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	Lessons from Tucson By Dr. Jaime Romo Healing and Spirituality February 14, 2011 http://www.jaimeromo.com/blog/archives/342 The first thing to realize is that you are the glory of God… The question is not so much, "How to live for the glory of God?" but, "How to live where we are, how to make true our deepest self?" You are the place where God chose to dwell, you are God's place and the spiritual (mutual and just) life is nothing more or less than to allow that space to exist where God can dwell. If the glory of God is not where I am, where else can it be? From The Genessee Diary, by Henri Nouwen For many survivors of Religious Authority Sexual Abuse, I imagine this quote makes no sense because God was involved explicitly, directly, overtly, criminally in their abuse. Still, I know that this quote is true. I have dedicated myself to promoting healing and helping end abuse everywhere. I am here to say that healing and transformation are most definitely possible, despite the discouraging evidence of institutional denial by religious leaders and followers. I know that my own recovery and transformation have been the result of my effort and others' support over time. The irony is that these law suits probably wouldn't exist if church leaders and followers had responded with compassion and not reject, minimize, discredit or lie to survivors when they came forward with their stories. These cases and so much pain exist because, around the world, pedophiles and church images were protected rather than children and vulnerable adults. In the wake and unfolding story of Congresswoman Gab rielle Giffords, we track her remarkable recovery and I think of the power of support for victims of tragedy. I don't believe anyone blamed her or any of those who were wounded or killed by a violent and criminal act for their victimization. I don't believe that people minimized the damage done to them. In fact, beyond the best technical and medical resources brought to Congresswoman Giffords, the public will for her recovery has been so strong that I believe it has somehow accelerated her recovery. How powerful it would be if those who continue to identify and participate with religious institutions in which sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults is known to have happened (i.e., all groups) would confront and disarm those who commit such atrocities, as was done in Tucson by a 61 year old woman. Fr. Tom Doyle has been a vocal and treasured advocate with survivors for years. Recently, another priest stood with survivors. Other groups challenge religious leaders to stand with survivors. There is legislation discussed in Massachusetts to formally interpret the statute of limitations timeline to begin when the person recognizes that their current distress is linked to sexual abuse. This is similar to the Oregon Boy Scout ruling last spring. And there are many advocates, pioneers in this movement to end sexual abuse everywhere, who inspire me. There are public events to raise awareness to end violence, such as the Race to Stop the Silence and Walk to Stop the Silence. These are important for me and I believe help our collective capacity to move beyond institutional denial and incompetency to justice, which promotes healing.
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