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How should Christians respond to the Houston Chronicle’s story on sexual abuse in Southern Baptist contexts? No Images? Click here This morning’s edition of the Houston Chronicle features a major investigation into church sexual abuse in Southern Baptist contexts, looking at the harm done to over 700 survivors, including children as young as three years old. This report is alarming and scandalous, and the courage and grace of these survivors is contrasted with the horrific depravity of those who would use the name of Jesus to prey on them. First, we must see with clear eyes what is before us. All rape and sexual exploitation is evil and unjust. Sexual abuse is not only sin but also a crime. All of it should be prosecuted in the civil arena, and all of it will be brought before the tribunal of the Judgment Seat of Christ. But nothing is worse than the use of the name of Jesus to prey on the vulnerable, or to use the name of Jesus to cover up such crimes. You can read my full response here. Finally, this article is yet another example of the urgency and importance of the Sexual Abuse Presidential Study Group, which is assigned with investigating all options and reviewing what other denominations and groups have done to keep track of abuses, while hearing from law enforcement, psychological and psychiatric experts, survivors, and many others. You can read the latest update on the study group here. We should see this scandal in terms of the church as a flock, not as a corporation. No church should be frustrated by the Houston Chronicle’s reporting, but should thank God for it. The Judgment Seat of Christ will be far less reticent than a newspaper series to uncover what should never have been hidden. For the Kingdom, Read my full response to the Houston Chronicle investigation Read "Southern Baptists and the Scandal of Church Sexual Abuse" The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission505 Second St., N.E. Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 547-8105 Preferences | Unsubscribe |
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