POCKET SERMON 4: "I'LL SAY IT IF NOBODY ELSE WILL"--A Prayer For Those Abused By Clergy

POCKET SERMON 4:   I'LL SAY IT IF NOBODY ELSE WILL by Reverend Barbara Sexton

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I understand.


I understand that church is not such a good place for everyone.


I understand that there are people who hate Christian clergy--priests, ministers--and those who support them--Christian Ed teachers, church officers, secretaries, choirmasters, sextons, deacons, and all other faith community predators.


I understand that.


I understand that some have been hurt and are now very, very angry.


I understand that Christmas-time can be horrible and that the holidays can only make things worse.


I understand that victims of clergy abuse are called 'liars', are scared and dread church.


I understand that these victims are deliberately made to feel helpless and guilty of something themselves.


I understand the grotesque self-righteousness that masks evil, usually sexual, intent on innocent victims, usually children.


I understand the self-imposed immunity bad clergy and their support staff claim when they 'get caught'.


I understand the cover-ups, the lies, the belittling, the intimidation that infuriates victims of abuse by clergy and their support staff.

I understand that successfully indicting and convicting bad clergy and their support staff is very difficult and sometimes impossible.


I understand the transfers and the covered-ups and other cowardly acts the guilty are prone to.


I understand that victims of abuse by clergy and their support staff, besides being labeled as 'liars', are often totally ignored.


This makes me more than just angry. Isn't it interesting who the 'father of all lies' really is?
These are the words of Jesus."You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44 (NIV)

I understand that abusive clergy and their support staff feel they are above reproach merely because of their 'lofty positions' and claims that they represent a certain type of modern 'theology'.


Talk about hypocrisy.  The abusers lie to themselves as much as they do to others.


Let them.  They can't lie to God.


Their downfall is assured.

Abusive clergy and their support staff can't hide from God. "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."Revelation 21:8 (NIV)

God will never forsake those who are innocent and abused.


I need to remind you that there will be an accounting someday, unlike any other. Until then, I am here to speak plainly and work for the abused as I always have.

Before all the Christmas Glee takes hold of people's mentalities, I also want you to know that I understand and am continuing to work for justice for you in the church community and  worldwide--small as I am--but now as clergy myself.

 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.   Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."  Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

PRAYER:


If I could have one gift, I would pray for all victims of abuse at the hands of bad clergy in church settings and elsewhere to be vindicated, comforted, and to be assured that they are not forgotten, they are not forsaken and they are never alone.  Let us all be witnesses to your splendid healing for these betrayed ones.  Please, God, give clergy abuse victims what they need to get on with life and to overcome their terrible violations  and to be able to trust in You and your workers, again, in safety.   Let those who live in fear, hatred and loathing know them no more, especially in a religious setting.   Acknowledge those who are your dear children and remind them that they will be so, forever.  Lord, let them truly feel as a CHRISTMAS MIRACLE how much you want them BACK into Your life and Your arms--NOW!  Send your ANGELS and SAINTS to console and direct those who are wronged and hurt, those abused by clergy and their enablers...Please do whatever it takes!  Refresh these precious souls this Christmas season, and forever, as a most special gift, I pray.  AMEN..........Reverend Barbara Sexton  November 30, 2009