Minster and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS)

MACSAS conference: We speak, you listen
London - 11th September 2010
Survivors will speak and offer messages to Pope Benedict - their stories, hopes and dreams will be compiled and made into a book for presentation to his Holiness.
More information on We speak, you listen

MACSAS Survey 2010
We want to find out the experiences of survivors of sexual abuse within UK Christian Churches. What happened, if and when allegations were reported or complaints were made to church authorities or other agencies, and what, if any, support was offered.

» Fill out the Survey online and it will be sent directly to us
» Download 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.

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