MOUNT ANGEL ABBEY
Advocacy for Healing and Reconciliation

A Time for Healing
and Reconciliation

When a cleric has betrayed a person so that vulnerability and innocence are lost or stolen, the ability to trust deeply is seriously damaged. It is difficult for a victim to hold on to their beliefs in many of the fundamental spiritual values. An understanding of reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, justice and mercy has to be restored. It is in this process of healing that hope will be restored.

What is advocacy for healing and reconciliation?
Simply put, advocacy for healing and reconciliation is a process of discovery. It is a dialogue to discover what it is that a person who has been abused needs in order to heal and begin a process of reconciliation.

What does an advocate do?
An advocate helps the person regain their voice and ask for that which he or she needs in order to heal. An advocate does not speak for others but rather helps and encourages them to make decisions for themselves. An advocate's role is to help heal what has been broken by a serious breach of trust.

Who can be an advocate?
We hope that you have someone with whom you have a trusting relationship, a confidante who can enter into the process of healing and reconciliation with you. A Coordinator of Advocacy Ministry is available to mentor a person of your choice to work with you as your advocate. The Coordinator of Advocacy Ministry is a private consultant and is not employed by Mount Angel Abbey. If you would like to work with an advocate, please call the Office of Child Protection's confidential line.

Healing and reconciliation are possible for survivors of abuse, offenders and the community. The process may be long and difficult, however, we know that honesty and justice are essential to bring about change and healing. Mount Angel Abbey is committed to this process and to fostering opportunities for reconciliation.