Clergy sexual abuse cases were the fifth highest ranked news story in 2010, according to Catholic Omina’s “Everything Catholic” website.

Dave Brubaker
Eastern Mennonite University
Brubaker became involved in this issue after the depression and suicide of his twin brother following the misconduct of a counselor. “Allegations themselves polarize” a church, community or family, Brubaker says on the program.
High profile cases and media attention have compelled many churches and organizations to make sure safeguards are in place to protect victims and ensure ongoing safe conduct by perpetrators. Congregations and families need to have conversations so people know it is healthy to voice questions and discomforts, Brubaker says.
Brubaker’s father, Merle Brubaker, a retired minister, also speaks on the program along with Steve Carpenter, conference coordinator for Virginia Conference, who reviews the Academy-award winning movie “Doubt,” which also deals with the issue of clergy sexual misconduct.
Shaping Families recently added a prominent news station, WSVA-AM in Harrisonburg, Va., to its roster of 16 stations airing the program. The station is airing it free of charge as a public service to the community at 7:15 a.m. on Sundays.
Shaping Families is available online at www.ShapingFamilies.com. Also featured at the website is a weekly blog by host Burton Buller, a study guide for small groups and Sunday school classes and many additional resources. There is also a sign-up for a free weekly update email. Shaping Families is produced by Third Way Media through Mennonite Mission Network.