Disregarding the cries of victims and masking their suffering is akin to stripping them of their humanity, inflicting spiritual harm upon them, often under the pretext of religion.
Robert Peters, a seasoned prosecutor with a commitment to child protection, has taken on a new role as the Director of Institutional Response at GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment).
Peters' extensive experience in the legal field, particularly in the prosecution of sexual offenses, civil child abuse and neglect, and online child exploitation, has been honed over his tenure as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Special Prosecutor in multiple West Virginia jurisdictions. His work has been recognised in peer-reviewed publications such as the Handbook on Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan, Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, and Florida Journal of International Law.
Prior to joining GRACE, Peters worked with the Zero Abuse Project and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), developing tools and training for child abuse prosecutors. His contributions have been instrumental in the fight against abuse, particularly in faith communities.
The work of GRACE seeks to change the 'culture of concealment' that exists in some Christian circles. A culture of concealment, Peters argues, is morally reprehensible and fundamentally un-Christian. It lies to victims and to the world about who God is and what He thinks of them. A superficial approach to abuse never works itself out; rather, the sin is left to fester, spreading its poison throughout an organization and beyond.
In line with this mission, GRACE brings together a team of professionals, including lawyers, psychologists, trauma experts, and theologians. The guiding principle in making decisions about when and how to make a case of abuse public should be safety, both physical and psychological. The ultimate goal when sharing a report from an investigation is not just to release a document, but to catalyse a genuine movement toward a safer, healthier culture.
Peters' work with GRACE has garnered attention in recent months, with Evangelical Focus following his efforts closely. His creation of the STARK Prosecutor Symposium and the development of NOVA, an open-source intelligence tool for law enforcement, are testament to his dedication to this cause.
As a former prosecutor, Peters is also a champion for child protection projects in rural and digital environments. He understands the unique challenges these spaces present and is committed to ensuring that no child is left unprotected.
In the internal debate in evangelical contexts in Europe, such as Spain this summer, Peters' approach is particularly interesting. The Church is called to prioritize and protect the vulnerable in its midst. It is morally reprehensible and fundamentally un-Christian to silence the voices of victims and cover up their pain, often in the name of God.
In a world where faith communities are often targeted by offenders due to the perception that they offer a safe haven for offending with impunity, Peters' work with GRACE is a beacon of hope. His commitment to transparency, trustworthiness, and accountability is a step towards upholding the moral integrity of the institution and creating a safer, healthier culture for all.
