I have a dear clergy friend who has just been savaged by the church she has served faithfully and successfully for years. She is not a pedophile. She did not plunder the church’s financial cookie jar.
It was a fairly small, discontent, self-centered, entitled, well-organized and unholy coalition that inflicted the damage, that poisoned the water. The violence is conspicuous, and of course, always rationalized. The darkness is always projected upon the victim, who is sacrificed on the altar of the perpetrator’s arrogance.
So, in these cases, does the church have some kind of death wish, sacrificing the leadership it has called out? Or is it simpler and worse than that? Is it just the dark underbelly of human nature, a reminder that what we most need to be saved from is ourselves?
How sad. I’m glad there are bright, inspiring, hopeful stories to balance this one. I’m consciously bringing several to mind.
Kyrie eleison.
vitalwholeness 
As one who has experienced the savaging, survived, and flourished, you stand as a beacon of hope for her. Glow in her darkness, my friend!!
She is not alone. Survival can strengthen the patience and desire to serve.
If my God is one of justice and mercy, and I believe it with all my heart, He will not leave her alone. In fact, he has not left her alone: you have already affirmed that you are there for her.