However, if the allegations are demonstrated to be true, then it suggests that sexual predators and religious hypocrisy may be hiding behind religious cloaks.
The allegations raise serious issues that have long been ignored within much of the religious community. While many have singled out the Catholic Church, few have been willing to shine the same light within other religious denominations. For far too long, such scandals have been swept under the religious carpet among other denominations and rarely discussed either within or without the church.
Last weekend, Long publicly discussed the charges for the first time. Although in written statements Long strongly denied the charges, his public address to more than 8,000 members fell short. In a sermon followed by a press conference, Long stated:
“It will be tried in the court of justice, and dealt with in the court of justice. I feel like David, against Goliath, but I’ve got five rocks, and I haven’t thrown one yet.”
As I write this, it appears there may be as many as 30 other young men who have been identified who are willing to make similar charges. If these allegations are deemed true, then this might just be the tip of the iceberg.
Such allegations strike at the very core of the Christian faith and call into question the very tenets of forgiveness, redemption and the human condition. At the very core of the Christian faith is the idea that we all have been called from a life of sin to a life free from sin. At the core of the Christian faith is the idea that we are to be examples of what is good, honorable and just.
Fortunately, the core of the Christian faith also recognizes that we are all flawed creatures, and that we are essentially works in progress. Hence the dilemma of Christianity is that, while we are called to be examples of good, we are often still struggling with what has been called sin.
Sin, as remarked by Eric Butterworth, may be viewed as “self-inflicted nonsense.” In this regard, sin is how many shot themselves in the foot. As Christians, we believe that we are all prone to sin. But when such sin is perpetrated, encouraged and hidden by religious dogma, then the very core beliefs of that religion are subject to charges of hypocrisy.
Going further, when sexual abuse and harassment are perpetrated by those high in the religious hierarchy, then the response by the religious community must be quick, certain and unambiguous.
If Long used his office as pastor to reward, encourage and/or hide such abuse, then he has defiled his office, abused his position and brought ridicule and shame not only to the young men involved, but to his congregation as well.
While the Christian doctrine calls for both forgiveness and redemption, it first calls for contrition and confession.
Finally, even if such a contrite confession is provided, and even if both forgiveness and redemption are forthcoming, the question of consequences cannot be ignored. That is to say, if the allegations against Long are judged true, then there should be restitution, rehabilitation and reparations to the young men who have been harmed. After this, the church and its members must decide if Long can effectively still preside as their spiritual leader.
Failure to seriously consider these allegations by not only the courts but also the church would further victimize these young men and turn a blind eye to sex, lies and predatory behavior. Failure to hold a bishop, pastor or anyone accountable for such horrendous crimes and abuses is religious hypocrisy.
Rodney D. Coates is a professor of sociology and gerontology at Miami University. He can be reached at coatesrd@muohio.edu.