to show the world that they’ve changed?
Pastor and speaker Chioma Alade believes that many people turn to religion or faith during times of adversity or when faced with challenges. “Christianity offers unique opportunities through the personhood of Jesus Christ for redemption, eternal hope, and healing. However, this can also attract those uninterested in Christianity or change, but in pursuit of a rebrand,” Alade says.
Christianity and other mainstream religions prioritise love and forgiveness. Does this mean we should allow alleged abusers into religious spaces without any critique? Alade believes God is a God of justice – and whilst he isn’t afraid of the mess in our lives, he cares just as much for us as the people we hurt.
“A necessary part of Christian repentance is restitution. If we have wronged anyone, we are required to make it right,” she says. “If these men have wronged and abused someone and are sorry for their actions they should submit themselves to the relevant authorities,” she says.
For Alade, she believes: “Christianity – when honestly pursued and not used – holds up a mirror to us, always imploring us to do the right thing. Whilst we can come to God as we are, it is impossible to walk a Christian life and live unconvicted of our wrongdoings. We do not get to remain the same.”
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Churches and religious organisations have a right to protect their congregation. Especially considering the history between churches and sexual abuse. The Roman Catholic Church received over 900 complaints and over 3000 cases of child sexual abuse between the years 1970 and 2015. The BBC reported that the church of England had 383 cases related to abuse, of which 168 involved children.
So, how can religious organisations ensure that their community feels safe? Alade shares that she is also a victim of sexual abuse within the church – and feels very strongly about safeguarding.
“Regrettably, safeguarding is not something the Church has excelled at, but I frequently speak to leaders across the world dedicated to improving the safety of our spaces as a matter of urgency,” Alade explains. “Alleged abusers should be disciplined privately and kept far away from vulnerable church congregants. And, of course, encouraged to restitute for any wrongdoing if allegations are true,” she adds.
For Alade, safeguarding in church is a sign of a healthy church. “Christian safeguarding is not just about making sure congregants feel safe, it is about making sure they ARE safe,” she adds.
We will never know the genuine reasons why these men want to pursue a relationship with God. Religion should be a safe space for all. But, this does not mean that alleged abusers should not be critiqued or questioned by religious people. It’s imperative that victims feel safe and that those who have wronged face the appropriate consequences.
I will always be a little weary of alleged abusers finding God, especially soon after allegations have surfaced. Christianity and other religions still have a lot of work to do to make sure victims feel – and indeed, are – safe. I hope religious leaders will be cautious before opening their arms to men who have reportedly abused women.
For more information about reporting and recovering from rape and sexual abuse, you can contact Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222.
If you have been sexually assaulted, you can find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre here. You can also find support at your local GP, voluntary organisations such as Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, and Victim Support, and you can report it to the police (if you choose) here.
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