Pilgrimage Ponderings
Sexual Ethics and the Beginning of Lent
Next week, every clergy person in our annual conference is required to attend a day-long sexual ethics workshop. There are 4 being offered around the state, and the language being used about these events is that attendance is "mandatory for appointment."
One of the questions that has been raised is this: "What if I have already attended one of these workshops before?" The answer is that attendance is mandatory for appointment. One of the complaints is that one of the workshops is being offered on Ash Wednesday, when many clergy have responsibilities at their local churches.
I understand the scheduling difficulties, but aside from that, I cannot think of a better time in our church calendar than the beginning of Lent for reflecting on this topic. I recently heard a presentation on domestic violence in our state, complete with the horrific statistics about how many women are abused by their husbands or boyfriends, and how few domestic violence cases actually involve physical threat to a man. Just this week I saw a CSI rerun in which similar statistics were quoted.
The reality is that our culture makes it easier rather than harder to objectify and demean women. And that reality means that even (male) clergy are at risk of making, at the least, inappropriate, and at most, harmful decisions regarding the women they pastor.
I recognize that there will be plenty of folks who read this and say that sexual ethics is not just about how we treat women, and that I should be addressing the issues related to women clergy. I am confident that all of these concerns will come out in the workshops. But the statistics regarding domestic violence against men by women are so small, that I think it is irresponsible to give them equal time.
If Lent is a time for Christ-followers to be in prayer and reflection about changes we feel called to make in response to Christ's life, crucifixion, and resurrection, then I think we have some important things to reflect on here.
Philip Chandler: On the road again this time in Anderson at the hospital my wife's mom and her health complications. Finally had some time to visit conference website(luxury) and see your blog notes. Thanks for the reflections on the upcoming clergy sexual ethics training and your recommended websites. (02/02/08)