The men and women who have written these chapters share their memories of the events and experiences of innocent young people who, years later, recall the vivid details of their abuse.

In reading these stories, I hope that readers will reflect more deeply, and more carefully, about the injustice done to thousands of children, adolescents, and young adults.

Why did these terrible events take place? What power allowed this to happen? Women, as well as men, have been victims of abuse. Their stories are here as well as those of boys and young men. All of these stories need to be read.

We are still a long way from understanding the sociology and the psychology surrounding sexual abuse. These first-hand accounts will help us develop that understanding. They will not comfort us. But in our discomfort, we may doing ourselves, and thousands of children, the greatest favor.

By vowing to never again trust men in power who are unaccountable for their
actions, we will prove to survivors that we have understood the message of their stories.

They are the living witnesses of terrible abuse. We must become the witnesses of commitment that such abuse will not happen again.

Jim Post
President
Voice of the Faithful