Reflecting on abuse

Dear Editor,

The scandals over the past few years which have rocked the church are grievous, and ones which should cause us to reflect deeply and lament.

It strikes me that they have a common thread that ties them together, whether they are in the domain of sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, or bullying. In all cases, there was a closing of ranks in order to protect the organisation over the victim of abuse.

Fellow leaders seemed more inclined to believe the perpetrator of abuse rather than the victim. Indeed , there seems to have been a serious lack of empathy, compassion and curiosity regarding the victim’s story, and their welfare.

Why could this be, when we have our model as the Lord Jesus, whose heart went out to those on the margins, who cherished and raised up the underdog, and who saved some of His harshest criticisms for the religious leaders of the day?

Has worldliness crept in so that we value natural gifting over character, and have we equated some one who looks good and sounds good as being worthy of honour, rather than seeking out the fruit of the Spirit in a leader’s life?

Lord, have mercy on us; and turn our hearts to be in tune with yours, oh Lord!

Yours sincerely,
Name supplied
By email