Photo: Image by StockSnap from Pixabay By Jonathan Grisham I woke up this morning in a panic. I had another dream reminiscent of the cult I left so many years ago. It’s been so long, why does this still bother me? I’m sure if you have left a cult- like church, this feeling resonates asContinueContinue reading “Surviving Religious Abuse Led Me to Advocacy”
Tag Archives: church
What child labor taught me to believe about myself
Editorial Note: The following is reprinted with permission from Mary Nikkel’s Substack. It was originally published on June 12, 2025. By Mary Nikkel I was trudging through a slurry of chemicals, holding a metal rod with a razor blade attached to the end, when my 11-year-old legs gave out. I slipped, landing on hands and knees in theContinueContinue reading “What child labor taught me to believe about myself”
Growing up fundamentalist and queer
By Eleanor Skelton When part of your identity is considered to be a sin, it’s easy to ignore how deeply it shapes who you are. I’m bisexual and non-binary. This means that I experience attraction to people who identify as male or female or neither. It also means that I don’t particularly feel like aContinueContinue reading “Growing up fundamentalist and queer”
Stop, Drop, and Heal
Photo: Image by misterfarmer from Pixabay Editorial Note: The following is reprinted with permission from Karl Forehand’s blog. It was originally published on January 22, 2024. By Karl Forehand Seven or eight years ago, we began what most people call deconstruction. Laura was silent about it because I was a pastor, and she did not want to interfereContinueContinue reading “Stop, Drop, and Heal”
Statement on Duluth Vineyard’s response to sexual abuse
By Vashti Initiative Staff While we are saddened to learn of another case of abuse in a religious setting, we applaud Duluth Vineyard for their swift and appropriate response. It is always difficult to hear allegations from within your own community, but the protection of victims and prevention of further harm should be of utmostContinueContinue reading “Statement on Duluth Vineyard’s response to sexual abuse”
The Most Important Insight I Gained after Deconstructing
Photo: Image by Felix from Pixabay By Celestine Alderwood Upon leaving a lengthy, highly conservative relationship with my children in tow, I began rethinking my beliefs. This was only possible after we found safety and freedom. I remember feeling grateful to the higher power we were taught to believe in. Still, a flood of emotionsContinueContinue reading “The Most Important Insight I Gained after Deconstructing”
Statement on the “Let Us Prey” documentary covering abuse in the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement
By Vashti Initiative Staff The Vashti Initiative wants to announce that we are offering support for anyone who is processing their experiences in light of Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals, a new two-part documentary from Investigation Discovery that aired Nov. 25 and 26, and is now available on various streaming platforms. “Let UsContinueContinue reading “Statement on the “Let Us Prey” documentary covering abuse in the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement”
Sorry Paul, My Body Belongs to No One
Photo: Image by Vlad Aivazovsky from Pixabay Content note: marital r*pe, coercion, assault By Amber Schultz “Ladies! Remember, when you get married — your body is now your husband’s to do with and honor as he will.” “I am so thankful that the pastor sheltered and protected his daughter’s mind and purity. When we married,ContinueContinue reading “Sorry Paul, My Body Belongs to No One”
Poem: Holy Hell
By Megan Benninger FreedFrom the creedI believed I’m relieved!Once devoutNow kicked outFull of doubtI’m calling outThe ploysOf your good old boysI’m making noiseWith my big fat voiceRejoiceWhen they hate youReject andBerate youIt’s shitI admitI won’t submitI’m “not a good fit”But I still won’t quitThis handmaidenNow forsakenHas awakenedAnd my classification’s Now “tool of Satan”Swell!Toll the knellI’ll cast aContinueContinue reading “Poem: Holy Hell”
You Can Move On
Photo: Image by Couleur from Pixabay. By Melissa Neeb In response to those who tell you that you should stay at your church even when church people hurt you because “You are there for God, not people,” or that “Every church is full of sinners,” you could respond by saying… Nothing. Noth-ing. You don’t oweContinueContinue reading “You Can Move On”
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