A Silent Church

        Throughout the years I attended Calvary Temple there have been accusations and rumors of sexual abuse, especially child abuse. One major incident has been substantiated by copies of a report to the police, confirmation from a family member, and admission by the perpetrator. Unfortunately, the victims did not pursue the matter any further, and subsequently there has been a very long cover-up. In addition, other alleged incidents of sexual abuse have been hidden. The congregation may or may not know of these incidents but there were unsuccessful attempts by the victims to be heard concerning their abuse. In addition to sexual abuse there are reports of extreme corporal punishment (that leaves severe bruising and emotional distress beyond the needed "correction"). The perpetrators were able to "shut down" the investigations. As a result, young children have been pushed aside and unheard, allowing emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual harm that will affect them for the rest of their lives.  And we will be held responsible if we do not speak out against these evils.
       
The following is a link to an article by Boz Tchividjian addressing this problem.

http://boz.religionnews.com/2014/02/14/silence-abandonment-hurting-souls/


To the members of Calvary Temple:  As long as you continue to give of your time, finances, energies and attendance, you are supporting the wrongs that have occurred and continue to occur at Calvary Temple. 

If you once attended Calvary Temple and have left: you have an obligation to speak against the sins that have occurred and continue to occur at Calvary Temple. 

And to those in leadership that have left Calvary Temple (pastors, deacons, & captains):  you have the highest responsibility to speak against the evil deeds you not only knew of and have since learned of, but may have participated in.  


But everything exposed by the light becomes visible-and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.  Ephesians 5:13

From Matthew Henry Commentary on Ephesians 5:13 Filthy lusts must be rooted out. These sins must be dreaded and detested. Here are not only cautions against gross acts of sin, but against what some may make light of. But these things are so far from being profitable. that they pollute and poison the hearers....Dare we make light of that which brings down the wrath of God?...There are many ways of abetting, or taking part in the sins of others; by commendation, counsel, consent, or concealment. And if we share with others in their sins, we must expect to share in their plagues. If we do not reprove the sins of others, we have fellowship with them. 

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.  Isaiah 5:20

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

We have been silent too long.  Do not allow fear, apathy, or a desire "to just move on" keep you from speaking out.