Minster and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS)

MACSAS Survey 2010
MACSAS is asking all survivors of sexual abuse by ministers, clergy or other church workers within Christian Churches in the UK, to fill in the MACSAS Survey 2010.

We want to find out the experiences of survivors - what happened, if and when they reported allegations or complained to church authorities or other agencies, and what, if any, support was offered to them.

This is an important survey which we hope will highlight the difficulties survivors of abuse within church communities still face. The findings will help to bring about change.

Take part in the MACSAS Survey 2010
[Word doc. New window will open]
Further information and return address is given with the Survey.
Thank you for taking part.

MACSAS is a support group for women and men from Christian backgrounds who have been sexually abused by Ministers or Clergy, as children or as adults. We support both survivors who have remained within their Christian communities and for those who have left.

When you go to see a clergyperson for help, advice, or as a person in need, you should never expect to be encouraged into a sexual relationship. Just as we understand this should not happen if we were to visit a physiotherapist, doctor or psychologist.

For a clergyperson to breach the sexual boundaries in a pastoral relationship is a violation of ethics. Clergy are in a more powerful position and meaningful consent is never possible when there is this difference in power.

We offer support in the following ways:

through our telephone Helpline;
by responding to confidential letters;
by establishing local support groups countrywide;
by organising meetings, conferences, workshops and training to raise awareness;
by publishing Newsletters and publications to help inform on the issues;
by advising churches and church authorities on effective policies and procedures.

We are an interdenominational group that does not campaign for or promote religious ideals. We are here to provide mutual support and information to victims and survivors.

We actively challenge the denial, collusion and apathy within Christian communities of Minister and Clergy sexual abuse. We work to raise awareness and educate Ministers, Clergy and Christian communities about sexual abuse issues within churches and religious organisations.

We welcome feedback and contributions from survivors: poems, artwork, your story. Send contributions by email and we'll get back to you.

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