Mission 

Serving those harmed by clergy sexual abuse through actions of healing and justice. 

Core Values 

  • Our primary focus is serving those directly harmed by clergy sexual abuse. 
  • We recognize that family members, the diocesan community, and others are also harmed by clergy sexual abuse, and we stand ready to assist them. 
  • We advocate for a restorative approach characterized by doing things with survivors rather than to or for them. 
  • We take a trauma-informed approach to care, communication, and programming. 
  • We bring the gifts of the body of Christ to bear in our work and invite people to accompany one another in healing. 
  • We believe there is a spiritual component to healing. 
  • Our programming is accessible to all, no matter where they are in their healing journey. 
  • We want to connect with other organizations doing similar work. 

Outcomes 

What change will Journey to Bethany create?    

  • By participating in Journey to Bethany, survivors find the healing that they seek. 
  • Journey to Bethany is recognized within the community as a resource and haven for healing for those harmed by clergy sexual abuse. 
  • Journey to Bethany empowers its community of survivors, supporters, and volunteers to co-create future offerings. 
  • All policies and processes for our diocese relative to responding to past and current sexual abuse by people in the Church reflect restorative practices and trauma-informed, survivor-centered care.  
  • Journey to Bethany is a trusted partner alongside similar agencies to serve the specific needs of and advocating for survivors of clergy sexual abuse.   
  • Journey to Bethany shares what we learn to support the work of similar agencies locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. 
  • Journey to Bethany is sustained and supported by community members and major donors including the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.