This is huge coming from Albert Mohler. (Hopefully, he will rethink his view of the Sovereign Grace sexual abuse scandal.)
https://albertmohler.com/2018/05/23/wrath-god-poured-humiliation-southern-baptist-convention/"But the same Bible that reveals the complementarian pattern of male leadership in the home and the church also reveals God’s steadfast and unyielding concern for the abused, the threatened, the suffering, and the fearful.
There is no excuse whatsoever for abuse of any form, verbal, emotional, physical, spiritual or sexual. The Bible warns so clearly of those who would abuse power and weaponize authority. Every Christian church and every pastor and every church member must be ready to protect any of God’s children threatened by abuse and must hold every abuser fully accountable. The church and any institution or ministry serving the church must be ready to assure safety and support to any woman or child or vulnerable one threatened by abuse."
What happens when #metoo allegations are true. What should the church do? Here is what Mohler says.
"A church, denomination, or Christian ministry
must look outside of itself when confronted with a pattern of mishandling such responsibilities, or merely of being charged with such a pattern. We cannot vindicate ourselves. That is the advice I have given consistently for many years. I now must make this judgment a matter of public commitment. I be
lieve that any public accusation concerning such a pattern requires an independent, third-party investigation. In making this judgment, I make public what I want to be held to do should, God forbid, such a responsibility arise."
As most know, the Biblical standard for an elder is "above reproach".
"So an elder must be
a man whose life is above reproach.
He must be faithful to his wife. He must
exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach." 1 Timothy 3:2
As I understand it, there are 9 women who have come forward alleging inappropriate conversation and contact with MD over a period of many years. Some of these women don't know each other. This is not about the "character" of the women. The only questions that matters is "Did something happen? If so, what?" and "Did elders know about it and cover it up?"
If any abuse happened, even to one woman, the Biblical mandate is clear. The pastor is no longer qualified because he is not above reproach. If any pastors covered this up, the mandate is equally clear. They are no longer qualified to be an elder because they have not protected their flock.
Excellent points Linda- I personally know four of the accusers-and do believe their stories. Maybe we do not know the exact amount yet. Two, four, eight, ten - does the number matter?? It was more than one. Like Linda said-the Biblical mandate is clear. The accusations, if true, show that Mark has disqualified himself by his actions. If the other pastors knew- they too are disqualified for not holding each other accountable, and for not protecting the flock. The church has been stained by this, and many are waiting and watching. Praying for a God-honoring outcome.
