Christian churches have faced an onslaught of sexual abuse accusations, in particular credible accusations of child sexual abuse committed by priests, pastors, and others in authority within the Church. The response in nearly every church has been the same: allow the abuser to be forgiven and remain in the Church. The victim faces intense pressure to forgive and forget. Justice for the victim is rarely considered let alone pursued. Is this what Scripture proscribes? No. Deanna Christian and Wendy Hoke have put forth a compelling argument based on Scripture that the Church is failing to follow explicit teachings regarding sexual abuse involving Church leaders and the most vulnerable victims. Their failures are in direct opposition to Biblical commands. The Bible, both old and new testaments, are clear on how to address these sins. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians of the need to expel sesxually immoral bretheren, for their own good and for the good of the church. Deanna Christian and Wendy Hoke make a cogent Biblical argument for the need to stand with the oppressed and against the wicked, to sniff out wolves in sheep’s clothing, to ensure that our churches are shelters rather than storms. This is a timely book, addressing a problem that, unfortunately, has arisen time after time in church after church.
-Dr. Tom C. Hunley, author of Adjusting to the Lights.