Yesterday, February 10, 2019 I read the Houston Chronicle report (1 of 3) about a long standing issue among churches (not just Roman Catholic). It will turn your stomach. This time it is close to home.
For clarity: Southern Baptists do function differently than most other denominations. Inside of the SBC, a local church is a local church. For example, Eastside Baptist Church in Twin Falls, is made up of a congregation of believers who determine everything this local church does. No one in the denomination dictates or instructs this local fellowship in how to do “church.”
That said, we may be a denomination of independent churches but we are also closely related. What happens in Houston is not what happens in Twin Falls. But what this report disclosed is that there is likely more to pay attention to in this in every local church.
This kind of sin must be dealt with. And sins against humanity like this must be given to local authorities as soon as it is discovered.
It is past time for every local church to rethink how and what church activities are safe and unsafe, or potentially unsafe, and address them all, immediately.
It will be an uncomfortable discussion, but it must take place.
