AUSTRALIA
Mercury
February 8, 2016
REX GARDNER
Mercury
THE moment you mention the church and child abuse, people turn off. They’re suffering overload.
After years of hearing about institutional betrayal of young people and their parents, many want something more palatable and uplifting in their lives than these grubby stories. It’s understandable we want to turn away, because our trust and lifelong belief in people and places that deliver moral and spiritual guidance is taking a hammering — probably more than at any time in this nation’s history.
The church at the end of the street doesn’t stand for what it used to.
The brands and reputations of our major churches and some educational institutions are close to being smashed, and irretrievably so.
Their ongoing message — however meaningful — will simply bounce off people who have lost faith and trust. We’re not listening and believing the message any more, no matter what you say.
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