Thought For The Week 28 July 2024

The Abuse in Care Inquiry final report was released this week and the headlines didn’t look good for churches who ran institutions caring for children. The report noted that faith based organisations were as bad or worse at abusing vulnerable children highlighting particularly the Catholic and Anglican churches and Dilworth school. Our response might be ‘phew! It wasn’t us’! But this is the wrong response entirely. As Christians we are connected to the body of Christ in all its forms both present and past. Our wider community don’t make the distinction between our different denominations and so this report tars us all.

The important thing is how we respond. One way is to become defensive and separate ourselves from those who have been abusers or who have covered up abuse and              attempted to silence the victims. This is the wrong way to go. The teachings of Jesus compel us to stand with the powerless and lowly and of course there is a special mention of the high status of children in the kingdom of God. The appropriate response is to humbly and genuinely stand with the victims, confess together this grievous sin and cooperate with the process of reconciliation.

As an aid to that, the Timaru Christian Ministers Association will be hosting a short service of lament at the Caroline Bay Community rooms today at 2pm. I encourage you to attend if you’re able.

Catherine and I will be on leave until Monday 5 Aug. Please contact Rory for any pastoral needs that arise.

Nga manaakitanga ki a koutou katoa (Blessings to all)

Brent