I M Perfect lady

Each time the topic of sexual abuse arises within families of the FALC (first apostolic lutheran church), the first line of defense is "the church isn't to blame for the failings of individuals"…

It is like they can't bear to have their church lumped in with the abusive families….even IF the abusive families are members.  

Even if the foundation of the churches teachings go hand and hand with the agenda of the perpetrators.

The core belief is the "forgiveness of sins" and each time this subject comes up, there is one in the crowd who will remind us "there isn't a sin to big to forgive" or "all sins are to be forgiven".   Meaning, we will serve the abuser our forgiveness of the evil act he/she has done.

Secondly, the churches rules for women in particular is that their bodies are not their own.  They are unable to do with them as they please…for to do so is a sin.

Each family within the church structures their lives and homes to echo the teachings of the church….and yet when abuse enters, they want to sever the church from the sins.

If I felt to the depth of my being that the morals and values of the church honored and respected women and children, I would be less critical of the church when addressing abuse by its members.

It is my belief that most members of the church are 100% Christian. That their goal in life is to be compliant to the church at all costs.  Even the cost of innocent lives.

I know this will enrage and insult many.

I also know, that children within the church are suffering in silence due to this very strong belief among its members.

Their faith is first.

Always.

No matter what.

How dare you even attempt to smear its reputation.

Reputation for what, I ask?

We (those inside and outside of the church) need to start a constructive dialogue, but each time we begin, we are shut down.

The double edged sentiment that they are for the children is so hard to see and believe, when the first thing they defend is the church.

Is it possible to lay the church down and talk about abuse?

Is it possible to put aside the forgiveness of sins and talk about who did what to whom?

Is it possible for women who have been subjected to limited freedom to now stand up and walk and talk with courage?

The biggest hurdle is for them to lay down their faith and put aside their beliefs to enter into the arena of sexual abuse.

To see clearly and hear horrific truths about the members of their church.  Can they?

Members of their families…extended families, folks they share a pew with each Sunday.

Will they place the title "Christian" on the ground and see the monsters?

My mother, EVEN after seeing her husband in an orange jumpsuit, STILL didn't want to hear about her husband; different than her ideal of him.

Denial is running rampant.

And, in my experience, the forgiveness of sins is a major contributor….for it wipes away reality so the abuser once again is a clean christian man/woman.

In order for the voices of the abused to be heard, the church and its agenda has to be set aside.  And, knowing this, makes it a huge fence that allows the abusers to abuse un-seen and un-reported.

Imagine?

When a victim of sexual abuse comes forth, will a church member hear or only defend their faith?

We the victims know what is important by what you defend.

When you come out of the gate with words of not wanting your church to be equal to the 'failings' of its members….

Faith wins and Victims lose.

Abusers wins and the abused lose.

And you cannot in good conscience say you are against abuse.

You are against anyone 'trashing' your church based upon the sins of its members.

Oh, and another thing, once I am again upon the soap box.

To say "abuse is everywhere, in every neighborhood and church…." 

To 'lessen' the impact that has when found in the christian families….incites me.

For sure the FALC doesn't own the sole market on abuse; but its numbers are staggering.  Incredible the lineage of families that have abuse weaved into their legacy.

And, if you understood the perfect climate for abuse, the church ranks very very high, due to is strict rules and lack of freedom for its member…plus that nifty wiping away mechanism for sins.

The Old Apostolic church "Elder Board" just recently told its members that it is "okay" to report abuse to the law.

Yes, that's right.

Has the FALC done the same?  Is it in the Greetings of Peace?

Just as you can't bear a discussion where your church/faith and beliefs are questioned, I can't find a way to discuss this without including it.

Hence the silences.

Who is willing to give up their long held beliefs for the sake of a child?

Oh, and here is the link to a blog that started this….

http://travelingev.com/2015/10/repressed-memories-of-sexual-abuse/#comment-10806

When you think of God's peace….think of what would bring a child peace.