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The problem as I see it (and this is just my observation) and what makes me weep, is the problem of sin allowed to continue in an organization that calls itself biblical or of God. It doesn't matter whether it is the RCC, Episcopalians, Methodist, UCC, SBC, Jewish, etc. It is absolutely clear throughout scripture, OT and NT that when someone is willfully sinning, having been shown that they are, they are to be put out of the assembly/church until/if they come to repentance, making no distinction between the flock and the shepherds. Otherwise, the whole flock becomes infected and led away from humbling themselves to God. It wouldn't take a whole lot of time to come up with at least 50 verses in context to show that. What should have happened when this was exposed by the Lord is a coming to repentance of all parties, to come together in Christ and so, sin abounded and continues to in many instances as the higher authorities are still trying to justify/rationalize/minimize, etc what happened. The Godly thing is a confession that leads to Godly repentance. That is what scripture teaches us.

The problem is not who were the victims or what the media said. The problem is not whether it is one priest or 10,00 priests. The basic problem here is that those who say they have God's spiritual authority over others are also sinning against God. It always boils down to sin - following our own way and not submitting to Him. And ones in authority above them did not follow God's will. Sin upon sin. If they know their bible, they know they are held to a higher standard and will be more accountable on that Day. But instead, things are covered up, hushed up, swept under the rug, or sometimes justified. And it isn't just the RCC, it happens in more organized churches/denomination than any of us care to imagine, especially in our own particular congregation. And Truth says that should be no suprise to us because they are man-made, man-run organizations. Sin will happen. We live in a fallen world. It doesn't matter what type of sin. All sin is against God. God's Word is The guideline on what to do when a leader sins against God and/or the flock and their is nothing in it that suggest these people should be coddled, excused, moved, etc.

I find it amazing (well, not really, the Word says it is our nature) that "leaders" will excommunicate people for things like divorce or not following their authority on things, yet turn their back on their own sins because they want the people to follow them, not God. Yet, this is nothing new under the sun - Miriam and Aaron did the same against Moses and others against Aaron. It is the effect of a fallen world. It just goes to show me that all churches/denominations, etc are subject to sin. It is a fallen world and if we are not abiding in Him, then eventually we will go our own sinful way.

I think the bottom line is that when any spiritual "leader" fails to be constantly humbling themselves to the obedience of the LORD, then they are no longer a leader of God's people, for they are now leading them into man's works, thoughts, etc. And leaders, unless they are humble people, having a desire to serve the LORD, become hardened and their pride won't allow them to admit they are wrong, and so come all the coverups, abusive authority and all that kind of nasty stuff. So what has happened with this "scandal" should really not suprise us but rather allow us to wake up and see that it is the Lord and His Truth that we must follow and not man. Thought by thought, deed by deed. It isn't about this "church" and whether you are for it, trying to excuse what they did, or against it, trying to show how bad they are.. shouldn't it be it is all about the Lord Jesus - whether we are submitting Him or going our own way? Shouldn't the issue really be about whether we defend man and their sin, or defend the Truth and stand on it?

In Jesus alone