Editorial: What Fills Us When We’re Vulnerable?
Recent years have seen countless scandals of church leader misconduct come to light. We are right to grieve such things and act to keep it from happening in our own congregations. But, what are we doing to care for the gaping wounds left behind? Are we just mourning their existence, or are we prayerfully acting to bring about healing?
This summer, I was swimming with my brother and his friends in a lake. Due to an unfortunate series of events, I walloped my shin on a rock. It wasn’t until leaving the water 15 minutes later that I realized it was bleeding. I was more concerned that I had left biohazardous material in the lake than about what contagion might’ve entered my system.
The following day, the bleeding had finally stopped, but I was feverish. We went to urgent care, where they gathered samples, flushed out the wound, and prescribed an intense antibiotic regimen. The doctor also gave a stern warning: if the cellulitis (red bacterial skin infection) spreads, go to the ER.
Sure enough, the next morning, the redness had expanded. Putting weight on the injured leg made it feel like it would explode. Two nights in the hospital with intravenous antibiotics and consistent monitoring was what it ultimately took to facilitate healing.
It seems the current attitude of the Western church reflects my initial attitude toward the laceration. Great efforts have been taken to clean up messes and conceal wounds, but we have ignored some serious hurts in the process. What are we doing to help victims of toxic institutions experience healing in Christ? How are we reconciling with those whose testimonies regarding misuse of power were ignored or denigrated? Are we confessing our complicity while also seeking the Lord’s will and healing?
Perhaps the current task of the church can be framed like this: Don’t settle for stopping the bleeding. Eradicate the infection. May our hearts echo the words of the psalmist (Psalm 25:8-11, NIV):
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, Lord,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
May the Lord who heals have His hand upon His bride.
Yes, thank you.