Hello
How are you keeping?
In my side of the world, clergy misconduct has headlined the news with uncomfortable frequency in recent times. Some cases were justified, and others claim innocence. Regardless of the outcome, all the parties involved in such cases undergo severe trauma. So how then do we respond in Love, affirming the dignity of all?
Tough call. Regardless of what the accusation is. For, whoever makes an accusation does so with the hope that justice will prevail. And that is not always the case.
Unfortunately, to some extent, today’s Nougat™ may be manipulated to facilitate the perversion of the course of justice if taken literally, as witnesses may not necessarily be available to corroborate one’s testimony against one’s abuser.
Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 1 Timothy 5:19
But God.
In today’s litigious context (i.e. lawsuit-loving society), the burden of proof is part of the complainant’s responsibility. One’s witness might be human, recordings, sources of DNA, or other evidentiary material. I’d also commend the most important witness of all – the Truth. It is hard to believe that the truth will stand over that of a person with religious or social standing; but I believe that Truth telling helps to maintain the integrity of one’s case, and this will receive God’s support.
As a called and ordained minister of the Word, I am wholly conscious that some accusations are unfounded. In those cases, I would also urge us elders to hold steadfast to the Truth, which realizes freedom. More critically, I would urge us to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Let us be very careful so that we don’t (intentionally or accidentally) abuse the power or trust accorded to us by our constituencies. As much as remains in us, let us shun the very appearance of misconduct. When possible, let us seek transparency or trustworthy accompaniment in our ministry so that the taint or reality of any kind of misconduct has no scope to attach itself to us.
Clergy or elder misconduct is WRONG, let us try to find solutions which do not further victimize the victims. And, in the rare instance of implicating ourselves, I pray God grants us the strength to turn ourselves in, or accept responsibility when charged.
For those not implicated, may or hearts be tuned to prayer for all implicated – accused, accuser as well as their spiritual and literal family networks. May we find the capacity to forgive the guilty, without victimising the innocent regardless of who that may be (accused, accuser or support team); affording God’s grace to all.
Heavy food.
Not very comfortable eating. Critical for our witness in this world we’ve been asked to care for.
Thanks for staying the course today. God bless you in your endeavors.
In Christ’s love and grace
