HIGH SCHOOL- AND COLLEGE-AGED STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE MEMORIES OF THE SEXUAL ABUSE CRISIS AND LARGELY DO NOT IDENTIFY IT AS A REASON TO LEAVE THE CHURCH. The Student Voices...

Freshman said, “My worst experience with the Church was when I found out that some of its members had been engaging in unethical behaviors. It felt like a betrayal, and it made me question my faith I understand that people make mistakes and can be misguided at times, but this particular incident shook my trust in the Church as an institution As a result, I have become more aware of how important it is to ensure proper oversight within any organization or religious body so as to protect its members from such occurrences going forward. The importance of maintaining ethical standards cannot be overstated if we are to uphold our beliefs and keep our communities strong for future generations ”

Senior said, “I don't necessarily have a bad in-person experience with the Church to point to Church had always been more of a routine and obligation when I was younger I suppose the worst thing that has happened is the eventual decline from my participation in the Church. As I grew older I began to disagree with many Church teachings and ultimately stopped attending Church consistently. However, the Church will still always have a special place in my heart regardless of my religious standpoint ” Sophomore said, “Hearing about the controversies going on with priest's a few years ago really hurt the Churches image in my mind”

Freshman said, “My worst experience with the Church was when I found out that some of its members had been engaging in unethical behaviors. It felt like a betrayal, and it made me question my faith. I understand that people make mistakes and can be misguided at times, but this particular incident shook my trust in the Church as an institution As a result, I have become more aware of how important it is to ensure proper oversight within any organization or religious body so as to protect its members from such occurrences going forward. The importance of maintaining ethical standards cannot be overstated if we are to uphold our beliefs and keep our communities strong for future generations.”