Topic: Making Changes
Frequently I hear from people who believe there is one way or another to make change in the way the churches deal with sexual abuse by clergy. Some argue that it must come from people who are working inside the church. Others are convinced it will happen only because of activists putting pressure ON the church from outside.
I do not believe it is an either-or question.
The change may have to be initiated by actions from people outside. The really important change, though, is the one that has to happen when there is REAL change. It's going to have to come from the souls of church leaders. By choice, not because they are forced to do so. Out of love, not fear or anger toward victims.
One cannot force love, unfortunately. Policies and law changes are good, but they are often manipulated and used against victims, to the letter of the law, same as the Scriptures are. If the hearts aren't changed, there is no hope for REAL change. This has been true in every social movement.
REAL change takes centuries. We have only just begun, and it's important to remember this no matter what approach is used. Finding a place to stand when change isn't visible is what faith is all about. It's the hardest place to stand.
We have to all look at our personal shadow side before we can make institutional change. The real reasons people collude, and that's likely to be different reasons for different people. It takes MUCH soul-searching, and this is what I find clergy so resistant to doing because these issues are just too close to home. After all, they think of themselves as the spiritual leaders. They do not need prophets, but the voice of truth is a prophetic voice. That was Jesus' message to the Pharisees.
Individuals must change and feel responsible for holding people accountable, both professionals, members of the laity and the general public. A genuine holding others accountable, feeling responsible only comes when there is a change from the inside, of course. It is not a knee-jerk reaction that comes because of coercion, though changes in the law and policy often hasten it along.
Posted by Dee Ann Miller
at 12:01 AM CDT
Updated: Wed 04/23/2008 8:34 PM CDT
