Everyone who experiences the Anglican Church should feel safe. We acknowledge that abuse has occurred within our church, and we lament our failings. We are grieved by the pain this has caused and continues to cause.
On this page you will find:
Information for Survivors of Abuse
(a) Anglican Redress
(b) Complaints – Ministry Standards Commission
(c) Where can I start for support or advice? (Flowchart)
Resources for the Church
Survivors of abuse
Anglican Redress
The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia is committed to redress.
You can begin redress by emailing contact@anglicanredress.nz or calling 0800 769 004.
What you can expect in the redress journey:
- A process centred on you
- A local individual who is independent of the church will meet with you, journey alongside you and discuss various forms of redress
- You may invite a support / safe person to a meeting with you
- You can start or stop this process at any time
- This is a confidential space
Note: Confidentiality may need to be broken, and relevant authority contacted, if your life or the life of someone else is in danger
Complaints – Ministry Standards Commission
The Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia expects very high standards of behaviour from all its ministers and authorised leaders. A list of ministry standards apply to everyone in licensed Anglican ministry, and to non-licensed office holders including:
- Licensed children’s workers
- Ordained ministers (priests, deacons, bishops)
- Licensed lay ministers
- Licensed volunteer leaders
- Trustees
- Elected leaders (vestry, synod, committee, board members) who have signed a declaration
- Licensed youth leaders
A complaint can made be about the actions of any person (past or present) who is licensed to offer ministry or leadership in the Anglican Church or who leads activities or institutions run by the Anglican Church. Complaints are taken seriously. The complaint process is detailed here including various ways of making a complaint.
If you have experienced misconduct, regardless of how long ago, we encourage you to make a complaint so that the matter can be investigated.
Where can I start for support or advice?
The following chart displays organisations and services that may assist an adult survivor of abuse.
Disclaimer: Listing services or organisations does not imply endorsement or affiliation with the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch.
- Click on the chart below to open an interactive PDF.
- Access the website of a listed organisation or service by clicking their logo.
- Some organisations and services fill multiple roles. Go to their websites for more information.
Who can I contact if I am concerned about someone’s sexual behaviour?
You may know of individuals who have engaged in, or are demonstrating, concerning or harmful sexual behaviour. The organisation Stop provides free support and therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. If you are interested in finding out more about Stop and the services they provide, including education and training workshops, please email or phone 03 353 0257.
Resources for the Church
Resources for Clergy, Chaplains, Ministry Unit staff, Diocesan staff, and Standing Committee.
Liturgy of Lament, Confession, and Hope (DioWgtn)
(Pdf, file size: 101 KB)
Abuse in Care Report Support – July 2024 (A combined pdf of resources, file size: 765 KB)
Guide for Handling Responses to the Royal Commission Report and Support Contacts
(Pdf, file size: 281 KB)
At a Glance Responding to Disclosed Abuse v2
(Pdf, file size: 139 KB)
At a Glance Guide for a Ministry Unit Handling Responses (Pdf, file size: 125 KB)
Things for a Ministry Unit to Consider (Pdf, file size: 97 KB)
Prayers for Use in Sunday Intercessions (Pdf, file size: 72 KB)
Lay License application
Anyone who has a key leadership role with children and young people should have a Lay License. This provides an extra layer of accountability and subjects them to the complaints process, under title D, of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
Clergy and administrators can access this application on this website. First log in then scroll to the bottom of the page for Admin Form Access.
If you have trouble logging in to or do not know your username and password, email the Bishop’s Executive Assistant.
Recommended Training
Safeguarding Children is an independent charity that offer practical, evidence-based, frontline-tested solutions. These are specifically tailored for those with responsibility towards children in our New Zealand context including staff and volunteers, leaders and governance, parents and the community. Solutions include training, strategies, advocacy and resources.
They offer courses specifically for those working within a church/religious setting and identify specific safeguarding issues that can occur in these spaces.
Documentaries,
Movies and Books:
The following media are books and resources to support individuals developing their understanding of power, abuse.
This is a developing list. If you know of a book, documentary or film that you highly recommend, please get in touch with our safeguarding officer on safeguard@anglicanlife.org.nz
Views Expressed Disclaimer:
The content linked or referenced—including films, documentaries, and books—is provided for informational and engagement purposes only. The views, opinions, and perspectives expressed in these materials are those of the original creators and do not necessarily reflect the values, beliefs, or official positions of The Anglican Diocese of Christchurch.
Inclusion of external content does not imply endorsement. The Anglican Diocese of Christchurch assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness of the content presented in these external sources.
Content warning
Please be advised that the following material contains explicit references to abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse and neglect. This content may be distressing or triggering for some individuals.
Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
Documentary –
Let There Be Light
‘Let There Be Light’ explores the pattern of abuse experienced over a period of four decades under the leadership of Mike Pilavachi in the UK church. A Church of England safeguarding report substantiated claims of emotional, physical and spiritual harm. This documentary explores the story of what happened – and lessons that we and the Church must learn for the future.
Watch the documentary free on YouTube
Movie – Spotlight
A star-studded cast lead this true story following Boston Globe journalists investigating allegations of abuse and cover-up in the Catholic Church. The movie is powerful, thought provoking, and at times difficult to watch.
The movie reveals the devastating harms of abuse as well as the many factors that enable ongoing systemic abuse. This is done while telling an incredible story of a group of individuals who seek to tell the truth and bring meaningful change to their city.
Find local sources to stream Spotlight on flicks.co.nz/movie/spotlight/
Books
Grove Books
Church leaders, clergy and lay, are often confronted with an array of novel situations. A quick Google search, social media scroll or question into an AI engine can result in blurred facts and opinions. Where can one go for clear, concise and trustworthy input?
Grove aim to be your first call for comment on contemporary issues that is based on biblical principles, engages with best practice, and offers practical application. Their books are typically less than 28 pages, authored by experts and cover a range of issues. This includes topics relevant to discipleship, doctrine, education, ethics, mission and evangelism, spirituality, worship, and youth. This includes topics specific to responding to abuse, challenging bullying, and sexual violence.
A great selection of Grove books are available to borrow at Theology House.
Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church (2020)
By Diane Langberg
How Power Works – and How to Stop Its Abuse
This book is a must-read for anyone in ministry or leadership, and equally valuable for survivors seeking understanding. Its blend of psychology, theology, and pastoral wisdom makes it a powerful resource for confronting abuse and reimagining authority in the church.
This book not only helps Christian leaders identify and resist abusive systems but also shows how they can use power to protect the vulnerable in their midst. That power is to be redeemed so to heal, restore, and serve. That power is to be exercised in love.
Diane Langberg, Ph.D. is globally recognized for her 50 years of clinical work with trauma victims. She has trained caregivers on six continents in responding to trauma and to the abuse of power. For 29 years, she directed her own practice in Jenkintown PA, Diane Langberg PhD, and Associates.
When the Church Harms God’s People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded (2024)
By Diane Langberg
The book is a courageous and compassionate exploration of the painful reality that spiritual communities—meant to be places of healing and grace—can sometimes become sources of deep hurt. Through personal stories, theological reflection, and a call to accountability, this work confronts the wounds inflicted by spiritual abuse, institutional betrayal, and silence in the face of injustice.
It invites readers to reckon with the brokenness within the Body of Christ, while holding fast to the hope of restoration, repentance, and the redemptive love of God. A vital resource for church leaders, survivors, and anyone seeking to understand how faith can be both wounded and healed.
See above for details about Diane Langberg
Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse:
Creating Healthy Christian Cultures (2019)
By Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys
‘Every time he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture… I couldn’t argue with scripture, it was like arguing with God.’
‘Spiritual abuse’ is a term that has grown in use within Christian communities. But what exactly is it?
Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence.
Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, the book describes clearly the nature of spiritual abuse, and the best ways of countering it. They explore the following important questions:
- How do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place?
- What can leaders do to create safer places?
- Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours?
- How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing?
Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight.
