Our name inspires us to empower a community to welcome and care for people harmed by clergy sexual abuse. So, why Bethany? We are named for the Bethany, a village east of Jerusalem and the home of Jesus’ friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Bethany frequently surfaces in the bible as a place where Jesus…
This Christmas, we worked with Whitney True-Francis, the diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator, to send cards to survivors that she encounters through her work. We hope these cards helped the survivors to feel supported and to know that so many people care. We were careful to include messages that were supportive and open to the idea…
GRACE, Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment invited licensed clinical social workers Laura Thien and Carrie Nettles to discuss why the holiday season can be especially challenging for those who have experienced abuse or trauma, share some helpful practices for self-care, and offer guidance to those who will be interacting and serving survivors…
We’re taking a moment to celebrate the launch of our new workshop, Trauma-Informed Care & Survivor-Centered Accompaniment. We hosted twenty permanent deacons and wives at the inaugural offering on October 22. The deacons themselves requested this training at a Journey to Bethany Community Conversation, and the content for the workshop was developed in collaboration with…
The annual Child and Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference brings Safe Environment and Victim Assistance Coordinators together to hear updates, ask questions and learn from one another. The speakers and resources this year inspired us to make these commitments: Become “Where to Begin” We were humbled to hear Kathy Damman, a survivor of clergy sexual…
At this time of year, we often get to experience dark clouds giving way to sun. We feel the warmth on our arms and cheeks. We see that beautiful “God light” effect when sunrays shoot from behind billowy clouds. At one year into our work, Journey to Bethany is experiencing something similar. With each conversation,…
If you are survivor of clergy sexual abuse, we are glad you have found us. If you are a supporter of a survivor, we welcome you. When Jesus needed renewal, he visited his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, in Bethany. Journey to Bethany seeks to bring caring people together to accompany one another in healing…