Since 1993, writer Dee Ann Miller has been specializing in advocacy for the above audience through her two books:
She has also written scores of articles, many of which are re-published right here on this site, and can be easily accessed from the menu near the bottom of this page.
Since 1998, Miller has served on the Advisory Board of AdvocateWeb.org, a site offering a vast array of resources, for survivors and advocates, about sexual exploitation in all professions. See www.advocateweb.org Some insist that there have already been big changes in attitudes. Miller
does not agree. There HAVE been some big changes in policies and procedures. That's just the FIRST step, however. Implementing them effectively is another matter. Public education to bring about changes in attitudes toward victims of abuse and violence, in general, remains the greatest need. The next greatest is in getting the word out to congregants and the larger community, to hopefully prevent perpetrators from repeatedly finding opportunities to continue to abuse. Unfortunately, zero tolerance is rarely espoused by the majority of people within the community of faith. The preference is for erring on the side of "mercy" for those inside the Good Old Boy/Girl System. Dee's message remains consistent and straight-forward:
Miller draws on decades of experience in psychiatric,
mental health, and community health nursing, as well as almost six decades of living in clergy households. She herself is a survivor of sexual assault by a missionary colleague, who also abused adolescents. She and her family have experienced the devastation of collusion from colleagues, as well as leaders of the largest evangelical group in the world, the Southern Baptist Convention. This site
offers encouragement and resources for ALL people who want to see change in how the faith community, regardless of denomination or religion, responds to its victims.
"IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE!"
"The hourglass continues to be over-turned time and time
again while leaders of the faith community lead us to believe that big
changes are just around the corner. The stone-walling and backlashes continue,
and I am reminded of the Scripture I memorized years ago, as a child: 'Lord,
how long shall the wicked prosper? How long shall they utter and say harsh
things? They break into pieces thy people....'"
PLEASE LISTEN TO THE CRIES OF THE WOUNDED AND TAKE REAL ACTION!
To read more of Dee's insights, please select from the
following menu:
(NOTE: The remaining articles, with links below, are found on www.advocateweb.org, a large site devoted to the issues of professional exploitation in all professions. You may return to www.takecourage.com, from any of these articles, by simply using your back button.)
If you liked "Empowering Connections," you're sure
to appreciate Miller's books:
click
here for a summary of THE TRUTH ABOUT MALARKEY, free preview, and to order online. Review
by the Rev. Dr. Karl Harman, published in Christian Ethics Today
OR For a package price of only $22.00 (no additional shipping cost), you have both The Truth About Malarkey AND Miller's first book, How Little
We Knew
Just send a check or money order directly to:
Dee Miller
OR
for a summary and author's ordering info for
Credit card orders can also be placed for either OR both
books through www.amazon.com)
P. O. Box 204
Lewis, IA 51544
HOW LITTLE WE KNEW
Hear inspiring music by Bette Rod: "Survivor
Rally Song" (Windows Media File)
Order Bette's CD "pieces" by
emailing Bette at rodbj@juno.com
http://www.takecourage.org
last updated May 23, 2004