Episode 1: Heidi's Story

In episode 1 of the Hagar's Voice podcast, we hear the story of Heidi, a pastor in the Four Square denomination who suffered sexual harassment from her fellow pastor (the president of Ignite Academy) and then a secondary trauma in the disclosure process. We honor Heidi for her courage to raise her voice in solidarity with her own story, on behalf of others who have experienced deep pain in their religious space, and in an effort to protect others who may be in harm's way for future abuse.

Heidi has offered the full results of the investigation (updated link) done in her case, as well as her timeline of events and a letter to her Four Square family in a desire to walk in full transparency.  

Heidi's courage to tell her story is a model of the courage we will need as we hear stories like this. The courage to believe a better way can be developed in the Church. The courage to value survivors even as their stories disrupt and disturb us. The courage to love our enemies. The courage to pray for a continued unearthing of this cancer of abuse that's harming the Church from the inside out.

If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of clergy sexual abuse, Hagar's Voice is working together to stop the abuse & start building a better way. We are here for you, you are not alone. www.HagarsVoice.com