Rambling today about continued pleading with the leadership of CCC Hudson.
- In August of 2019 news broke locally in the Akron area regarding a years-long scandal involving CCC Hudson’s mishandling of abuse allegations at Sankey Orphanage in The Philippines.
- At the time I wrote a lengthy piece calling for accountability for the sake of justice for victims of abuse in The Philippines and a stronger witness of the Body of Christ locally. The linked articled contains several sources which would familiarize you with the details of the abuse and fallout.
- A refresher: I don’t write about this for clickbait or from some lofty position of superiority. Hardly.
- I write as a person in spiritual leadership who cares about the way other leaders treat those on the margins, especially victims and those advocating for truth.
- Recently The Roys Report published this article regarding renewed efforts from local advocates to encourage healthier steps in response to the published report resulting from CCC’s own investigation.
- Ask yourselves why advocates would continue to press the church for a better response. Out of the need for constant attention? Jaded individuals only happy when others squirm in response to public allegations? Or truth seekers who would gladly trade any apology from the church’s leadership for victims’ ability to heal?
- I readily admit I do not know the ins and outs of the church’s response. How could I?
- I do have serious questions, though, about their stated goals vs. some of the practices which have followed.
- I’ll quickly mention repentance. If I offend you or hurt you by my words or actions, we cannot have any healing until I admit to everything I’ve done and take responsibility for my wrongs. You would never trust me until you knew my willingness to give up control of any “narrative” of the events.
- Right?
- Applied to this ongoing situation, how does “reconciliation” with advocates require a Non-Disclosure Agreement? The quick answer: it shouldn’t. It only symbolizes one party’s desire to have control over the process, the very thing true repentance gives up.
- Further, is it so wrong to ask Christian leaders to name sin in others and disqualify them from leadership if necessary?
- Avoiding NDAs and calling troubled leaders to account represent basic steps in reconciliation.
- I still love my brothers and sisters who attend CCC Hudson. I still very much love those in the church’s leadership and hope and pray for the best response.
- I truly believe a humble, open response and submitting to a full independent investigation brings the best possibility of Jesus receiving glory in this situation.
- As many readers will attest, unresolved hurt in any context devastates victims and those hurt by sentencing them to a life of uncertainty, broken trust, and millions of questions echoing in the dark of night.
- Our Lord Jesus entered a very dark place to lead us to the light of salvation, achieving justice for our sins by dying on a cross for us. By His death and through His resurrection, He leads us away from the darkness to light and hope.
- Likewise, fully open truth and accountability go a long way to right wrongs and promote healing. Would you join me in praying for that reality for those hurt so deeply in this situation?
- Everyone wants to “move on” when difficult things happen. A forced effort at leaving the past behind only ensures dark thoughts of doubt, hurt, and unknown will work against the light of the Gospel for years to come.
- Justice should never increase the burden on the hurting. Instead, it should tilt in their favor, giving them the best path forward toward healing.