POTSDAM - Protestors gathered in front of the Christian Fellowship Center in Potsdam, as well as the Canton Village park to protest child sexual abuse.

Protestors are also calling on the state to pass legislation that would make clergy mandatory reporters.

For more information, read our previous story on the topic here.

The protests came as stories of abuse begin to mount, including what some allege to be blatant cover up attempts by elders within the Christian Fellowship Center.

Abbi Nye, who left the Christian Fellowship Center 17 years ago, says it is time for people to truly understand the gravity of the situation.

“This has happened for years and continues to happen, it’s unacceptable and incomprehensible that anyone would continue to allow this to continue,” she said.

Nye said she has heard from many survivors of abuse, be it mental, physical, sexual or verbal.

“The number is in the dozens now, more keep coming forward and reaching out,” Nye said.

In response to allegations against the Christian Fellowship Center Nye helped form CFCtoo, a grassroots collective aimed at providing a voice for those abused. But the group is not just for former members of the a Christian Fellowship Center.

Protestors who attended the rally came from all walks of life and denominations.

Some were former pastors of CFC who say they were essentially cast out for non-conformity.

Others are supporters who want to bring awareness to child abuse that they say continues to occur on a daily basis.

“We want people to know they are not alone, they can come forward and they will have support when they do,” Nye said.

Many protestors wished to not have their photos taken or their names used for fear of retribution by current CFC members.

Nye herself stood in front of the CFC service on Sunday (Sept. 4) with the protestors, left to wonder if her own parents were still inside.

“I’m guessing that they are, they’re still very much affiliated with the church,” she said.

Others say they too had family members inside, brothers, sisters, parents, nieces and nephews.

“What people need to understand is this is tearing families apart. It is dividing families to the point of no longer speaking,” Nye said.

In one case, a protestor who wished to remain anonymous said that her nieces and nephews have shown no real joy since they began attending the church.

“They just seem lifeless, they never smile anymore,” they said.

All three are under the age of ten, they said.

Though the weather was cold and dreary, over a dozen protestors attended. Many said it was not their first time, nor will it be their last.

“We will keep going, I will keep fighting and we won’t stop until something is finally done,” Nye said.