Dialogue Gospel Study on The Incestuous Rape of Tamar (2 Samuel 13) with Suzie Greco, Nontando Hadebe, Jennie Boyer and Bernisa Šabaređović Krsmanović on July 12th

Join us for a powerful and compassionate Dialogue: Gospel Study Podcast as we confront one of Scripture’s most difficult stories—the incestuous rape of Tamar, found in 2 Samuel 13. This important session brings together four remarkable women to foster honest conversation about gender-based violence, both in biblical times and today’s faith communities. Suzie Greco, a doctoral candidate at the University of Edinburgh and experienced survivor advocate, will lead us through a survivor-centered, justice-focused reading of the text. Nontando Hadebe, international Catholic gender justice leader and theologian, will share how the story of Tamar has empowered faith communities across Africa to break the silence around sexual violence and support survivors. Bernisa Šabaređović Krsmanović, a researcher in Sarajevo specialized in trauma and psychology, will bring insights for women in the Muslim context. Jennie Boyer, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in trauma, will help create a safe and supportive space for reflection, beginning with a grounding and trigger warning. Together, our panelists will explore themes of power, complicity, and empathy, challenge stigmas, and discuss how faith communities can better respond to survivors of abuse. Sensitive content will be addressed with care. All are welcome—especially survivors, advocates, and those seeking to make their faith communities more just and compassionate.

Lead: Suzie Greco is a doctoral candidate at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, whose academic work is informed by her lived experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse and marital violence. She holds an MTS from Harvard Divinity School and a BS in Economics. Suzie’s advocacy extends to global policy forums. She has addressed the United Nations General Assembly and participated in the inaugural UN World Day for Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation. She is also the author of the book The Stone Sphere and several peer-reviewed academic journal articles.

Panelist: Nontando Hadebe is a woman theologian and a member of The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, Catholic Women Speak/Preach, and other organizations working on gender justice. She is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Panelist: Bernisa Šabaređović Krsmanović is a dedicated psychology and sociology student with a background in mechanical engineering, currently studying at the University “Džemal Bijedić” of Mostar. Originally from the Sandžak region of Serbia and now based in Sarajevo, Bernisa’s research interests center on women’s experiences, trauma, spirituality, and social justice. Drawing from her Muslim heritage and personal journey, she is passionate about exploring how faith, culture, and social structures shape identity and healing, especially within marginalized communities. 

Panelist: Jennie Boyer is a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts who specializes in the treatment of trauma. A lifelong student of human behavior, she is passionate about understanding how trauma affects the brain and body and exploring the intersection of psychology, relationships, and faith. Jennie was raised in a predominantly Latter-day Saint community in Utah, where many of her extended family still live.