Helpline:
0808 801 0340

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Minster and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS)

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 member of the clergy 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 a member of the clergy 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.

 

You will need Acrobat reader to view documents on this site.

Free Helpline: 0808 801 0340

Tuesday: 2-5pm
Wednesday: 6-9pm
Thursday: 6-9pm

 

 

 

MACSAS Survey 2011

Following the success of the MACSAS Survey 2010, we have decided to leave a form on our website for victims/survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated within Christian Churches in the UK to complete.
We will produce a yearly report on the findings of forms received.
MACSAS survey 2011 form [Word doc]

 

Some Essential MACSAS Leaflets

These documents are in PDF format.

» Clergy Sexual Exploitation of Adults

» Your Safety

» Finding a Counsellor or Therapist

» Keeping Records

» Contact with the Media

Survivor's Art

"A place where nobody should be"