Project Stand - Faces of Rape & Sexual Abuse Survivors

Susan K. Spies

Susan K. Spies, Red Oak, IA

Emotionally and sexually abused for four years by a younger priest at her Episcopalian church. Spies recognized his behavior for what it was after seeing a television program on clergy sexual abuse. She learned two teenage girls had also been abused by the same priest, and went to the bishop of the church. Her perpetrator was removed from the ordained ministry as a result of her efforts. Spies found support from a group called Something Sacred, whose members are women who have been sexually abused by clergy, and says “I want others to know that the victims of this most awful betrayal have a face, a name, a soul, and a spirit.”