CNN — The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper
Did you catch CNN’s documentary on survivors of Doug Wilson’s church?
The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper explores the rise of Christian nationalism and the experiences of those who have left. Whatever brought you here—your own story, curiosity, or a desire to act—you’re in the right place.
Are you a survivor?
It can often be hard to come to terms with the fact that you have experienced abuse at the hands of the church – whether that’s a specific church leader or a congregation or one of the many evangelical church off-shoots like schools or businesses.
If you recognized something in the documentary that lines up with your own experience, pay attention to that feeling of recognition – it’s trying to keep you safe or help get you to safety.
If you want to learn more about what it means to be a survivor of church abuse, and find resources and support, click the button below.
Learn moreAre you an Exvangelical?
Approximately 15 million Americans were raised in an evangelical church community and have since left that community – becoming “Exvangelicals.”
Exvangelicals make the hard choice to leave very deep and all-consuming evangelical communities for a variety of reasons – sometimes it’s because of an experience of abuse or trauma, sometimes it’s theological misalignment, sometimes it’s misalignment with positions on issues like LGBTQ inclusion or the equality of women, and sometimes it’s for all of these reasons and more.
Whether you’re still in the midst of leaving evangelicalism or you left decades ago, there’s a way for you to re-connect with others and engage in community organizing that can help stem the tide of Christian Nationalism.
If you want to learn more about the steadily rising number of Exvangelicals leaving the evangelical church – and how to connect with Exvangelical community and organizing – click the button below.
Learn moreAre you looking for more info?
If what you saw and learned in watching this documentary is relatively new to you or if you're looking for additional background – particularly if you are not Christian and want some help understanding how we got here – there are a lot of resources you can explore.
Those of us who grew up inside the kinds of high-control Christian communities profiled in the documentary can help others understand how they work, how they wield power and influence, and how to help folks get out.
If you are looking for additional background on the rise of politico-religious figures like Doug Wilson, the harm they are enacting across America, and how to support survivors, click the button below.
Learn moreAre you a Christian who opposes Christian nationalism?
The "brand" of American Christianity right now has become synonymous with Christian Nationalism – but that's not the reality. Millions and millions of American Christians oppose Christian Nationalism, but those voices are being out-shouted by those who are seeking to turn the U.S. into a Christian theocracy.
If you are a Christian who opposes Christian Nationalism, we need you to raise your voice loudly – and to do so with others at a scale to rival the size of the problem.
If you want to learn more about the need for Christians to speak out against Christian Nationalism, and to find resources to help you do so, click the button below.
Learn moreDo you have a media request?
We realize that this documentary might result in additional interest from media outlets – we hope that is true and we are happy to talk with you.
Please be as specific as possible in your request – Deconstruction Doulas can try to help connect you with a survivor who can share their experience (pending capacity/availability), and Project 21:12 can talk with you about the millions of Exvangelicals who have left the evangelical church, whether over abuse or a myriad of other reasons.
If you have specific needs around your request (geographic location, denomination, etc), please help us respond in a timely manner by being as clear and concise in your request as possible – and please be patient with your request. It takes great care and a longer timeline than usual to help survivors make assessments about when talking with media is a safe thing to do.
Submit media requestGet in touch
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