OPINION – How congregations become targets for child abuse
GUEST COLUMN, Teresa Huizar, National Children’s Alliance
A recent Washington Post investigation uncovered how a Virginia youth minister allegedly used his position to abuse young boys for decades. Despite repeated allegations, churches failed to act, allowing him to move from congregation to congregation and continue preying on new victims.
This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a systemic problem that persists because too many faith communities lack clear, consistent policies to protect children.
Media scrutiny and reforms have focused primarily on priests or head ministers. To effectively prevent abuse, churches must account for others with access to children.
