The Journey of Lament

To vigil is to sit in expectation. For ourselves and all child abuse survivors, we wait in expectation – in hope – of healing. But that hope can seem far away.

Grief. Anger. Fear. Confusion. These may seem more real, more immediate.

We feel them deep in our bodies.

Moving from grief to hope is not for the faint of heart, but the wisdom of many faith traditions gives us a well-worn path to follow: the journey of lament.

On September 15, 2024, we will gather at the Ives Park gazebo in Potsdam for an interfaith vigil of solidarity to remember the survivors of child abuse in the North Country.

Whether you are a survivor of child abuse or a loved one of a survivor, please join us. Your grief and anger are welcome here. If you cannot attend in person, you may send a request to light a candle in your name. 

We will remember the children who were wounded by the people who should have cared for them. We will lament the children who have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused by religious leaders. We will honor the names of those who have died as a result of abuse and who are with us only in memory. 

We acknowledge that it is easier to look away. It is easier to hold anniversary celebrations with commemorative merchandise and ignore the people that our churches have wounded. Too often, our community has silenced and shunned those who exposed the truth about their abuse and who campaigned for justice. 

We acknowledge that facing the truth about child abuse in the North Country can make our stomachs churn and our chests grow tight. When our instinct is to turn away, may we instead turn toward child abuse survivors. 

Only the light of truth can scatter the darkness. 

I hate, I despise your festivals,

    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.

Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,

    I will not accept them;

and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals

    I will not look upon.

Take away from me the noise of your songs;

    I will not listen to the melody of your harps.

But let justice roll down like waters,

    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream
Amos 5: 21-24