Recently I was with a group of friends having a few drinks and great conversation when things went south in a hurry. For just a few minutes, the conversation turned toward the discussion of ministers who had abused children. That quickly became bashing session that left me stunned. It got real nasty, yet there was laughter, at the expense of priests and ministers.
I am still not sure what to make of it. We have all heard of priests and ministers who abused their power to harm others, especially children. It may be that even someone reading this article was abused. I can’t speak for other faith denominations, but the Catholic Church has admitted to the abuse and is doing all it can to heal, including banning abusers, taking away clerical privileges, compensating victims, educating, and creating policies and programs that insure none of it ever happens again.
Why did the conversation go south, when it could have easily focused on the saintliness of ministers and priest? Why could we not have discussed the heroic and holy examples of ministers and priests who gave their lives in holy service to God and their congregations? Sure, we all know of some ministers and priests who did awful and evil things. Do we not also know of the wonderful heritage we have of ministers and priests who lived exemplary lives, some even dying for their faith? I would bet that for every clergyman you know who may have done evil things that you know an overwhelming number who lived holy lives. Why do we wish to focus on evil? It’s not funny!
I am proud to know priests and ministers that have given their lives in the service of their congregations. I can tell story after story of the men and women who gave everything, who would not ever use their position as leaders to harm. I would love to hear stories of how ministers and priests lived holy lives in service. What I never want to hear again are the jokes, bashings, and put-downs about those who have given everything to follow Jesus as priests and ministers. My duty is not to judge, but to love. Jesus said that he who has not sinned should cast the first stone. Enough said.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
