THE UNENDING SCANDAL OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN CHURCH.

If sexual abuse was an Olympic event, then I am sure the Catholic Church would make a clean sweep of the podium regardless of what category they would be in.

No other organisation can even come close, but the sad thing is, other Christian organisations are trying.

We have heard of the cover ups in the Pentecostal church like Hillsong, many evangelical churches in the USA, closer to home we have the west coast commune Gloria vale and now shock, horror, Jehovah’s Witnesses covering up eleven pedophiles’ who walk freely amongst the children of believers.

The scandals continue to make headline news, every organisation bury their heads in the sand and hope it goes away, we have seen that from the Catholics for years.

Jehovah’s Witnesses states its position is that it abhors child sexual abuse, and that “the incidence of this crime among Jehovah’s Witnesses is rare.”

This may be why the organisation sought leave not to be included in the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse by seeking a judicial review and High Court declaration that the church does not assume responsibility for the care of children, young people, or vulnerable people.

And yet here we are with a scandal in this organisation is in the news with allegations of cover ups where it’s been reported by both the New Zealand Herald and Radio New Zealand a Jehovah Witness elder claims was told to destroy confidential church documents, including those relating to child sexual abuse cases.

Their siege mentality only makes the scandals and the claims even more pronounced.

But is just not all about sex, its bad business practices, and exploitation which we have seen from the Arise megachurch, then there’s the medias obsession with making everything Brian Tamaki’s Destiny Church does as cultish and bizarre.

But back to the sex and we acknowledge sexual abuse has happened in the confines of Christianity, and still happens, in a vast range of contexts, all around the world.

It happens in families, neighbourhoods, schools, institutions, workplaces, clubs, sports, in armed forces, and in wars.

July saw the end of a seven year long Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) concluded by publishing its final report in Britain.

Among the horrifying accounts are plenty from those who suffered as a result of “hands on” vicars and priests, pastors, bishops, and monks.

An investigation by the Associated Press in the US claimed nearly 1,700 priests and other clergy members that the Roman Catholic Church, considers credibly accused of child sexual abuse, are living under the radar with little to no oversight from religious authorities or law enforcement.

Here in New Zealand the Crime and Victims Survey from the Ministry of Justice reveals the situation is still business as usual where almost 30 percent of New Zealand adults experienced intimate partner violence, or sexual violence, at some point in their life, with women three times more likely to experience sexual violence than men.

Can I suggest, holding inquiries is one thing but doesn’t stop the abuse from happening.

But what can be done?

The Brits are looking at the introduction of a new law which would see mandatory reporting.

This new law would create criminal penalties for anyone in a designated position (mostly those working with children or in a position of trust) who becomes aware of child abuse and doesn’t report it to the police.

It has long been a demand from victims’ groups and many children’s charities but has also been resisted by some within the Church, especially traditions which value the historic confidentiality of confession.

There is some good news with the Catholic Church in New Zealand has voluntary agreed to report cases of sexual abuse which may have been heard in the confessional.

Whatever laws are brought in to place to protect the victims I’m sure, all would support it.

But what can we do as an individual.

We need to understand sexual abuse reflects not just lustfulness, but our dark human capacities for         

•  selfishness,
• delusion,
• exploitation,
• domination,
• violence,
• and deceit.

It is a glaring manifestation of our human sinfulness.
Sexual abuse is never innocent, justifiable, or right.

It almost always leaves an enduring legacy of great harm.
It is utterly tragic that considerable sexual abuse has clearly taken place in some Christian churches, church-going families, and church-run institutions such as boarding schools and orphanages.

Sexual abuse is always 100% wrong.

But for it to happen in church-related contexts is doubly appalling and shameful, because it goes against everything Christian faith stands for, including God’s calls to love, mercy, holiness of heart and mind, integrity, and renewal in Christ.

The scandalous and inexcusable failings of some continue to bring huge reputational harm upon the church at large.

• Deplore what has happened.
• Empathise with and pray for those who have been victims.
• Be compassionate.
• Support justice.
• Be vigilant.
• Ensure our churches have very robust systems, to help protect everyone from harm.
• Disciple our people well.

And be determined to follow Christ in love, integrity, and purity.