In Worthy, Mark Joseph Williams shows how mercy came to him, how the truth set him free, and how shame was replaced by inner peace. Williams explains how freedom from the pain of clerical sexual abuse is found when the richness of reconciliation is realized, and how victims can discover a living forgiveness in real time through embracing this sacramental hallmark of their Catholic faith. Worthy incorporates the stories of not only Mark, but fellow pilgrims of the faith, brother and sister survivors, who have bravely stepped up to help carry one another's Crosses. These survivors touch more fully the enduring gift of Jesus Christ in their lives, while modeling what is essential for all lives and the global Church. This is the work of accompaniment and encounter. Worthy is a narrative that contributes to imagining a changed Church at this historic time, a Church that is renewed when those hurt by the Church serve the same Church with restorative and healing love, the love found in the heart of the Eucharist. The author takes a unique approach by not attacking the Church that caused him unimaginable pain through prolonged abuse, and by not turning his back on the Church or condemning the institution that failed him. Mark Joseph Williams takes the opposite approach of embracing the Church, while recognizing the enduring gifts it has to offer. He is not afraid to share his own Cross or how he found redemption. Pain is transformed by Jesus's example of unconditional love; a love that redeems all. Those who suffer must move beyond victimhood. Their existence must not be a submission to remain in a barren, desolate place. We are called to confront evil and to build back our faith given so freely by our Lord's grace. It's easy to condemn. It's easy to attack. But it's worse, agonizingly worse, to stay angry. Victims / survivors must engage the Church freely, humbly, and lovingly, and the Church must be able to respond to victims/survivors freely, humbly, and lovingly in return. The Cross demands a response. Everyone is transformed, healed, and made whole by the Mystery of the Cross. In suffering, we rise. We are a resurrection people. This book speaks to the peace that comes from true accompaniment, when the abused in the Church and across the world in and out of the pews realize they are loved, and that victims can become survivors who can find healing of mind, body, and spirit. For those in our midst who have been sexually abused, violated, exploited, and faced shameful sexual violence, there is no greater benefit than to feel understood, loved, and fully embraced by God's loving grace, now and forever
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