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Relational Sin

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There is no clear biblical reference, which forbids sexual abuse. However, sexual abuse reaches deep into sexual immorality and abusive. Paul states, “For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive…” (2 Tim. 3:2). Marie Fortune shares, “sexual abuse is a multidimensional sin, which takes into consideration bodily, relational, and sexual sins. First, bodily sins violate the integrity of the abused and results in lifelong body-related issues for the victim. Secondly, relational sin violates the trust and destroys the possibility of a healthy relationship between the victim and the abused. Thirdly, social sin thrives in secretive situations, which sustain abusive relationships and create a destructive environment. …show more content…
Karen McLintock says, “We have an epidemic of sexual abuse in the church in this decade. We can no longer avoid these issues.” When sexual abuse happens within the congregation, it impacts the church in a major way. When sexual abuse occurs, the impact on different people depends on a number of variables. It affects the victims, families, and congregations emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. The subject of sexual abuse is hard to discuss in a church environment. Karen McLintock states, “Treating the whole subject of sex and particularly sexual abuse as it it is “off limits” has not stopped pastors and laity from abusing children and vulnerable adults.” Silence, repression, avoidance, and shame have not eliminated the problem. In order to eradicate sexual abuse within the congregation, victims, families, members, and leaders must get …show more content…
This has caused some significant problems because it gives church leaders the power to make decisions about the sexual activities of others. By giving pastors and certain leaders the authority to establish rules and consequences, the outcome may not benefit the victim. Often times, sexual offenders are allowed to escape without any penalties, consequences, or treatment. This allows the offender the opportunity to victimize someone else. To ensure problems are eradicated, it is important to educate both leaders and the congregation now in the dangers of sexual abuse. The most important word that a congregation can use is prevention. According to Karen McClintock, “The word prevention means literally “to come before.” It is important to know what to do before-hand, than after an incident has taken place. The church should have very specific training about abuse prevention, reporting, and response in order to care for the well-being of the children, teenagers, and vulnerable adults. When congregants are fully engaged in recognizing sexual abuse before it happens, then sexual offenders are most likely to stay away or think twice about committing this atrocious

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