Bring all abusers to justiceFeb. 27, 2007
THE BAYLOR LARIAT STAFF EDITORIALChildren need a place in the community to be safe, and for some of them, that place isn't home, school or sadly enough -- even church. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a group that fights abuse by clergy and religious authority figures, helped lead a campaign against sex abuse in Catholic churches. It's now urging the Southern Baptist Convention to do more than what's presently being done to fight sex abuse in its affiliated churches. The network is obviously to be commended for campaigning on behalf of victims and congregations in Baptist churches, but its message and suggestions should be spread and followed even more widely than in the two largest denominations in America alone. Sex abuse is inexcusable wherever it takes places, and unfortunately it's not confined to specific locations, age groups or denominations. That's why all victims of sex abuse should have somewhere to turn when they're ready to speak out. Denominations that haven't yet done so should not only make sure victims have somewhere to report sex abuse, but ensure the churches find a way to keep it from happening again. Churches in every denomination should institute a system to root out sex abuse. Many churches already require background checks before approving workers in children's departments. Requiring a system of accountability for ministers is a logical next step. In a letter sent to the SBC, the survivors network urged the SBC to maintain a list of ministers accused of molesting minors as part of a zero tolerance policy on sex abuse. It's unfortunate that such a request even needs to be made. One would hope all churches would take such a stand. The SBC and churches in other denominations would do well to create and keep such a list to make sure molesters don't switch congregations. The letter calls out the Baptist General Convention of Texas in particular. It says the BGCT keeps secret its file with the names of ministers reported for molesting minors. It goes on to state that every parent ought to be asking questions and insisting that the ministers' names be made public. The letter also calls for the SBC to create an independent review board and a toll-free hotline for victims. This is a good idea that should be implemented by all denominations. The survivors network targeted the SBC for such requests because it lacks a hierarchy or centralized leadership, but even denominations with more structured authority could use an independent hotline and have review boards of their own. In the last six months, there have been about 40 complaints of sex abuse in Southern Baptist churches. It's sad to think about how many complaints against other churches are still waiting to come to light. If the leaders of churches take the initiative against sex abuse, they'll be showing responsibility and transparency. If not, then the scope should be widened to include them as well. Editorials are written by the editorial board and are solely the opinions of members of the board and not Baylor University. http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=44327
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