A Major Ethical Issue: Clergy Sex Abuse Min. Yolanda Chambers

Agenda Overview The Scope of Clergy Sexual Abuse The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse The Impact of Clergy Sexual Abuse Prevention of Clergy Sexual Abuse Responding to Clergy Sexual Abuse Conclusion Questions

Overview In this Chapter we will see how important the Bible is as the primary resource for doing ethics We will explore the role that the Holy Spirit has in making the Christian life possible We will discuss the process of learning what is moral for the Christian minister We will discuss the three major components involved in moral decision-making

Introduction Into the Darkness Award – A designation given to organizations that try to hide information from the public. Misconduct is defined as any sexual contact that occurs within the framework of a professional relationship of trust (such as that involving a counselor or a pastor) Such abuse includes any contact or action intended to arouse erotic interest, whether there is touching or not. The code of silence in regards to “sexual abuse” must be broken.

The Scope of Clergy Sexual Abuse What are some examples of sexual misconduct? Biblical leaders Judah and his daughter-n-law, Tamar Potiphar’s wife and Joseph David and Bathsheba Amnon & Tamar Sodom and Gomorrah Jezebel Rahab Eli’s sons Samson and Delilah Herod and his brother’s wife, Herodias

The Scope of Clergy Sexual Abuse What are some examples of sexual misconduct? World Leaders Jim Bakker and Jessica Hahn Rev. Jessie Jackson Roman Catholic Church Ted Haggard Marcus Lamb

The Scope of Clergy Sexual Abuse Ethical failure in ministry has become so prevalent that insurance companies are reevaluating their coverage of clergy, sometimes excluding coverage altogether. In 1995 U.S. News & World Report cited a nationwide study that found that “1 and 4 members of the clergy reported having some kind of sexual contact with someone other than their spouse, and more than 1 in 10 said they had committed adultery.

The Scope of Clergy Sexual Abuse Six specific of sexual malfeasance: Sexual intercourse with persons outside a marriage covenant. Oral sex with persons outside a marriage covenant. Unwanted or inappropriate physical touch outside a marriage covenant. Physical-sensual displays of the body or titillation of senses in ways suggestive of inappropriate sex. The use of pornography, individually, or with others, in ways intended to stimulate erotic fantasies of inappropriate sexual behavior. Verbal and visual contact with another person that implies or demands inappropriate sexual response.

The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse Clergy sexual misconduct is a violation of the integrity of the pastoral office, a betrayal of ordination vows. It is also a betrayal of trust between a pastor and parishioners that involves both an abuse of sexuality and an abuse of power.

The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse Clergy sexual misconduct is a violation of the integrity of the pastoral office, a betrayal of ordination vows. It is also a betrayal of trust between a pastor and parishioners that involves both an abuse of sexuality and an abuse of power.

The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse Betrayal of Sexual Trust God created boundaries for sexual expression that reveal and support the intended purpose and meaning of human sexuality. Sexual misconduct by clergy is a distortion of human sexuality-a betrayal of sexual trust. For an offending pastor, whether single or married, the betrayal is a violation of God’s intention for humanity from the beginning. (Genesis 2: 18-25)

The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse Betrayal of Power Trust Clergy sexual exploitation is not primarily about sex. It is an abuse of power expressed in a highly destructive sexual manner. Every minister is a symbol of religious authority. Sexual behavior by a minister (who always occupies the position of power) is inherently exploitive of a member’s trust.

The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse Types of Abusive Ministers Sexual misconduct by clergy takes many forms: Voyeurism Exhibitionism Incest Child molestation Pedophiles Ephebophiles (sexual preference of adults for mid-to-late adolescents, generally ages 15 to 19) Homosexual liaisons Rape Clergy sexual abuse usually begins with acts or statements intended to arouse erotic interest.

The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse There are many ways to classify abusers The predator – A person who actively seeks opportunities to abuse women sexually. The wanderer – A person is not violent, not premeditative in his sexual abuse, and generally less successful personally and professionally. Has difficulty maintaining boundaries. The lover – A person who enters the “forbidden zone” with a parishioner by becoming infatuated with one of his flock.

The Nature of Clergy Sexual Abuse There are many ways to classify abusers The predator – A person who actively seeks opportunities to abuse women sexually. The wanderer – A person is not violent, not premeditative in his sexual abuse, and generally less successful personally and professionally. Has difficulty maintaining boundaries. The lover – A person who enters the “forbidden zone” with a parishioner by becoming infatuated with one of his flock.

Conclusion Making moral choices is about the following three things: Character - Being a good person Conduct - Doing the right thing Integrity - Living out life the right way A well-grounded minister recognizes which duties are obligatory and which goals serve as guidelines for achieving the will of God.

Questions