Thread by @katierouquine

I came across an article today from Christianity Today's former Editor in Chief @markgalli regarding the Sovereign Grace Ministries abuse scandal. He makes key arguments regarding the importance of an independent investigation...

...that are worth revisiting at this crucial time in @The_ACNA. Let's take a posture of humility and learn from other denominations past mistakes: christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/march-…

@ArchbishopFoley @frandrewgross

"It’s time for healing to begin. But that healing can't begin until we all know the exact nature and extent of the wound; until all the facts are out in the open; until the truth that liberates can be known; and most importantly, if and when it is pertinent, there is repentance."

"To put it simply: Sovereign Grace Churches and its individual churches and leaders, present and former, who have been accused of failing to adequately respond to past incidents of child and sexual abuse should submit to a thorough, truly independent investigation..."

"This has left many, many observers bewildered, angry, and deeply suspicious of SGC and these accused churches. What’s worse, these unseemly events reverberate outward, mixing with the #ChurchToo discussion and lingering anger over the Roman Catholic Church abuse scandal."

Many now wonder if there's been a habit of covering up&denying child&sexual abuse in evangelical churches in general—if there's something in evangelical DNA that makes us hesitant 2 deal w/accusations quickly, openly&truthfully when there's the suspicion of grave sin in our midst

"We call for a fresh and thorough independent investigation not because we believe those accused are guilty of every one of its critics’ charges. We are as bewildered as anyone and simply don’t have enough information to make a confident judgment on the matter."

"If, in fact, they are as guiltless as they have proclaimed, and if, in fact, the incidences are as few as they suggest, it would be great news for the evangelical community and the cause of the gospel."

"At the same time, if the many charges prove to be true to a larger extent than they currently acknowledge, it would be sad and troubling—but not without hope if it leads to truth-telling and repentance."

"The truth of sin that leads to repentance is one of the most glorious moments in our life in Christ."

"...churches needn’t seek an independent investigation over every charge brought against them; and to be sure, there are cases where it’s a tough call as to whether to seek an independent investigation..."

"In this case, however, the facts being questioned and the witnesses being marshaled do indeed suggest that there are crucial questions that need to be answered if there is to be healing and closure. In this case, it is not a tough call at all."

"We desperately need a fresh and thorough independent investigation by an organization that specializes in these matters...in the hope that the resulting report and any resulting apologies and actions could start a healing process..."

"We call for this on behalf of potential victims who may have yet to be heard. And for the sake of SGC and for the integrity of evangelical churches everywhere. And especially for the sake of the gospel."

@threadreaderapp unroll