Leadership and Abuse

Lately, a couple of stories have again troubled at least the part of the Christian Church I am more connected with - the Anabaptist/Mennonite and Be in Christ (BIC, formerly Brethren in Christ) churches. One story was about the popular leader, preacher and writer Bruxey Cavey resigning from office in the BIC denomination in the Toronto area because of allegations of sexual abuses, followed by his being charged by Hamilton police with sexual assault. This was followed by the removal of his books from print and sales by Mennonite media, who at the same time did the same with the writings of the already deceased but influential Anabaptist thinker and writer John Howard Yoder. This was because of sexual abuse scandals surrounding him. If I need to add more, the reputation of another well-known and respected radio preacher and writer Frank Epp was also posthumously recently tainted with the spectre of his having sexually abused.

These are stories the Church, the community of the faithful, struggles mightily with. It grieves us to see this happen. The responses have not always been encouraging either. Organizations, such as denominations and centres of education tend to regroup around their own for damage control. As is so often the case in so many spheres, the victims lack support and a voice, a hearing. 

This is not new. The Bible contains stories of such behaviour. Even so-called heroes of the Bible such as King David fell prey to sexual misbehaviour. Incidentally, it does not appear that the Psalms ceased being printed, ceased being distributed. Then, just today, a file came across my screen documenting five stories of sexual abuse by clergy among our Mennonite forefathers in Russia.

Sexual misbehaviour by anyone is wrong. Perpetrated by church leaders makes it even more egregious. They are to be our shepherds, our teachers, helping guard our souls, not wreaking havoc with them. 

Understandably, unless it occurs in one’s own congregation or school, or one you are close to, one doesn’t her about it. Often, one only becomes aware of such when the offender is prominent enough for it to make a media splash. One could almost be forgiven for believing it doesn’t happen at lower levels. I wonder if it might not be the case that it happens less at lower levels.

We have had cases in fast-growing and mega churches. These churches are often begun and led by gifted and dynamic individuals who become powerful heads of  large organizations. As such, they are prey to overwork and the stress that comes with that. This can cloud judgment. The hard work and positions reached can sometimes lead to entitlement. The structures are sometimes such that the individual at the top becomes somewhat isolated from others and thus less accountable. These leaders are then placed on such pedestals that leaves them no room to err. All of this creates gaps through which these leaders can fall mightily is something like them being caught in sexual abuse happens.

Are these reasons to go back to small, local churches? There, where everyone knows everyone else, or at least quite a few know quite a few others, the leaders are not so distant as to be unapproachable. They are also likely to be under much closer scrutiny.

But what is our role in all of this - us as members of churches, fellow staff of schools? How much do we pray for our leaders not to fall into these temptations?

Just some of my response to these recent stories. What think ye?