Letter from the President—Martin Weber, D.Min.

(From the January 2022 edition of HopeSpeak)

Dear Friends,
 
Clergy sexual misconduct is often in the news, so The Hope of Survivors is needed more than ever as “a nonprofit, non-denominational ministry counteracting sexual misconduct by spiritual leaders.” That’s our new mission statement as we take on the challenge of this new year.
 
It’s a new era for our ministry, with the retirement of our beloved founders, Steve and Samantha Nelson. For the past 14 years it’s been my privilege to support them, and now to serve as Chairman and President of our new leadership team: Shyleene Rosado (CEO and Latino Division Leader), her husband Carlos (Treasurer and Technologist), and Alma Regan (Board Member)—plus an experienced team of volunteers who are themselves survivors of sexual abuse. I’m delighted to welcome two experienced professionals who will donate their passion and expertise in helping victims of clergy sexual abuse: social worker Andrea Caouette (also known as Andi) and attorney Janelle Bradford Smiley.
 
What do we envision ourselves doing together? Here’s our new vision statement:
  • We help restore victims after the devastating scourge of clergy sexual misconduct, exposing the grooming process that led to their abuse, and explaining why this was not an affair. Victims experience a new and rejuvenated walk with God that fosters spiritual and emotional healing and safe human relationships.
  • We do this primarily through our website, continually refreshed with relevant articles and video testimonies, along with newsletters, phone support from experienced volunteers, exhibition booths at church events, and Hope & Healing Weekends for victims and their spouses. We also offer recovery ministry to spouses of morally compromised clergy.
  • We help spiritual leaders safeguard integrity through workshops, booths at conventions, and articles in professional journals.
  • Finally, we will harness emerging technologies to develop a virtual academy—on demand and accessible anywhere—offering professionally relevant courses to educate individuals (victims/survivors, clergy, lay leaders, mental health counselors, news reporters) and organizations (churches, seminaries and denominational headquarters).
Well, what do you think? Three times in my pastoral career my predecessor was a predator. I’ve seen the horrible devastation suffered by victims of clergy sexual misconduct and the desperate need for intervention by The Hope of Survivors.
 
Do you consider our vital mission and vision worth supporting? Then please join us as we move forward together. We cherish every prayer you offer on our behalf, and welcome every dollar you entrust as we help the wounded lambs of the Good Shepherd find healing.
 
Gratefully your partner in ministry,
Martin Weber, DMin 
President