Andy Savage assault victim issues statement on resignation
Jules Woodson, the woman sexually assaulted by Andy Savage, says Savage’s resignation from the ministry is an important step toward solving a systemic problem in churches.
Woodson issued a statement Wednesday responding to Savage’s decision, announced Tuesday, to leave his post as teaching pastor at Highpoint Church. Savage said in a letter to church members that he has come to understand he was wrong to make the story about him after Woodson revealed in January that Savage had sexually assaulted her in Texas 20 years ago.
“While (Tuesday’s) announcement is a step in the right direction,” Woodson said in her statement, “the conversation must not end here. Instead, this needs to be a wake-up call for everyone. There is a systemic problem within the institution of the church that props people up in places of power and gives them immunity based on cheap grace and a call for forgiveness.”
The remainder of Woodson’s statement in full reads:
“This has bred a culture ripe for abuse and cover-up. Repentance, accountability and justice should not be contrived.
“Unfortunately, my story is not unique. My hope in speaking out is that this opens up the conversation and empowers others. We, as Christians, should be leading the way in recognizing, preventing and handling abuse.
“Genuine repentance is not demonstrated by one decision but by many decisions that, over a period of time and born out of humility, transform the culture of the church. As Jesus demonstrated, the church should be the safest and most affirming community for the vulnerable and the wounded. This announcement (by Savage) is one step forward and I am hopeful there are many more steps to follow.”
In addition to Savage’s statement, Highpoint leaders posted a statement on the church website Tuesday in which they said the church was “defensive rather than empathetic” in reacting to Woodson.
The church vowed to develop a deeper understanding of how to respond to abuse victims.
Even with Savage’s resignation, work continues at Highpoint.
MinistrySafe, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled to begin a review of the church’s child protection practices now that the Savage investigation is complete.