“Oh, He Has Repented!”

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

How many times have I heard this claim: “Oh, he has repented!” when I asked for accountability concerning a perpetrator? Churches are more than happy to tout the victories, the good news, and the names of illustrious Christian leaders. But when those same men get embroiled in scandals, everyone goes mum.

If a Christian leader has spoken at conferences, traveled the world, led large ministries, and has had a very public influence, it only makes sense that, when they sin gravely, they should stand before the same audiences, confess, and apologize. The church should know, not to judge or vilify, but to be informed.

Toxic positivity, pride, and deceit stop churches from holding these men (yes, they are pretty much always men) accountable. I have also heard the following excuses: we want to protect their family. What about the victims and the people affected by the sin? I have also heard: we don’t want to hurt their business or their reputation. Sadly, I have never heard anyone mention the impact on the church members.

What hurts more? Someone sinning or someone hiding their sin? I believe that, if someone is honest, open, humble, and genuinely sorry, the church will offer forgiveness and grace. But there needs to be accountability, not just crocodile tears.

What tends to happen is the following scenario (I have been around long enough, and I have heard enough stories, that I have noticed a pattern): a well-known preacher is caught in sin (adultery, clergy sexual abuse, embezzlement, or worse). These men rarely volunteer to confess their sins; they are usually caught. Said preacher is confronted by a small circle of men who are friends with him already. He confesses, sometimes fully, often a half confession, claims to be sorry, cries a few tears (maybe), and that is the end of the matter. There may be a letter or a statement to a limited audience, something vague enough that it raises more questions than not, and usually ends up doing more damage than helping.

The inner circle “dealing with” the sin often does not even bother to talk to the victims. They take the perpetrator’s word for it. They trust and protect him because he is part of their clan. They close ranks.

The people who caught the sin in the first place, and the ones who inevitably find out later, as well as the victims in cases of abuse, feel understandably let down, betrayed, and deceived. What should happen is a public confession to the same crowds that leader used to preach to. He owes it to the church members. He enjoyed the adulation; now he should be honest and transparent.

People are not asking for all the gory details, but they want honesty. They also do not care for fake tears. They want contrition. And that leader should be removed from his leadership role, followed by therapy and much healing time. Anyone who is allowed back in leadership shortly after being caught in serious sin is bound to cause more harm. It is also a slap in the face of the church.

I believe there are disqualifying sins. If someone has been a perpetrator of clergy abuse, embezzlement, or sexual abuse, they should stay away from leadership for the rest of their time on earth. Those are serious issues and breaches of trust. Not every sin is disqualifying, but some are, in my opinion.

This is not about humiliating, shaming anyone, or assassinating someone’s character. It is about accountability and justice, pure and simple. No drama. Just integrity. Can we do that?