Love and Justice in the Face of Wickedness - Continue with HANDLING INSTANCES OF SERIOUS WRONGDOING

Elder assure victims and their parents and others with knowledge of the matter that they are  fee to report an allegation of abuse to the secular authorities. But what is the report is about someone who is a part of the congregation and the matter than becomes known in the community?  Should the Christians who reported it feel that has brought reproach on God's name?  The abuser is the one who brings reproach on God's name.

In the congregation, before the elders  take judicial action, why are at least two witnesses required?  This requirement is part of the Bible's high standard of justice.  When there is no confession of wrongdoing, two witnesses are required to establish the accusation and authorize the elders to take judicial action. (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; read  1 Timothy 5:19)   Does this mean that before an allegation of abuse can be reported to the authorities, two witnesses are required? No. This requirement does not apply  to whether elders or others report allegations of a crime. 

When they learn that someone in the congregation is accused of child abuse, elders endeavor to comply with any secular laws about reporting   the matter, and then they conduct a Scriptural investigation. If the individual denies the accusation, the elders consider the testimony of witnesses. If at least two people -the one making the accusation ad someone else who can verify this act or others acts of child abuse by the accused-establish the charge, a judicial committee is formed.  The absence of a second witness does not mean that the one making the accusation is untruthful.  Even if a charge of wrongdoing cannot be established by two witnesses, the elders recognize that a serious sin  may have been committed, on that deeply hurts others. The elders provide ongoing support to any individuals who may have been hurt. In addition, the elders remain alert regarding the alleged abuser to protect the congregation from potential danger. - ACTS 20:28. 

What is the role of the judicial committee?  The term "judicial" does not mean that the elders judge, or rule on, whether the abuser should be punished by the authorities for the breaking the law.  The elders do not interfere with law enforcement, they leave the criminal matters to the secular authorities.  (Romans 13:2-4; Titus 3:1)  Instead, the elders judge, or determine, whether an individual can remain in the congregation.

When elders serve on a judicial committee, their role is spiritual, or religious. Guided by the Scriptures, they judge whether the abuser is repentant or not.  If he is unrepentant, he is expelled and an announcement is made to the congregation. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13)  If he is repentant, he may remain in the congregation. However, the elders will inform him that he may never qualify to receive any  congregation privileges or to serve in any position of responsibility in the congregation. Out of concern for the welfare of the children, the elders may privately warn the individual.  When take such measures, the elders are careful to maintain the privacy of those hurt by the sin.

Next time: Love and Justice in the Face of Wickedness - HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN

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