When any church or organization fails to address matters of abuse, they miss the opportunity to care for the victims and create distrust for the institution at large.
Talking Points:
- The SBC has been called out for mishandling abuse allegations and for their mistreatment of victims.
- There was a pattern of intimidation towards victims and advocates who wanted to share their stories and see accountability.
- The leadership worried more about legal liability instead of putting initiatives in place that would create reform.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- In your opinion, why do you think churches are slow to respond to matters of abuse?
- How have you seen people suffer due to the abuse of someone they trusted?
- If you were in the shoes of the Executive Counsel 20 years ago, how would you have responded to this situation?
- Read Matthew 18:2-6. How does this scandal miss the mark of what pastors are supposed to do for their flock?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
