Agree with this 100% especially the emphasis on "permanently." Not that there cannot be forgiveness, grace and restoration for the individual, but there is a particular arrogance in a person who believes that the harm he does to others' hearts, minds, and bodies with his sin is wiped away from the collective consciousness as easily as returning to the store an paying for something you accidentally left in your cart. It is not the same. To my mind, the true clergyman who fails and accepts his discipline with humility and grace and does not expect to be restored has the potential to do more good in the long run.
I've dealt with probably 2 dozen cases of clergy misconduct. Some more serious than others to be sure but only ONCE did the clergyman offer to resign and return to the lay state. Everyone else want to remain a priest/pastor/preacher.
Sadly, denominational leaders are often willing to allow malefactors to stay in ministry. I understand why they think as they do--it is a hard thing to remove someone from ministry--but sometimes, that's what leadership requires.
Agree with this 100% especially the emphasis on "permanently." Not that there cannot be forgiveness, grace and restoration for the individual, but there is a particular arrogance in a person who believes that the harm he does to others' hearts, minds, and bodies with his sin is wiped away from the collective consciousness as easily as returning to the store an paying for something you accidentally left in your cart. It is not the same. To my mind, the true clergyman who fails and accepts his discipline with humility and grace and does not expect to be restored has the potential to do more good in the long run.
Christ is Risen!
Thank you for your observations, Kelly!
I've dealt with probably 2 dozen cases of clergy misconduct. Some more serious than others to be sure but only ONCE did the clergyman offer to resign and return to the lay state. Everyone else want to remain a priest/pastor/preacher.
Sadly, denominational leaders are often willing to allow malefactors to stay in ministry. I understand why they think as they do--it is a hard thing to remove someone from ministry--but sometimes, that's what leadership requires.