by Gary Parsons

In 1977, after serving only two years full time in the work, I was asked by the Committee to leave the work, with no reasons being given for the decision. The next 12 months of my life were the most difficult I'd ever been through up until that point of time. Read more...

by J and J Maring

Bitterness and resentment certainly took hold of us. Mostly though we were incredibly sad and could not understand why this was taking place. More so that it was "possible". We had not ever had dealings like this or any criticism from a church council. Instead of having a guiding, leading council, we had an abusive one. Individually we were sure however that not all elders would agree with matters. Read more...

by Mrs. John Austin

We received a letter stating that John could: die, be excommunicated, or, if the elders chose, they could release him to membership in another church. However, John was told by the elder whom he telephoned that the elders would only consider releasing him if he were to "repent from the sin and rebellion of vow-breaking" and place himself under their complete authority without reservation. He was told that if he did, it could take up to a few years for release. John could not do this as it would cause him to violate Scripture. He believed that the teachings and practices were a strong negative environment for our children, and that it was his responsibility before Christ to protect his family from this. Read more...

by Peter Kershaw

Concerning the situation of the Austin family and others, here is an update. In short, R.C. Sproul, Jr. has been defrocked. Read more...

(Christian Week, Vol. 19, No. 21; Jan. 20, 2006)

Church disputes are a harsh reality for many congregations across Canada and the ramifications can be far reaching when problems escalate into the legal sphere.

Such was the case for South Calgary Community Church (SCCC), a growing Baptist congregation with plans for expansion. When some former members alleged they were victims of spiritual abuse at the hands of church leadership, lawyers got involved and the situation got messy.

Last April, Barry and Jennifer Pendergast set up a website detailing their experience at SCCC, several months after leaving the church where they were involved in a lawsuit against the board of elders who had revoked their membership not once, but twice. Read more...

by Candis McLean

When Barry and Jennifer Pendergast found themselves being harassed by their beloved church, they never felt more alone. They soon discovered there were thousands of victims of church abuse just like them. Read more...

by Len Hjalmarson

Millions of people have been abused, hurt, disillusioned, and disappointed by organized religion. Some of these are even suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Read more...