Until those of us in leadership get honest about our failures to protect the sheep,
expose the wolves and be the warriors of truth we profess to be, then we are part of the problem.
Cowardice to confront sin is killing our credibility and influence.
Stacey Shiflett, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Dundalk, MD
expose the wolves and be the warriors of truth we profess to be, then we are part of the problem.
Cowardice to confront sin is killing our credibility and influence.
Stacey Shiflett, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Dundalk, MD
Frank Sommerville, an attorney and CPA who specializes in church law and tax says, "Many churches are devastated when they learn of sexual misconduct within their church. However, if the church recognizes that it may occur, and prepares for that possibility, they are the ones who rarely need to use the policies they have in place. On the other hand, the churches that fail to prepare usually pay a very high price. When sexual boundaries are crossed between church employees, the legal consequences can be significant. Juries tend to award larger damages to victims of sexual harassment within churches because they think church should be a safe place. Churches ignore this at their peril." Church Law&Tax, Sexual Misconduct at Church
Yes, churches should be safe. And legal ramifications of clergy sexual abuse are a reality, but we know church leadership will want to have policies, procedures, safe practices, messages against abuse, etc., to create an environment that is unattractive to predatory abusers because they want a safe church and they care for the sheep, not just so they can avoid expensive lawsuits. The spiritual ramifications of clergy sexual abuse for the victim, families, and the church body are devastating.
Dear Church: Hear the Word of the Lord by Diane Langberg The church is suffering greatly – by her own hands. Self-injury, whether by individuals or institutions, invariably involves faulty thinking that is born out of self-deception. Many of us are grieved at the wreckage in the church that occurs when victims are silenced, abusers are protected, power is abused and “truth” is disseminated to the less powerful. The body of our Lord is sick. Here are some thoughts for her. Read More
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28
Yes, churches should be safe. And legal ramifications of clergy sexual abuse are a reality, but we know church leadership will want to have policies, procedures, safe practices, messages against abuse, etc., to create an environment that is unattractive to predatory abusers because they want a safe church and they care for the sheep, not just so they can avoid expensive lawsuits. The spiritual ramifications of clergy sexual abuse for the victim, families, and the church body are devastating.
Dear Church: Hear the Word of the Lord by Diane Langberg The church is suffering greatly – by her own hands. Self-injury, whether by individuals or institutions, invariably involves faulty thinking that is born out of self-deception. Many of us are grieved at the wreckage in the church that occurs when victims are silenced, abusers are protected, power is abused and “truth” is disseminated to the less powerful. The body of our Lord is sick. Here are some thoughts for her. Read More
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28
Does your church have an harassment policy? Does your church communicate how to report harassment?
Does your church regularly train staff and volunteers about its harassment policies and procedures?
Does your church have a response & investigation team prepared to handle an harassment complaint?
Does your church understand abuse trauma and have a plan to care for victims?
An Article regarding the possibility of restoring a pastor after abuse is proven.
Does your church have polices, procedures and training for identifying and reporting child abuse?
Does your church understand domestic violence, how to report it, and how to care for victims?
Does your church understand there are survivors attending that need love and care?