Lutheran Church of Australia

where love comes to life

Into the light

8 September 2023

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8 September 2023

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Into the light

Ryan Williams

Three decades ago, at a Lutheran church in South Australia, Ryan Williams was sexually abused – while his parents were chatting with other adults after worship. Now a pastor of a church in New Mexico, Ryan explains what happened, why it often takes so long for survivors to talk about their abuse, and why it’s so important to bring what happens in the darkness into the light.

This may sound harsh but ... you're willfully ignorant if you think that this isn't happening in the Lutheran church, but it's [only] happening in other churches. The Lutheran church is not immune to predators and abusers. My story is one of many in the Lutheran church.

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If you need support:

If you want to report abuse that has happened to you in our church:

  • You can call the police in Australia on 13 14 44, or the police (Nga Pirihimana O Aotearoa) in New Zealand on 105.
  • National Redress Scheme https://www.nationalredress.gov.au

The Lutheran Church of Australia does not tolerate abuse or poor behaviour.

If you have experienced abuse or have witnessed poor behaviour from someone working for the Lutheran Church of Australia or connected with it, or if you believe that someone else in the church is at risk, it is important that you let us know.

Phone: 1800 644 628 (Australia) 0800 356 887 (New Zealand) |  Mobile text message +61 (0) 438 320 218  |  Email: complaints@lca.org.au  | Post: PO Box 519 Marden SA 5070

 

If you think a child is at risk or harm:

In an emergency, call 000 (Australia) or 111 (New Zealand)

If it is not an emergency, call the police in Australia on 13 14 44, or the police (Nga Pirihimana O Aotearoa) in New Zealand on 105. It is important that you also call your child protection authority:
NZ 0508 326 459  |  ACT 1300 556 729  |   NSW 13 21 11  |  NT 1800 700 250  |   Qld 1800 177 135*  |   SA 13 14 78  |   Tas 1800 000 123  |   Vic 13 12 78*  |   WA 1800 199 008* (*available after 5.00pm)

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