‘Egalitarian leadership structures have been shown to combat the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to abuse, and to provide a protective factor when abuse does occur,’ argues Sally Hope.
This recent Woman Alive article argues that increasing numbers of female pastors will not decrease the number of church scandals. I disagree, if the Church really wants to combat abuse, one of the things it must do is review its male dominated hierarchy.
Even in churches where there are no official restrictions on female clergy, men still dominate leadership positions. In the Church of England for example, men outnumber women as incumbents by more than 2 to 1.
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Our church hierarchies are male dominated, even though women make up a larger percentage of churchgoers than men.
As Christians we all agree that abuse happens because of sin.
As Christians we all agree that abuse happens because of sin. However, we also know that the specific sin that leads to abuse is the desire to exert power and control over others. When sin enters the world in Genesis 3 we read that one of the first consequences is that men will exert power over women “Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you” (Genesis 3:16) and indeed, thousands of years later, it is this desire for domination that we see at the root of all forms of domestic and sexual abuse. Even secular researchers know this, they tell us that gender inequality is the key social context in which abuse and sexual violence occurs.
Several studies have identified factors within faith communities that contribute to or reinforce those drivers of abuse.
Several studies have identified factors within faith communities that contribute to or reinforce those drivers of abuse. One of those factors has been found to be gendered hierarchies within religious communities.
READ MORE: I suffered abuse in the Church, but we mustn’t confuse the acts of Christians with the acts of Christ
These studies are borne out by research into the experiences of Christian survivors of abuse. A study conducted in 2021 by University of Chester in partnership with Restored and Broken Rites found that when Christians experience abuse 71% of their abusers use Christian teachings to support or excuse their abuse. One of the Christian teachings found to contribute to abuse was that of male headship. An Australian study examining the influence of religious beliefs and values on attitudes and beliefs of family and domestic violence also found that participants reported that while their faith did not condone violence, cultural faith structures, such as a dominance of male leadership, meant that violence against them was often condoned or ignored.
The fact is that male dominated hierarchies contribute to reinforcing attitudes that lead to abuse, not just of women but of children too, but more than this, they make it difficult for women to disclose abuse and to seek help and support. This is why recommendations made from researchers to faith communities include:
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“Consider how predominantly male leadership within a faith setting may present barriers for some victim-survivors in approaching faith leaders to report abuse, or to seek support for recovery following abuse. This may require reflection on gender and leadership within faith communities.” Or:
“Understand the central role of gender inequality. We know that gender inequality plays a central role in driving violence against women and family violence. There is considerable evidence that some faith leaders and communities may reinforce expressions of gender inequality, such as men’s control of decision-making or rigid gender roles and identities. Therefore, it is particularly important that prevention and response efforts in faith communities centre on the perspectives of women from the community and recognise and build on women’s leadership”
Egalitarian leadership structures have been shown to combat the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to abuse, and to provide a protective factor when abuse does occur. It’s not about one gender being “less sinful” or “more sinful” than the other, it’s simply about creating a culture where power is shared equally so that nobody is tempted to fall into the sin of misusing power to control others.
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