I can understand where Dave is coming from. The legal system has dealt with many more sexual harassment/abuse/rape cases than has the typical church or denomination (with possible exception of the RCC , but that is not what we are talking about here). They are better equipped to deal with investigations, charging, judicial due process, and penalties.
BUT
Perhaps Ed has these statistics (or more likely his own life learning experiences) in mind.
Source and more info/statistical methods :
Perpetrators of sexual violence are less likely to go to jail or prison than other criminals.
4.6 incarcerations out of 1000 rapists go free
20 incarcerations out of 1000 robbers go free
33 incarcerations out of 1000 assault/battery perps go free
I’m sure that there are false cases of rape reported; but I’m also sure many of the guilty walk free.
With such a record, why should we rely on the police/legal system? Can churches do it better?
This is a close call but I guess I would say:
Churches should suspend any staff member who has a credible case levied against him/her and then hand the case over to the police/legal system to see what will happen there. But the church has to make the decision to suspend (and may have denominational guidance to assist in those decisions). And the church / denomination has to make the decision to reinstate the accused if the legal system does not incarceration. I not sure know “damage to the church's” reputation can be muted in these decisions.
I any case I would hope the church would play a redemptive role to both the accuser and accused.
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Ed, I do not see where the (not OATS) in Louisville has any special advice for the issue here (minister’s sexual misconduct) among the 100’s of webinars, videos, books or resources that they offer.
Informed by Data.
Driven by the SPIRIT and JESUS’s Example.
Promoting the Kingdom of GOD on Earth.