LONGVIEW (TX)
Longview Nwqa Journal
January 25, 2019
By Gayle Raif
I find it really disheartening, but unfortunately not surprising, to read about sexual abuse perpetrated by Christian leaders. The most prominent news is about the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has addressed the rampant sexual abuse among Catholic clergy, citing a Pennsylvania grand jury report that showed more than 300 predator priests in that state had raped and molested more than 1,000 victims during a 70-year period. It also happened in Washington, D.C., where an abusive cardinal resigned, and in other places in the U.S. and every country where there is a Catholic church.
Protestants are not off the hook, because it’s also happening with them. Unfortunately, many of our Christian leadership — pastors, other ministers, even church office workers — forget to whom and for whom they are responsible. It seems they have come to believe that if they can hide their private thoughts, desires and actions but function publicly in a “spiritual” way, then all is right with God and their leadership.
Alas, that attitude permeates our society, but also excuses actions of adults, even pastors and religious leaders. The most prominent pastor to be accused of sexual abuse of women is Bill Hybels, now former pastor of Willow Creek Community Church just south of Chicago. He, as well as all the church staff and other ministers, have resigned.
It is happening in other churches, even in Longview. A recent series in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram alerted us to rape and indecency of pastors in the Fundamental Baptist Church, as well as another pastor who is now in prison for having sexual relations with a teenager.
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