Reporting Abuse in the Church

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[Linda]

I came across this blog post this morning and thought it was worth posting. I also thought this would have been really helpful and encouraging a year ago when great intimidation was happening on the forum with the hostile takeover by Jeromy et al.

https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2019/02/disclosing-sexual-abuse-in-church/

[Janet Easson Martin]

Gateway Church who claims 100,000 members across its campuses has been shocked along with probably millions of viewers of their messages with a recent report of a victim accusing its senior pastor, Robert Morris, of sexually abusing her from the time she was 12 years old until she was nearly 17. Below is a helpful story by CBN interviewing the victim who spoke out. The church leadership many years ago was apparently informed by her family members of the very sinful & very inappropriate behavior that went on for years.


Robert Morris Accuser Shares Her Story, Faith Journey

https://youtu.be/4eHjs4dCiD0?si=QbVchl78aaLMXTDB


I am in the processing of removing any links to his messages or excerpts from him that I have posted. I pray this woman’s story helps and heals similar victims.

[Janet Easson Martin]

I’m angry & disgusted to hear of Robert Morris’ sexual abuse of a child & heartbroken for Cindy Clemishire. To sexually use a 12 yr old child, then continue it for yrs, is not merely an “inappropriate relationship.” It’s a crime.  Sexual child abuse is an evil punishable by law. One can’t just confess when caught & move on with no consequences.
For the integrity of Christ’s Body, God insists “Expel the wicked person out of your church!”  1 Cor. 5:13  Perpetrators are to be publicly fired, not allowed to resign.
Child abuse STILL enrages Jesus: “If anyone offends one of these little ones, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and drowned in the sea. “ Matt.18:6.
Until the Church realizes the soul-destroying trauma of sexual abuse, the pattern will continue.  Kay still remembers the horror of being molested in church as a little girl. Prov. 31:8

-Rick Warren, Twitter

[Huldah]

I will never understand how being a sexual predator, especially of children, is compatible with "an elder must be above reproach."

[Huldah]

I also think the article Linda linked in the first post is excellent. I didn't notice this thread back when she first started it.

As the article says, it's the predator who's destroying the church, not the person who exposes the predator.

[Janet Easson Martin]

I will never understand how being a sexual predator, especially of children, is compatible with "an elder must be above reproach."

Wow! That scripture certainly simplifies the matter people try to complicate. Yes, what happened to that crucial biblical standard?!

I also think the article Linda linked in the first post is excellent. I didn't notice this thread back when she first started it.

As the article says, it's the predator who's destroying the church, not the person who exposes the predator.

Agree, thank you for that article, Linda.

[Linda]

Just getting caught up. The Morris sin is disturbing. I had forgotten about that link, and reread it. So many of the "watchdog" bloggers (especially the female ones) get blamed for "destroying" the church when in reality, it's the sin of the leaders that brings judgment and destruction. And, sadly, there have been so many. Thinking Johnny Hunt, Ravi Zacharais, Bill Hybels, Mike Bickle. These were people with HUGE followings who often denied, minimized, and blamed those who exposed their sin for harming the witness of the church. It's really discouraging.

[margaret]

I think of all the times Hopler would use his strength of communication to quell any opposing views or claims of wrongdoing. It makes me so angry.

[Janet Easson Martin]

The Morris sin is disturbing. … So many of the "watchdog" bloggers (especially the female ones) get blamed for "destroying" the church when in reality, it's the sin of the leaders that brings judgment and destruction. And, sadly, there have been so many. Thinking Johnny Hunt, Ravi Zacharais, Bill Hybels, Mike Bickle. These were people with HUGE followings who often denied, minimized, and blamed those who exposed their sin for harming the witness of the church. It's really discouraging.

I agree, Linda. The Morris sin is very disturbing. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around.

According to at least one poster on this site, they were molested by a man in GCx, and it seemed shoved under the rug. I don’t know if he was a leader.

I think of all the times Hopler would use his strength of communication to quell any opposing views or claims of wrongdoing. It makes me so angry.

It has made me angry also, Margaret. Being purposely deceived and denying the actual offenses toward us is unrighteous and quite disrespectful to say the least.The GCx leaders who knowingly denied, minimized sinful actions on the part of other leaders, and blamed victims instead (as Linda said) will have to give account to Jesus. I believe they be shown the impact upon others of their sinful pride & rebellion. Like the Bible points out, God the Father does not take lightly to his children being offended.

I would hope these recent exposures would make them shake in their boots as to the faithful way God cleans house. God does not sweep messes under the rug.