Reporting sexual abuse (2): If not Matthew 18, then what?
This editorial by Professor Barry Gritters addresses the proper reporting of sexual abuse within the Protestant Reformed Church context, arguing against the misapplication of Matthew 18 confrontation procedures to abuse cases and advocating for necessary external reporting to authorities and church leadership. The article emphasizes that while there is no single prescribed formula for reporting, church members must be guided by Scripture, wisdom, and love in responding to sexual crimes to protect victims and facilitate healing and repentance.
Prof. Barrett Gritters, professor of Practical Theology in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary and member of Hudsonville PRC Once more, for the safety of the churches, for the healing of assault victims, and for the repentance of sexual abusers, this editorial treats the subject of reporting sexual abuse. By sexual abuse I am not referring to fornication or adultery between consenting adults, but sexual assault, usually by one in power and authority against a weaker person under their...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org