Pastor's Pastor: Does Jesus still love the children?

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world." You know the tune you learned as a child. Today's blight of clergy child molestation might force us to reword the tune: "Jesus used to love the children; Now He doesn't anymore!"

Imagine the horror when a minister violates a child; the terrible incongruity of spiritual leaders who represent Jesus taking advantage of their powerful position to molest those least able to defend themselves. Ministers who abuse children who should depend on the church and its leadership for protection, shatter a youngster's view of God even as they destroy their victim's emotional future.

While all sin is abhorrent in God's sight, some sins are more heinous than others. Even Jesus, who extended mercy to adulterers, suggested immediate cap ital punishment for those who violate children. "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones" (Luke 17:2).

Note, Jesus taught zero tolerance— execution by drowning. The God of "second chances" excluded giving abusers future access to victims. The same Savior who challenged only those without sin to cast the first stone, advocated millstones for child abusers.

Some advocate mercy for those who violate children and, of course, forgiveness is available to any sinner. Scripture, however, advocates mercy for their victims and protection for those who would become their victims if they were loosed to prey again upon the innocent.

Media reports are saturated with reports of tragic clergy scandals that cross denominational lines. Although it is unlikely that public execution of molesters will become the pattern, churches must not pretend these sins don't happen or attempt to hide reality from public knowledge.

L. Gregory Jones, dean of Duke University Divinity School, says, "Betrayals of trust, especially in the midst of power differentials and by people in whom sacred authority has been vested, are especially grievous sins that call for clear accountability and expectations of true repentance."¹

Beyond decrying these horrid misdeeds, pastors must proactively protect children and youth from predators. Some simple guidelines:

Value your church's children. Recruit the best possible leaders for children's ministries, budget for quality resources, and monitor behavior to insure the safety of every participant.

Establish performance standards. No program should be sponsored which permits supervision by a lone adult, whether clergy or laity. Children should be transported to and from church events only by their own parents or by a team of two adults—minimum. Clearly announce time schedules for activities and demand close adherence.

Monitor compliance. Elect leaders for Children's Ministries as church elders and request frequent reports to the board. Both policies and personnel should be reviewed to assure the best standards and protection possible.

Avoid even the appearance of evil. Consider installing windows in all church offices, declining to meet alone with parishioners, insisting that private conversations occur in public settings, rejecting any person suspected of abuse as a children's leader, establishing pastoral/elder presence at every church-sponsored event.

Do not hide the truth. If abuse occurs, do not disguise reality in the misguided belief that you are protecting the church. Even clergy confidentiality is not sufficient reason to avoid appropriate disclosure and discipline. It is nonsense to feel that because a parishioner has confided their misbehavior to a minister they should be protected. Their helpless victims must be protected and the perpetrators ("perps") must be dealt with by legal authorities. When accusations of sexual misconduct against children are made, do not assume or defend the innocence of the alleged perp. Permit the legal system to pursue investigating all issues.

Notify civil authorities immediately. Learn the legal requirements about reporting abuse and never fail to follow the law. In most jurisdictions, it is mandatory for a clergy person who becomes aware of abuse to report to the appropriate authorities. "When criminal wrongdoing is apparent or even suspected, the appropriate civil authorities need to be notified and engaged. Further, we ought to ensure that victims (or potential victims) of misconduct are protected and supported. This will involve removing offenders from positions of public authority and sacred trust. Our first concern needs to be to care for those who have been sinned against, even as we honor the possibility that persons may be wrongly accused."²

Screen all volunteers. Never feel compelled to place anyone in a position of authority or give them access to children just because they volunteer. Avoid placing newcomers into positions of responsibility until you have observed them over sustained time.

Especially beware those who rush to children's ministry. Thank them for their interest; share how your organization values children and about your mission of leading youngsters to a persona) relationship with Jesus; observe how they relate to authority and to their own family; check references carefully; provide all children's workers with written rules of conduct and expectations. Then, only after months of observation, invite them to participate by completing a volunteer screening form. Orient all volunteers to team service. Those unwilling to follow this approach should not be entrusted with your children.

Bobbie Drake, a specialist in abuse prevention and intervention to support victims, recommends specific action steps when allegations are made:

Believe the child or teen. Fewer than five percent of allegations are false, even when custody issues are at stake. Be supportive of the victim and family.

Report allegations promptly. For cases of incest, contact Child Protection Services (or its equivalent in your community). Report other abuse to the police. Resist the temptation to contact or negotiate with the alleged offender. Most molesters can manipulate even clergy or therapists. Civil authorities will follow legal procedures.

Provide appropriate support to the alleged offender. Say, "I will pray for you while you go through the judicial court system but the church cannot interfere with that process or serve as your defense reference." Notify judicatory administrators.

Congregations should always engage leadership in decisions that impact denominational entities or public media. I always advise pastors, "If in doubt, call your conference president!"

Notify insurance providers. Immediately notify your insurance provider of any complaint and follow their guidance in issues that affect liability and treatment.

Secure competent therapists for victims. Seek the best sexual offender therapist in the area. Avoid those with no specialized training in this discipline.

Remove accused perpetrators from leadership. Request accused individuals to step aside until all issues are resolved. If a false accusation has been made, specialists can determine by pertinent testing whether allegations are true. Children tell their stories different ly than adults and, if questioned by an expert, the basic truth will be revealed.

Level with your congregation. Do not hide reality. You can announce, "I am sorry to tell you that there has been a sexual abuse allegation against Brother Perp. The church is taking appropriate steps by contacting the public and church authorities and we will report the conclusions only after this matter is settled. We ask that you pray for both Brother Perp and the victim's family. Both of these families are precious to us and to Christ."

Avoid ongoing analysis or making additional statements. Announce that you will not provide updates until the authorities conclude their investigation and then stick to your intention of silence. This approach will reduce speculation, gossip, polarization, and innuendo. Ask judicatory administrators to appoint a spokesperson and refer all media requests to that individual.

Educate yourself, your children, and your leaders. Excellent resources are available including a children-focused training book by Bobbie Drake, Friends: Good, Bad, and Secret (see ad on page 9) and a special eight-page resource, Making Churches Safe, (online at www.ministerialassociation.com) which was originally published in Australia by the South Pacific Record.

Exalt Jesus's example. Our Lord's own interest in children should show the priority of reaching, protecting, and developing the potential of our youngest believers.