Religious Abuse

How religious authority and power can be

used to harm, control, and exploit.

Complex Factors of Religious Abuse

When abuse occurs within a religious community—especially by someone seen as representing a religious ideal—the losses multiply. Survivors are not only coping with harm caused by another person, but also with harm occurred in a space believed to be safe, and possibly even sacred. Therefore religious abuse often has multiple, overlapping layers of impact.

In high-control groups, institutional reputation is frequently prioritized over a victim’s wellbeing. Denial, victim-blaming, cover-ups, and pressure to protect leadership can further isolate survivors and deepen the harm.

Power Dynamics

A power dynamic exists when one person holds authority over another. Religious authority represents one of the most extreme forms of power because it is often perceived as coming from a divine source. There is no greater claim to authority than speaking on behalf of God for others. These religious power dynamics create profound vulnerability for those subjected to harm.


Religious power dynamics occur in:

  • Religious leadership positions (pastor, priests, teachers)

  • Claims of having special knowledge or direct inspiration from god

  • Use of religious texts as authority. Especially texts that emphasize submission, obedience, and hierarchies within human relationships

  • Social norms of perceived authority within religious groups

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse within religion is a devastating reality. Survivors may struggle with complex feelings of confusion, guilt, and spiritual disillusionment.

Clergy sexual abuse encompasses an exacerbated degree of betrayal, as the harm is inflicted by an individual perceived to represent a divine authority.

Any sexual relationship between a pastor or church leader and a parishioner is fundamentally unethical. Given the inherent power imbalance in these relationships, true consent by a congregation member is unattainable.

Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse involves using religious beliefs, scripture, or authority to control another person. This may include enforcing obedience, inducing guilt or fear, restricting personal autonomy, claiming divine authority for harmful behavior, or punishing questioning and doubt. Over time, spiritual abuse can erode a person’s self-worth, agency, and connection to their own spirituality.

Exploitation

Exploitation of finances, labor, and talent is a common—but often overlooked—form of religious abuse. Many high-control groups pressure members to give beyond their capacity, volunteer excessive hours, or donate their professional skills without fair compensation.

Exploitation is perpetrated under the guise of spiritual duty, loyalty, or fear of consequences. Over time, this exploitation can drain a person’s financial stability, erode their sense of autonomy, and distort their understanding of healthy boundaries and consent. Recognizing these patterns is an important step in healing. No community should demand sacrifices that compromise a person’s well-being, livelihood, or dignity.

Crisis & Immediate Support (U.S.)

National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org
24/7 confidential support via phone and chat for people experiencing abuse or coercive control.

Sexual Abuse & Clergy Misconduct

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)
https://snapnetwork.org
Peer-led support for survivors of clergy and institutional sexual abuse, including support groups, advocacy, and survivor resources.

Clergy Sexual Misconduct Resources
https://clergysexualmisconduct.com
Information about clergy sexual abuse, survivor rights, reporting options, and recovery resources.
***Note: This site includes Christian religious language.***

GRACE
(Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment)
https://www.netgrace.org/resources
Education, survivor resources, and institutional accountability tools addressing abuse within Christian organizations. ***Note: This site includes Christian religious language.

Religious / Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – The Family & Youth Institute
https://thefyi.org/religious-spiritual-abuse-toolkit
Educational resources explaining spiritual abuse, misuse of authority, and coercive religious dynamics.
***Note: This site includes Muslim religious language.

Tears of Eden
https://www.tearsofeden.org/resources
Supportive resources and community education focused on healing from spiritual abuse and toxic theology.