Support ACNAtoo Survivor Joanna "Laurel"

 This is a fundraiser in support of Joanna Rudenborg, also known as "Joanna Laurel," one of the #ACNAtoo abuse survivors.  Joanna shared her story (here and here ) about dealing with a church who badly mishandled abuse allegations against her alleged assailant. 

You can read more about her story on ACNAtoo.org or this July 9, 2021 article by Kathryn Post of the Religion News Service: Prominent Anglican bishop takes leave of absence amid ongoing accusations of mishandling abuse allegations 


The most frequent question #ACNAtoo is receiving today from people both within and outside of ACNA after the ACNAtoo.org launch  is “How can we financially support survivors?”

That is exactly the question you should be asking, and we are so grateful and hopeful that you are asking it.

We are hoping to be able to receive tax-deductible donations from our website soon, but for now, this is the best way to give financial support. As soon as we can, we'll give you ways of donating to the "Salt and Light Fund" to support survivors of abuse in ACNA.

“CM” the mother of the nine-year-old victim, would like for Joanna to receive funds first. She would also like to introduce herself to you as "Cherin Marie" and share with you why her friend, Joanna means so much to her.

Dear supporters,


I have heard that many of you have expressed a desire to provide financial support to my daughter and my family. We are overwhelmed and extremely touched by this generous and loving offer. It is our desire however that any financial support is directed to Joanna at this time.

Joanna is the reason that my daughter and I now have a voice and that our story is finally being heard.  In November of 2020, Joanna spoke up bravely and publicly about her own sexual assaults perpetrated by Mark Rivera. She has since put her life on hold to advocate full-time for my daughter, my family, and all other victims who have not had a voice within the church.

I tried desperately to get the church to listen and take this seriously over two years ago and I had long since given up and walked away. It was Joanna’s courage, strength, and persistence that led to contacting Bp. Stewart to advocate for change within the church. When this failed, she persisted and brought these stories into the public light; a true act of mercy to all leaders involved who have been unwilling to face and be held accountable for their actions.

My family desires deeply for Joanna’s sacrifice and exhaustive work to be known, recognized, and appreciated. She has been doing full-time professional-level advocacy for months now, with no expectation of recognition or compensation, and at great personal and financial cost to herself. Thank you for supporting her in this practical and helpful way.

With love and gratitude,


Cherin Marie (C.M.) 

For the past eight months, Joanna has been working on advocacy for CM, CM’s daughter, the other unidentified and known survivors, and herself full time since. She has no income because she has been working eight-hour days pursuing justice and running up against all of the obstructions you have read about and seen documented in her statements.

One of our priorities is listening to the survivors and letting them tell us what they need and want. For now, CM would like for you to help Joanna, but will let us know when she would like financial help to be directed to her and her daughter.

100% of the donations from this GoFundMe will go to Joanna.

#ACNAtoo in hope of ACNA2.0