The Millstone

Jesus had a solution for religious leaders

who would do children harm

and prevent them from knowing

Jesus' love for them.

It involved a millstone, a rope,

and the deep blue sea.

Jesus also had a solution

for men who would harm women

and religious leaders who would

excuse the men

while blaming the women

for being harmed.

It involved sharp blades

and removing the body parts

used to do harm.

Jesus made it clear, over and over:

there was no place

for religious leaders

who would do harm,

or excuse harm done,

or allow harm to be done,

in His Kingdom.

These worthless hired hands

cannot be trusted

by the Good Shepherd

to safeguard the flock.

One of the greatest systemic evils in the Church

Is not just the perpetrators of sexual abuse;

But the layers of leadership

Knowing and complicit

In silencing the survivors

Protecting the perpetrators from accountability

And pricing institutional power and privilege

Over protecting the flock.

For these reasons

All Church leaders

Who knew about abuse

Or really should have known

And failed to take reasonable steps

To tell the truth

And hold perpetrators accountable

And protect others from harm

Must be permanently removed

From all leadership roles

Within the Church.

We dare not risk

Doing any less.