In “A Safe Distance: Surviving Religious Trauma”, HAAG member Steve Hyndes candidly shares his journey from life as a Roman Catholic priest to building a new life with his wife Paula and a growing family. From the age of 15, Steve felt the pull towards priesthood, but it wasn’t until 17 that he entered the seminary, unaware of the cult-like nature of the church’s doctrines.
Steve exposes the harsh realities of priesthood, where bullying and emotional manipulation were rampant. Despite his initial dedication, doubts began to creep in, especially when faced with the news of Paula’s pregnancy. This pivotal moment led him to question his place in the church and ultimately choose a different path.
Transitioning out of the priesthood proved challenging, causing Steve to grapple with fears of failure and low self-esteem. Fortunately, their circumstances were not totally dire with his wife Paula’s nursing qualification and management skills providing some income stability. With Paula’s unwavering support and professional guidance, they navigated through various employment opportunities across different community services settings in New South Wales, Northern Territory and Victoria.
Throughout his narrative, Steve explores the lingering trauma of his indoctrination and the journey towards reclaiming his identity. Counselling and the support of loved ones played a crucial role in his healing process, allowing him to confront his past and move forward.
Towards the end of the book, Steve delves into the broader issues with religious institutions, shedding light on matters of abuse and corruption, the problems and fallacies of the Church and religious cults. Despite the daunting task of questioning deeply ingrained beliefs, Steve’s and Paula’s resilience stand as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
The book offers prospective readers facing difficult circumstances a beacon of hope, demonstrating that life can indeed take unexpected turns, yet ultimately lead to newfound strength and resilience. I found the book to be authentic, inspiring, and profoundly moving, as it delves into the depths of religious trauma and the journey towards healing and self-discovery. It was a privilege to meet the author himself, and I encourage others to read his book. I look forward to hearing Paula’s account of her life’s journey entering and leaving the Mercy Order of Nuns. –
Readers who would like a copy of the book can pick up a copy from Reuben in the HAAG office for a small donation, or make a $15 donation and we will post one to you.
