Brecksville United Methodist Church

Healing The Harm

At Brecksville United Methodist Church, we strive to create space to grow with God and one another. Part of that work is preventing, responding to and working to repair spiritual trauma.

What is spiritual trauma?

Spiritual harm can happen in religious spaces. We are constantly on a journey of understanding what harm is, as it is unique to each person. A starting point is knowing that spiritual harm is anything that takes away from a person’s experience of wholeness, belovedness or acceptance. Any way we diminish the value of another person, their ideas or their process, anything that hinders another person’s vitality, causes harm. To build a community rooted in faith that values an open table and where all are welcomed, respected, and loved without reservation or exception, we must recognize the ways spiritual harm can happen and the ways we can prevent it.

“Religious trauma results from an event, series of events, relationships, or circumstances within or connected to religious beliefs, practices, or structures that is experienced by an individual as overwhelming or disruptive and has lasting adverse effects on a person’s physical, mental, social, emotional or spiritual well- being”(Global Center for Religious Research & North American Committee on Religious Trauma Research, 2020).”

How can we create safer spaces?

This podcast has some answers…

Spiritual trauma happens, even in the church. Rev. Christy Holden and Derrick Scott III discuss why some have experienced spiritual pain that may make the church feel unsafe. They share ways we can prevent harm and encourage healing as conduits of God’s love.

If you have been harmed by the church…

We are so sorry that you carry this hurt. If you are looking for a safe space to explore your faith, even through the pain, we are a safe place to ask questions and to begin to heal. We are committed to providing safe spaces where you can experience a God that listens.

  • We are here to listen. Call our church office to schedule time with our pastor or spiritual director: 440-526-8938
  • If you are ready to consider experiencing a worship service here, our sensory story shares what you can expect.
  • We have online resources that can help you explore learning and worship in your own space and time, right here on this website.

Some resources…