Why should we call it abuse? Aren't we talking about men and women who are capable of choosing right from wrong? The answer to that is both yes and no. It is true that we've had many years to grow from childhood to adulthood... plenty of time to learn how to make proper choices. But... that doesn't mean we've had the time and experience to learn how to reject improper sexual advances from those in a position of power... especially from those in the role of spiritual leader.The church is thought of as a safe place, where God has appointed others to instruct us. The pastor has our automatic trust. If that trust is betrayed through improper sexual contact, it can destroy a person's relationship with God. After all, in a way, this person represents God.
The huge imbalance of power between a pastor and a parishoner negates any possibility of mutual consent in a sexual encounter. The imbalance built into the relationship must always be considered abuse.

1 comment:
This is an excellent description of why it is abuse. Thank you so much for posting this.
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