Accountability Without Stereotyping

Breaking Free from Generalizations

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

Another high-profile evangelical Christian pastor is under investigation for possible sexual abuse. If he turns out to be guilty, he will join the list of pastors and priests who abused and victimized those whom they were supposed to serve and support.

The investigation should be thorough and comprehensive. If he is guilty, he should be removed from his position and held fully accountable to the extent that the law provides. And, if there were any who knew of his transgressions and looked the other way, they too should be held accountable.

I believe all leaders everywhere — in any setting — should be held accountable for their conduct. I especially feel this way when it comes to communities of faith, given the degree of trust placed in such leaders.

At the same time…

The fact that many faith leaders have fallen into scandal and disgrace does not mean that all, or most, faith leaders are guilty of immoral, unethical, or illegal conduct.

The sins of some do not (or should not) indict the character of all.

Whether we’re talking about religion, law enforcement, education, gender, race, political persuasion, income level, or any other consideration…