On March 21, the “Knotenpunkt” congregation in Bad Schwartau, once again became a place where people didn’t look away but listened: The ENDITNOW Day invited attendees to confront an issue that often remains hidden—yet is right in our midst.
The guest speaker was Oliver Gall, chair of the “Confronting Sexual Violence” advisory board of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany. This advisory board was founded back in 2009—even before the global “Enditnow” campaign was launched. That is a sign of how important it is to look closely at the issue early on and take responsibility. For us in the Women’s Ministries Department (WM), it is a matter close to our hearts to create spaces where education is possible, questions can be asked, and silence is broken. Because healing can only begin where light shines in.
“We don’t have anything like that here…” is a phrase I have heard time and time again over the past 16 years—a phrase that protects what we do not want to see. But is that really the truth? Movements like “MeToo” and the courageous steps taken by many survivors to share their stories have shaken us. They have brought to light what was long hidden: even within our own ranks, there is pain, wounds, and abuse. It is time to look. It is time to listen. It is time to take responsibility. Looking away is no longer an option. Neither is silence.
That’s why I asked Oliver Gall some specific questions—questions that challenge us as congregations, but can also bring about change.
WM: Why is the issue of preventing violence and abuse so important for churches today?
OG: Because abuse is still happening today.
WM: Why do congregations often find it difficult to talk about sexual violence?
OG: Our congregations already have difficulty talking about sexuality. On top of that, when congregations want to talk about sexual violence, they must first understand and admit that sexual violence against children, adolescents, and adults is a reality within our ranks.
WM: How can a congregation rebuild trust?
OG: By taking the issue of sexual violence seriously—not just talking about it, but also taking appropriate action. That means being vigilant, rethinking our trust attitudes so that we do not automatically, from the outset, assume that the sister, the brother, the church elder… wouldn’t do such a thing.
WM: How can I be vigilant without jumping to conclusions?
OG: Record observations with the date and time; if it happens again, consult a trusted person, share what you’ve observed, and seek a second opinion. If you’re unsure how to interpret what you’ve seen, speak with the advisory board and seek guidance. However, this requires a shift in mindset within the congregation, recognizing that critical questions are not meant as personal attacks but aim to protect our children.
WM: What are the most important steps to make a church safer?
OG: Learn about how sexual violence works, then develop a safety plan, share the findings with everyone involved, and take appropriate action. In doing so, it is important to identify and address observed violations of the behaviors outlined in the protection plan.
WM: If you could give every church a single piece of advice—what would it be?
OG: Educate yourselves, develop a protection plan, and enforce it.
WM: How do you envision churches in 10 years?
OG: More open, honest, informed, and consistent in dealing with sexual violence.
I want to thank Oliver Gall for his clear statements on the topic of ENDITNOW.
God is a God of light—and where His light shines, darkness has no place. Let us have the courage to carry this light into the hidden areas as well. Let us work together to make our churches safe spaces—just as God commands us to do.
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11NIV). Let us do exactly that: no longer remain silent, but courageously expose, protect, and contribute to healing.