We're coming off a strong finish ending the year 2007, meeting so many wonderful people who are there to aid others in distress, especially Janet Patterson and David Clohessy from SNAP, Cindy Bolling from Advocate Web, and Samantha and Steve Nelson from The Hope of Survivors.  You've played an important role in supporting and helping us sound the alarm on how to read the signs of clergy misconduct so that we will make people aware of what's happening in our churches today.  We want to wish these groups continued success in 2008 as they reach out to help the victims of clergy misconduct/abuse.  Wouldn't it be grand if this was the year that we stamp out all forms of clergy misconduct and abuse.   

Thanks to Peggy Warren for inviting us to speak about our book and giving us the opportunity to announce our just-finished workbook.  Peggy's website is www.educatingtoendabuse.com giving victims a voice to be heard.  As a victim of clergy sexual abuse, Peggy's website is worth the look, as it is very informative and enlightening. 

We've truly been blessed this year with the publishing of our book and now with our workbook complete and ready to go as an aid for current and former church members or anyone who finds themselves in the presence of clergy.  It may be used as an aid to families of the affected victims of clergy misconduct.  It will also help chairpersons and other members of church committees be aware of how multiple episodes of clergy misconduct may affect a family and extended family of a victim and encourage them to take action when clergy misconduct is suspected or brought to their attention. 

The workbook is a tool to aid in reading and processing our book.  They are designed to work together as a systematic problem-solving resource guide.  It can be ordered from the home page of our website. 

We're wishing everyone a happy, healthy New Year.  May we put on the armor of the Lord and do what Jesus would do--spread the word of awareness to people that you love and care for. 

Peace,

Helen and Curt