The advocacy, faith, and homeschooling communities are mourning the loss of Ryan “R.L.” Stollar, an author, counselor, speaker, and nationally recognized child protection advocate whose work challenged religious institutions to better safeguard children and center their voices. Friends and colleagues have confirmed his passing, prompting an outpouring of tributes celebrating his decades-long commitment to abuse prevention, child advocacy, and theological reform.
Stollar, who lived in California’s Bay Area, devoted much of his career to addressing child abuse within faith-based and homeschooling communities. A survivor of childhood abuse himself, he became one of the most prominent voices calling for greater accountability, education, and reform in spaces where children are often overlooked or left without adequate protections.
In a final message published on his personal website, Stollar wrote that he had lived for years with significant mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use struggles, and recurring suicidal thoughts. He described the profound emotional impact of childhood abuse and the lasting effects it had on his life. Friends have also noted that he had been navigating significant personal challenges in recent months.
Throughout his career, however, Stollar became known less for the pain he endured than for the work he undertook to prevent others from experiencing similar harm.
Homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, Stollar later spent eight years working as a public communications educator serving homeschooling communities. During that time, he developed what has been described as the first comprehensive curriculum specifically designed to educate homeschooling families about child abuse awareness and suicide prevention.
His work sought to encourage conversations that many communities had long avoided, emphasizing education, prevention, and creating environments where children could safely report abuse and receive support.
Stollar also co-founded Homeschoolers Anonymous, a platform that amplified the experiences of current and former homeschool students while encouraging greater transparency and accountability within homeschooling culture. Through articles, interviews, and public speaking, he became a respected advocate for individuals who felt their experiences had been ignored or minimized.
His scholarship extended into theology as well. In 2023, he published The Kingdom of Children: A Liberation Theology, a book that argued for placing children at the center of Christian theology and church life. The work challenged readers to reconsider familiar biblical narratives through the experiences of children while advocating for communities that recognize children as full participants deserving of dignity, respect, and protection.
The book received attention among theologians, clergy, educators, and advocates for presenting a distinctive framework that connected faith with child protection and justice.
Stollar’s writing and research also influenced broader discussions surrounding evangelicalism, trauma, and abuse. His work has been cited in numerous publications, including bestselling books examining contemporary American evangelical culture and its effects on families and communities.
Among those paying tribute was writer and podcast host Rick Pidcock, who interviewed Stollar in 2025 about child liberation theology and the need for churches to create safer environments for children.
Pidcock remembered him as “a rare beacon of rest” for survivors of religious trauma, describing Stollar’s work as a compassionate effort to advocate for those whose voices had too often gone unheard. He recalled Stollar’s belief that communities—including churches, schools, and governments—should recognize children as fully human and worthy of dignity, protection, and meaningful participation.
Stollar’s academic achievements reflected his lifelong commitment to child welfare. He earned a Master of Health Science degree in Child Protection from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Arts degree in Eastern Classics from St. John’s College. His educational background informed both his advocacy and his writing, allowing him to bridge research, theology, and lived experience.
In addition to his books and public speaking, Stollar maintained an active online presence through essays and blog posts examining faith, trauma, abuse prevention, and the experiences of people leaving high-control religious environments. His writing often encouraged readers to engage difficult conversations with honesty while advocating for institutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
News of his passing has prompted widespread reflection on the emotional burden often carried by survivors of childhood abuse and by advocates who dedicate their lives to confronting painful subjects. Many colleagues have remembered Stollar as someone whose compassion, intellectual curiosity, and determination inspired others to pursue meaningful reform despite significant challenges.
As tributes continue to be shared, friends and supporters are remembering Ryan Stollar not only for his scholarship but also for his unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and supporting survivors of abuse. His work helped shape conversations about child safety, trauma-informed care, and accountability in religious and educational communities, leaving a legacy that many believe will continue to influence advocates, educators, and faith leaders for years to come.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or overwhelming emotional distress, help is available. In the United States and Canada, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are elsewhere, contact your local crisis service or emergency services. You don’t have to face it alone.
