MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - A Memphis man who experienced the pain of sexual
child abuse was an invited guest for Oprah Winfrey's two-part special on
the issue.
David Brown was one of hundreds of men invited to the audience of Oprah's show focusing on sexual abuse victims last Friday.
When asked what it was like in that situation, Brown said it was "very emotional."
At age 15, Brown was abused by a Nashville priest.
"I
was silent about my abuse for over 35 years," said Brown. "I couldn't
tell anybody, I was ashamed. I put it away somewhere back there where
you hide those things."
Brown
said he was not ashamed anymore. His story is now part of a powerful
new documentary called "Sacred Secret", which examines cases of sexual
abuse involving church leaders.
"It's not the stranger danger but the preacher predators that you've got to be on the lookout for," said Brown.
Thursday, Brown will show his documentary and be one of the speakers at a free workshop at Lindenwood Christian Church.
"This is dealing with sexual abuse in the faith community," said Brown. "When the minister abuses, how you deal with it."
The
Sacred Secret workshop is being presented by Memphis' Child Advocacy
Center. The goal is to create a greater understanding and response to
child sexual abuse in congregations.
Brown also encouraged everyone to watch the second part of Oprah's special. It airs Friday, November 12 on WMC-TV.
"By the time that part was over, most every man in the audience was crying," said Brown. "Including myself."