It is difficult for either clergy or congregations to raise the question of boundaries. For the clergy, being asked to have such a conversation can seem to question their integrity. The congregation wants to believe that there clergy is immune to such problems and therefore they avoid such discussions as well.
This is where a judicatory can make a beneficial contribution to both clergy and congregations. It would be easy enough to gather a series of recent news stories about problems that have occurred for religious communities in the area of appropriate boundaries. One could then set up a values clarification exercise that clergy and church boards could use as ways to discuss how to help educate the whole congregation in ways that could protect the youth. By broadening the issue to include all clergy, volunteers, officers, etc., both now and in the future, you are removing the sense of accusation that might otherwise be felt.
Part of the exercise could engage the group in constructing helpful guidelines that could be used by all the churches. Another part could be in educating people as to the appropriate actions that could be taken when there is suspicion of inappropriate behavior.
Another area where judicatories can be helpful is in having already thought through a course of action to take when a particular congregation has experienced some inappropriate behavior. Particularly when the offending person is a clergy but also when it is a strong member of a congregation, scandalous behavior can leave a deep wound in the sense of trust in a congregation. There could be some real healing if a member of the judicatory who had a clear perspective on some of the steps that needed to be taken could enter a congregation at such a time.
A strong reminder of some basic Christian truths could be very helpful also. Tomorrow I want to briefly explore theological resources for how a community responds to betrayal.
