Mark Joseph Williams - On healing from sexual abuse

Editors’ note: This episode speaks on sexual abuse, trauma, and healing, and contains content that may be disturbing to some listeners. “I forgave my abuser. But I will never forget his abuse.” This was the title of Mark Joseph Williams’ powerful essay published by America Magazine in 2020. In his essay, Mark quoted Richard Rohr’s prayer: Turn your wounds into sacred gifts.

What does it mean to turn one’s wounds into gifts? In today’s episode of Field Hospital, Mike and Jeannie talk with Mark about this and more: about his journey of healing, his work advocating for survivors, and the importance of holding the Church accountable.

A management consultant and a forensic social worker from New Jersey, Mark serves as special advisor in the Archdiocese of Newark for Cardinal Joseph Tobin. He is the co-founder of the Global Collaborative, a survivor-led organization promoting accountability, justice, and healing.

LINKS:

“I forgave my abuser. But I will never forget his abuse.” By Mark Joseph Williams. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/11/17/clerical-sex-abuse-survivor-forgivness-mccarrick-report-catholic-church

“I Was Sexually Abused by a Catholic Priest. The Church Must Listen to Victims.” By Mark Joseph Williams. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/21/opinion/catholic-church-child-abuse.html

“I am an abuse survivor. I believe the synod will teach the church how to listen.” By Mark Joseph Williams https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/03/11/catholic-sexual-abuse-synod-242529

An Interview with Mark Joseph Williams, LCSW By Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. https://www.catholicprofiles.org/post/an-interview-with-mark-joseph-williams-lcsw

What is the Global Collaborative? https://www.globalcollaborative.org/

Snap Network: Resources for Survivors https://www.snapnetwork.org/resources_for_survivors

Field Hospital is sponsored by the Viatorians.https://www.viatorians.com/vocations