Local autonomy: can we be consistent regarding boundaries?

[Jonathan]

A conversation I had this afternoon has caused me to consider whether the threads on sexual abuse and the threads about the trouble at Bellevue are bookends.

It appears that the actions of both Christa and the Memphis deacon (+ the small group who seem to be supporting his concerns) are very similar, if not almost identical. Christa is applauded for pursuing this issue via avenues outside the church (I join in this approval and can't see that I would do differently if I found that my daughter had been similarly abused - actually, there is a good possibility that my actions would result if my hearing the words "Mr. Jonathan, you have the right to remain silent..."). Yet, many are calling what the Memphis deacon did as damaging, evil, wicked, improper, not in keeping with the biblical standards of church discipline, etc...

What, then are the boundaries for local autonomy? I read much of Christa's website and a great deal of the info in the many links she has there and if even a fraction of what she states/refers to is true, there has been a clear cut case of "pastor protecting pastor at all cost". Yet, I am seeing the same type of action regarding BBC's pastor (the men uttering the descriptions of the deacon to me have all been pastors). In fact, the similarity struck me when I asked one of these pastors (a long time beloved friend of mine) something like, "what if the deacon's allegations regarding Gaines are true?" His first answer was something on the order of "non-members of BBC need to keep their noses out of that; it ain't your church; any outside interference is a compromise of local autonomy". His second answer was, "if Gaines is guilty of these actions, God will deal with him appropriately."

I'll call my friend tomorrow and ask him if the same applies to Christa's case and if not, why.

I struggle with the temptation of taking an atttitude that says, "since pastors (from different churches) routinely discuss internal church matters as a way to gain assistance, advice, counsel, why is it less appropriate for members to do essentially the same thing (albeit via different avenues)?"

[Haruo]

[Cathy]

[Kaye]

[Jonathan]

[Kaye]

[jerryl]

[Kaye]

[Lamar Wadsworth]

[jerryl]

[Ed Pettibone]

[Kaye]

[Dave Roberts]

[William Thornton]

[jerryl]

[Kaye]

[Dee Ann Miller]

[Dee Ann Miller]

[jerryl]

[Dee Ann Miller]