The legal mandate to report abuse—whether it is on behalf of children, the elderly, the disabled, or those abused by authority/power—is our call as believers to protect the vulnerable. It is allowing the authorities to investigate and do their job. It is complying with the laws of the land, and it is walking along-side those who have been impacted with a sage affection. There is so much more to be said about ministering well to those who have been victimized, but it is essential that we understand that mandated reporting is pastoral care and wisdom. –Julie E. Lowe
Amen. Does it not ultimately fall under the broader theological principle of justice.
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Mandated reporting is 100% the right thing to do. It is also important to not focus on victimization but emphasize survival when caring for people who go through traumas. Great post 🙂
Excellent point, Zela. We tend to perpetuate victimization without preparing the victim to survive in the world.
Thank you for these posts, Uri. It is absolutely the obligation of anyone to report child abuse, but some are mandated reporters, including the clergy. Pastors do not have the training or ability to handle these things “in-house.” Yes, they must address the sin, but there is also a crime, and a victim, and the ripples of it go far, including into the soul of the person abused, who needs special care and attention but rarely receives it. I cannot understand why this is so hard for churches to understand, but apparently it is. Reformed Christians who love God’s law and who do not practice cheap grace should be at the forefront of dealing with this huge problem, but they are late to the game.
This is also a helpful resource from Julie Lowe: http://www.ccef.org/resources/video/helping-churches-deal-child-abuse
Thanks for this, Carmon. Some of these writers are involved in my certification process. I am thankful for them.