spiritueller Missbrauch - erkennen und Hilfe finden

Spiritual abuse – subtle and dangerous – more widespread than many think…

Any form of abuse or violence violates fundamental human rights. We know how serious the effects of sexual violence, in particular, can be on a person's mind and body.
Any form of violence in a church or spiritual context is always spiritual abuse.

Theologian and supervisor Hannah Schulz writes:
"In a narrower sense, I define spiritual abuse as a more or less blatant, persistent manipulation, oppression, and exploitation of others "in the name of God" in order to make them submissive to achieve one's own purposes and goals—regardless of whether the person acting in this way is aware of it. This occurs through disproportionate emotional dependence and mental manipulation, in which Christian teachings, values, and concepts are distorted to support claims to power." (from: Durch Nebel hindurch)

If you are experiencing clerical or spiritual abuse—whether in a church, a non-denominational church, or another religious community—get help. You are not alone.

If you're affected, you may feel self-doubt, shame, deep insecurity, or pain. Reach out. Get help. You're not alone.

You can contact us – or Hannah Schulz, a Catholic theologian who has been dealing with spiritual boundary violations for years. She has supervision experience and accompanies those affected on their journey.

There are also contact points in other countries, mostly for sexual violence in churches, but also for spiritual violence.

Examples for help in English -speaking countries - it may be a start for you
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Contact God in everyday life Hannah Schulz

Spiritual abuse – difficult to recognize, deep impact

Spiritual abuse can occur on many levels. Spirituality is often a taboo subject—and it's difficult to talk about one's own experiences or share questions. But that's precisely what's important. Talking about it can help you avoid becoming dependent or break free from it.

What are the signs of a spiritually abusive Situation?

Spiritual abuse occurs on emotional, mental, social, and spiritual levels.

How do you recognize a dangerous Dynamic?

How do people slip into situations where they are spiritually abused?

When faith is deeply rooted or someone has encountered God in a profound way, many are ready to give “everything” – to fundamentally change their lives in order to pursue a new sense of purpose.

In spiritually abusive groups, the seeker is taught that one must abandon one's own will in order for God's will to prevail. Or that one's own will comes only from the ego, and is therefore purely selfish.

Spiritual abuse involves challenging your own independent faith.

Faith is free – and no one may take it over

The space between man and God is the most personal space there is. No one else, no other human being, has any business there. The relationship between man and God is unique and individual.
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Why spiritual abuse by church officials is particularly serious
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For many believers, church officials serve as points of reference in their faith—they are supposed to embody spirituality, serve as role models, and fulfill the demands of the Christian faith themselves. But when these very people abuse their position, the damage is profound:

Trust breaks down not only in the perpetrator, but often also in the church as an institution – and in God himself.

The faith that once gave support becomes a source of pain and desolation.

For many, the church is not just a spiritual home, but an authority on Christian values and justice – when it allows or covers up abuse, it increases despair and lostness.

This loss of trust is very difficult to heal. Spiritual abuse occurs not only in the Catholic Church but, unfortunately, just as frequently in the Protestant Church. The Church is not an organization of perpetrators—yet it has long protected perpetrators and continues to struggle to live up to its responsibility.

Why has abuse existed for so long?

There are many reasons why abuse goes undetected for so long, especially in patriarchal, closed systems. It's a power issue. It's a men's issue. And it never has anything to do with love, care, or the divine mystery. The focus of attention must be on the victims – not on the perpetrators. Those who have survived abuse need protection, support, and healing. The perpetrator's motives for these actions are irrelevant.

Forgiveness may No one has the right to demand forgiveness from a survivor. be required.
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Survivors are often confronted with phrases like:

“Forgive me, then you’ll feel better.”

“It’s been so long, it has to be good.”

“Don’t destroy the community, it was your teacher, father, stepfather, uncle…”

But the first step to healing is No one has the right to demand forgiveness from a survivor. forgiveness - it's the understanding that the situations experienced were unbearable, unfair and inhuman. It is an admission that abuse is a criminal act and requires consequences. However, punishment and forgiveness are not mutually exclusive. And: as a victim, you don't have to forgive to heal. Forgiveness is God's work. Listening and acknowledging the suffering are essential. If someone can't do that, they should remain silent rather than saying, "You have to forgive." Instead, they should refer victims to competent people who can truly help.

Spiritual Self-Determination – The Discernment of Spirits

Anyone embarking on a spiritual path should critically examine themselves and their surroundings. The spiritual path is never easy.
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“Test everything; keep what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Teachers, gurus, and communities must be tested. It's not enough to rely on a good feeling—a critical mind is always necessary. Many believe that doubt is wrong. But that's not true.

Everyone is allowed to say NO.

Everyone is allowed to have doubts. (Luther said that doubt is part of faith.)

Everyone is allowed to go.

Breaking away from a religious community or institution does No one has the right to demand forgiveness from a survivor.mean abandoning God. Sometimes you even have to let go of a certain concept of God in order to find yourself—to rediscover God. Doubt, saying no, the further development of faith: all of this is part of life's journey.

Spiritual abuse of oneself

Sometimes, spiritual abuse can come from within — a subtle self-deception that appropriates the divine mystery and assumes control over something that remains beyond grasp.
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Another form of spiritual abuse is to ignore everything “unscientific.”

Experiences of God, love, the inner light – all of this is part of being human.
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However your path may unfold, treat yourself with love on your journey through life.

Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse – subtle and dangerous – more widespread than many think…

If you are experiencing clerical or spiritual abuse—whether in a church, a non-denominational church, or another religious community—get help. You are not alone.

If you're affected, you may feel self-doubt, shame, deep insecurity, or pain. Reach out. Get help. You're not alone.

Spiritual abuse – difficult to recognize, deep impact

What are the signs of a spiritually abusive Situation?

How do you recognize a dangerous Dynamic?

How do people slip into situations where they are spiritually abused?

In spiritually abusive groups, the seeker is taught that one must abandon one's own will in order for God's will to prevail. Or that one's own will comes only from the ego, and is therefore purely selfish.

Spiritual abuse involves challenging your own independent faith.

Faith is free – and no one may take it over

Why spiritual abuse by church officials is particularly serious

Why has abuse existed for so long?

Forgiveness may No one has the right to demand forgiveness from a survivor. be required.

Spiritual Self-Determination – The Discernment of Spirits

Spiritual abuse of oneself

Another form of spiritual abuse is to ignore everything “unscientific.”

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