Date Published: 03/31/2010
Protestants have no room for feeling smug as the sexual abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Church is threatening the Pope himself. In nearly 35 years of ordained ministry I have known way too many Protestant clergy colleagues (some close friends, others in congregations I knew) who have become entangled in sexual misconduct, a high percentage with children. The pain and damage is unimaginable.
Because of its size, monolithic structure and celibacy for priests, the Roman Catholic Church makes a more obvious target than the array of Protestant denominations and congregations, with married clergy. Though I don’t have statistical evidence, I suspect that marriage is no protection from sexual misconduct and not only are cover-ups common in Protestant circles, but some predatory pastors escape from one group to another because of the lack of accountability between congregations and denominations.
Most denominations and many non-denominational congregations now require background checks and sexual misconduct prevention programs for their ministers. This is good, but too often seems aimed at protecting the institutions more than the vulnerable and victims.
However, I am not at all suggesting an atmosphere of gloom and doom. Rather, I am suggesting prayer. Prayer for justice and truth, grace and healing as the Roman Catholic Church’s crisis plays out in public – and similar prayers for the less visible crises that are playing out in Protestant congregations and denominations every day. Pray for spiritual and moral integrity and strength for all clergy: Protestant and Catholic, married and celibate. Pray for God’s gracious healing for those who have been victims and protection for those who might be targets of abuse. Pray that as the flaws of God’s people play out in public view that the reputation of Christ will not be sullied but respected.
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