By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Journalist Evan Hurst of Wonkette has compiled an ongoing list of Christian and Republican leaders accused of child abuse and exploitation, identifying 188 such individuals this year alone. Hurst’s lists, continuously updated, directly contradict the conservative narrative of LGBTQ+ individuals “grooming” children, highlighting instead the prevalence of abuse within religious and political conservative circles. Facing a deluge of new reports, Hurst has requested support from donors and subscribers to maintain and expand his documentation of these cases. Furthermore, Hurst challenges the framing of “anti-Christianity” as a potential indicator of domestic terrorism, questioning whether revealing the truth about child abuse within conservative leadership constitutes such extremism.
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At least 188 Christian & Republican leaders have been accused of child abuse this year. It’s a staggering number, and one that forces a reckoning with the stark reality of where this abuse is concentrated. We’re talking about individuals in positions of power, within organizations that often prioritize protecting their own over the safety of children. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re part of a disturbing pattern.
The narrative often pushed by certain groups attempts to paint LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly drag queens and trans people, as a threat to children. Yet, the evidence simply doesn’t support this. The focus, as indicated by those tracking these cases, should be on the staggering number of allegations against Christian and Republican leaders. This isn’t about what *might* happen; it’s about what *is* happening. The constant barrage of news on this side is a testament to the prevalence of the issue.
It’s easy to see why someone would focus on the alleged “grooming” by LGBTQ+ individuals when the actual threat is so heavily concentrated in religious and political circles. These accusations against LGBTQ+ people are simply not substantiated in the numbers to be a major threat to children. There seems to be an attempt to use this as a way to eradicate LGBTQ+ people off the planet, it is almost like sexual orientation has nothing to do with someone being a shitty person.
The fact that so many abusers are shielded by the very institutions designed to protect children is heartbreaking. It appears that Mike J, for example, has been blocking the release of the Epstein Files, which would further highlight these patterns. Are we protecting predators? The answer is obvious.
Consider what it would be like if every instance of abuse by a Christian Republican made national headlines. Imagine the consistent stream of stories, arrests, and convictions. It’s hard to ignore a pattern when it’s constantly in front of you. This is the type of information that needs to be blasted in the media.
The question of why this isn’t a bigger story is valid. The mainstream media seems reluctant to challenge religious institutions. It seems some media organizations are afraid of criticizing bad religion. They seem to be scared of some sort of backlash. They would rather ignore it.
Predators, regardless of their background, are masters of manipulation. They seek positions of trust. They exploit power imbalances. They often hide in plain sight, and religious and political organizations offer ample opportunities. Anywhere there’s a power imbalance, predators thrive.
The very institutions and mindsets that should be protecting children often enable abuse. It’s a tragic irony, and one that demands our unwavering attention. The conservative mindset, the idea of “only God can judge me,” allows abusers to hide in the shadows.
For decades, churches have been failing their congregations and their communities by not hiring background checks. Predators are able to easily move to different places of worship. This needs to stop. The church is a safe space for people, and for them to also have those who seek to harm children hidden within their ranks, is a betrayal of the worst kind.
The lack of vigilance and robust policing within these spaces creates a perfect environment for predators. It’s time to confront the uncomfortable truth: churches and conservative spaces, at times, become hunting grounds, not havens. It’s time for more accountability.