Thread by @KatelynBeaty

I haven't tweeted recently about the ongoing sexual abuses crisis and allegations of spiritual abuse at @The_ACNA's Upper Midwest Diocese, but I have read with appreciation and also, now, horror at some of the dynamics described on the Bishop's Council acnatoo.org/acna-witnesses…

The source, Helen Keuning, a former BC member who resigned last month, is IMO highly credible: nuanced, charitable of reading others' motives, without an "axe to grind" over theological differences. She has done a very good and brave thing in writing this.

What was so galling to read today - and yet quite a common dynamic when allegations are leveled at many Christian communities - is that any criticism from outside is Satanic, part of some evil attempt to take down godly leaders on the inside.

This apparently became the group-enforced attitude of many BC members in the face of allegations and criticisms leveled at Rez and the UMD. Here is the gist of things that were said in meetings about #acnatoo survivors and advocates

What is the more destructive thing to the church? Sexual abuse itself and the failure to respond to it with utmost care for victims? Or the *revealing* of the abuse? Can we not stand in the truth of our own blindspots and failings and accept that WE ARE NOT GOD?

These are standard in-group/out-group dynamics (which were, in my experience, quite strong at Rez and always centered on the bishop) with a spiritual overlay that lets the in-group think of themselves as wholly good, holy, w/o any room for self-reflection or repentance.

This is a dangerous place for any Christian community to be. (And it usually comes from the top, as it did here, as the bishop - who decided to end his "voluntary" leave of absence - stated that the public mess was "a vicious spiritual attack of the enemy" acnatoo.org/acna-witnesses…

Specifically, the character assassination of one of the sexual abuse victims, @ladyjessicahaze, on account of the fact that she doesn't belong to the church is in my view the church failing to reflect the person of Christ, crouching instead in faux self-pity.

What if Joanna and other advocates are offering a gift to the UMD in helping them see blind spots and chances to grow and get this right? What if it's precisely because they're not in the system that they can see and speak truth that those inside can't?

This hardened binary thinking - in/out, good/evil - feels like a spiritual community that refuses to grow up. That's a little too high on its own hype, as if God needs Rez and the bishop to return ASAP to do God's work of healing and redemption in the world.

I could say so much more, but I'll just note: the way Helen Keuning has written about her experience (esp. as the only woman of color on the BC) is powerful, humble, and admirable. I recommend starting here: acnatoo.org/acna-witnesses…