What Would Jesus Do... ...about Church Safety?
There have been reports of child molestation by church leaders. Firearm discharge inside churches seems to be on the rise.
With these and other recent events, any organization would do well to examine their security policies. Yet for churches, we might well consider the theological basis of our choices.
For Christians, there is the example of the one who walked with lepers, the lame, adulterers, prostitutes, people with boils, the demon possessed, women with chronic bleeding, and tax collectors. Yet we also have a duty to protect those who are vulnerable.
How do we live grace and faith in God's protection, while caring for those around us?
With these and other recent events, any organization would do well to examine their security policies. Yet for churches, we might well consider the theological basis of our choices.
For Christians, there is the example of the one who walked with lepers, the lame, adulterers, prostitutes, people with boils, the demon possessed, women with chronic bleeding, and tax collectors. Yet we also have a duty to protect those who are vulnerable.
How do we live grace and faith in God's protection, while caring for those around us?
Do
we leave the doors unlocked 24/7 (as was often done in the past) so
that anyone who needs use of the sanctuary has access? Or do we do
background checks on all members and pat down those who enter without
church-issued picture ID?
Our church will likely be voting on whether to become Open and Affirming within the next year. Will someone enter the church in anger with a weapon?
Our church is very open to newcomers. Will a person with a history of child sexual abuse be among those we welcome?
Do we risk more by being open or being closed? Is there a place of balance, or would that be a lukewarm stance that would neither offer hospitality nor safety?
In short, what would Jesus do about church safety?
I'll admit I don't know the answer. My heart of hospitality says "all are unconditionally welcome" but my head of pragmatism, safety, and liability says "protect the community against dangerous outsiders".
Our church will likely be voting on whether to become Open and Affirming within the next year. Will someone enter the church in anger with a weapon?
Our church is very open to newcomers. Will a person with a history of child sexual abuse be among those we welcome?
Do we risk more by being open or being closed? Is there a place of balance, or would that be a lukewarm stance that would neither offer hospitality nor safety?
In short, what would Jesus do about church safety?
I'll admit I don't know the answer. My heart of hospitality says "all are unconditionally welcome" but my head of pragmatism, safety, and liability says "protect the community against dangerous outsiders".
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Christianity , Congregations , Justice Wednesday , OnA , homophobia , justice , violence0 TrackBacks
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