In this episode, we’re talking with the coordinators of the Abuse Response and Prevention Program of Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba. Their names are Jaymie Friesen and Val Hiebert. We’re going to chat about abuse and the church. When, why, and how does abuse happen among Christians? How should we properly understand the role of power? And how can we courageously respond and prevent abuse in our institutions?

Jaymie and Val work together to respond to incidents of abuse as well as to educate churches about abuse prevention and healthy sexuality. They welcome invitations for conversation and to speak at churches while offering many resources through abuseresponseandprevention.ca.

You can also win a copy of Susannah Larry’s new book Leaving Silence: Sexualized Violence, the Bible, and Standing with Survivors! Simply like our facebook page (@themennocast), and you will automatically be entered to win thanks to CommonWord. Like our page before June 27, 2022. Open to Canadian residents only.

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Episode Outline:
00:00 - Introduction
08:18 - Interview (Part 1)
24:15 - Resource give-away
26:18 - Interview (Part 2)
57:08 - Continuing the conversation
1:06:14 - Outro