It is with a heavy heart that we report on three separate scandals which will affect all of us in many different ways.
The Ravi Zacharias revelations (page 11) speak, distressingly, for themselves. Our hearts go out to the victims and survivors.
Separately, here in Britain, Church Society has announced investigations into claims of bullying and anti-Semitism (page 3). No allegations have been proven thus far, so we must wait patiently for the truth to emerge.
Meanwhile, the publication of the Thirtyone:eight safeguarding review, focusing on Jonathan Fletcher’s time at Emmanuel Church, Wimbledon, looms.
As we consider all these things, how should we react? We should certainly pray for wisdom (James 1), not least in knowing when to speak and when to listen (James 1, 3 & 4).
Whenever scandal is demonstrably proven, there are several dangers we face. One is to batten down the hatches, close ranks and learn nothing. That is foolish and irresponsible. The second is to engage in a witch-hunt based on presumed guilt by association and unproven conspiracy theories, with vengeance replacing justice.
Both such dangers originate from fear, rather than from faith. Our very confidence in the gospel, and in Christ Himself, should bring with it a humility that is willing to learn, willing to take appropriate responsibility for mistakes, and able to react with a response no greater but certainly no lesser than is required.
The Thirtyone:eight report will challenge all of us, including en. We must acknowledge that we have sometimes struggled in covering this story, and not always got it right. Our coverage of this, and no doubt other issues, will always be subject to human fallibility. And, moreover, with many stories, it is probably impossible to satisfy everyone with an interest in it. We covet your prayers.
Most of all, let’s remember all who are victims and survivors of scandals such as these, and others who have been affected. And, let us fix our eyes firmly upon Jesus. Then let us learn with humility, take action as appropriate, and go forward.
