Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a pastoral message for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month, I invite us as a church to be the people we are called to be — witnesses to God’s desire for the well-being of all, especially the vulnerable children and adult survivors in our midst.

At least 1 in 7 — and as many as 1 in 4 — children in the United States experiences abuse or neglect. Many of them will face lifelong consequences of physical and emotional trauma, including higher rates of depression, thoughts of suicide, substance abuse, and even cancer and heart disease. When the church has failed them, many others will face the deep spiritual trauma of guilt and of anger toward the church and God.

But it does not have to be this way. Trauma need not have the final say."