Senthea Cross’ Post

My latest article in the Baptist Standard is live: "How Churches Can Respond to Abuse." This article builds a theology of abuse, helping church leaders engage this critical topic biblically. It also includes some practical first steps for creating safer spaces within our communities. ⛪🏛️ Read more and join the conversation here: https://lnkd.in/epCza9jh #PreventChildAbuse #FaithAndJustice #AbusePrevention

Last week I went to Peterborough to run an awareness raising session on issues related to spiritual abuse. I used a discussion guide “Safer Faith, Safer Followers” I prepared with funding from the Methodist Church. The working definition I used was: “Spiritual abuse takes place when an individual or group engage in coercive and controlling behaviour of others in a faith context. Religious beliefs and practices are used to justify behaviour and actions that are harmful to the victim. The victim of the abuse may not be aware they are being abused.” We talked about this definition, using it as a jumping off point for discussions rather than as something set in stone. We talked about scenarios, examples, issues, and concerns. We did not cover all of the ground I thought we might, but that did not bother me at all. This type of training is all about the journey rather than the destination. You might say the journey is the destination. The point is to raise awareness of the issues, to help people bring the risks and possibilities of spiritual abuse to the front of their minds, so that when something does not look or feel right, they feel sufficiently empowered and enabled to speak out. Time and again reviews into what went wrong report that people felt silenced or had not realised something was uncomfortable or inappropriate. It is imperative that everybody who is in any kind of leadership in a religious institution is aware of the power they hold and how they use it. The graphic below gives some ideas of what to pay attention to. I will continue to do my part in raising awareness of the issues. If you would like me to come and speak to a group you are involved with, then do get in touch.

In spiritual abuse, oppressors inappropriately bind the conscience of others to their own advantage to control them. Learn how a properly calibrated conscience resists spiritual abuse and leads us to true freedom. Who is the Lord of your conscience? How can we be courageous when facing powerful oppressors who can harm and hurt us? Read more here: https://bit.ly/3wRgbJC

Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and the spiritual head of the Anglican Church, has resigned over his role in covering for a sexual predator. ***** John Smyth was accused of attacking boys and young men he met at Christian camps in the 1970s and 1980s. He died in South Africa in 2018 at the age of 77 without ever facing any legal proceedings. "The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England," Welby said in a statement announcing his resignation. "For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done." ***** https://lnkd.in/gK78Fv8P The Anglican Church, like all churches, is run by men and women. As such, it is fated to be a flawed and imperfect institution. This is something that the heads of all churches, all religious institutions, and indeed all organizations do well to remember. No entity is immune from evil. Bad people and bad acts are always all around us, whether in a church or outside of it. No church should ever operate from a pretense of moral perfection or even moral superiority. There is no one on earth who may plausibly make such a claim. Accordingly, efforts to preserve a church's "reputation" or otherwise shield it from the consequences of scandal are both themselves sinful and wrong, but also doomed to failure. Whenever any individual is confronted by the evil actions of a person with influence and authority, be that person in a church, in government, or even in business, the right choice must always be to stand against such evil, never with it. Good cannot compromise with evil, and righteousness cannot compromise with sin. In all things and at all times, each of us is called to do the right thing. All of us are called to stand up for the weak and the vulnerable. None of us are called to sacrifice any person for the presumptive good of any institution. God does not trade flesh for virtue. Those who would lead should always lead with humility but also with devotion to principle--to God--more than to the institutions they propose to lead. Any other choice leads to ruin.

📣 Don't miss this free webinar with Catholic Relief Services and Georgetown University's . Register at the link below: "The phenomenon of preventable child-family separation is as old as time. Societal approaches to children at risk of losing parental care are largely informed by cultural beliefs and habits. Faith-based perspectives and responses are—and have always been—an important part of this equation. Christian faith communities have responded to child-family separation in various ways throughout history, contributing to both the propagation and prevention of child-family separation across time and contexts. The Faith and the Family Forum has considered this history in a series of webinars focusing on the theology of the child, children’s care and protection, and the Catholic Church’s role in child-family separation through the development and use of residential care worldwide, during American slavery, in Indigenous communities, and in migration policy and response. During this webinar, participants will consider how the Catholic Church is learning from this history; supporting vulnerable children, families, and communities; and helping to prevent unnecessary child-family separation. " https://lnkd.in/eScUz7RA

WIN for faith-based ministries in Michigan!🙌 Parents & families at Sacred Heart Academy are breathing a sigh of relief this week, after the 6th Circuit allowed the Catholic school’s legal case to move forward. Sacred Heart is suing to keep Michigan officials from enforcing a state law which would force it to either violate its faith or shut its doors. The law requires the school to hire faculty and staff who lead lives in direct opposition to the Catholic faith, to speak messages that violate Church doctrine, and to stop teaching certain Catholic beliefs. That’s unacceptable—and unconstitutional. “Government officials can’t target faith-based organizations simply for adhering to their religious beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel Bryan Neihart. In the same ruling, the 6th Circuit also allowed the case of Christian Healthcare Centers to move forward. This faith-based ministry provides high-quality, low-cost healthcare in western Michigan. State law would force the ministry to hire non-believing staff and to give treatments they believe to be harmful—such as cross-sex hormones—to their patients. Religious organizations MUST be allowed to serve their communities in line with their faith. When government makes them choose between their faith and their community service, everyone loses. We’re honored to represent both Sacred Heart and Christian Healthcare as these cases move forward. 🔗 LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/4ezmfGU

⚜️Why the Gospel Should Be the Church's Priority | A Biblical Perspective on Engaging the Younger Generation In an era of rapid change, the church faces both challenges and opportunities, particularly in engaging young people. The gospel of Jesus Christ - His life, death, resurrection, and offer of salvation - is crucial for the church's mission, informed by the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Here's why the gospel is essential and how it resonates with today's youth. Biblical Foundation and Transformative Power The gospel addresses the deepest human needs, reconciliation with God and each other (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). It solves the problem of sin (Romans 3:23-24) and sets a foundation for life marked by godly values (Micah 6:8). Biblical Social Justice True social justice in the Bible extends beyond secular definitions, focusing on righteousness in action (Isaiah 1:17), advocating for the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9), and embodying the teachings of Jesus (Luke 4:18-19). Engaging Young People Today's youth value authenticity, social justice, and community; core elements of the gospel: Authenticity: Young people seek transparent, genuine relationships. The gospel promotes a life of integrity (1 John 1:6-7). Social Justice: Many are driven to impact society positively. The gospel's call to love and justice (James 2:14-17) aligns with these aspirations. Community and Mental Health: The gospel fosters community (Acts 2:42-47) and offers hope, addressing mental health needs with a message of new identity in Christ (Philippians 4:6-7). Conclusion Prioritizing the gospel enables the church to meet the spiritual hunger of a generation seeking authenticity, justice, and community. Let’s commit to communicating this transformative message faithfully and compassionately. #GospelMessage #ChristianFaith #SocialJustice #YouthEngagement #ChurchMission #BiblicalTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #CommunityBuilding

Every Jewish parent & grandparent should read Mijal Bitton important article

🌿 Overcoming Stagnation in Church Communities 🌿 In any church community, periods of stagnation can occur where care and support seem to come to a halt. "Shepherding the Flock: Transforming the People of God into a Community of Care and Encouragement" by Paul A. Blake addresses this issue head-on, offering a roadmap to revitalizing our communities. Stagnation often leads to frustration and disillusionment, but it can also be a powerful catalyst for change and growth. This book provides insightful strategies for overcoming these challenges, helping us to understand what holds us back and how to move forward. By fostering a culture of genuine care and encouragement, we can break through the barriers of stagnation and breathe new life into our church communities. "Shepherding the Flock" equips us with the tools we need to create an environment where individuals feel valued and supported. It emphasizes the importance of intentional pastoral care and the transformative power of Christ's love in our interactions. Together, we can turn periods of stagnation into opportunities for profound growth and renewal. Order your copy of "Shepherding the Flock" today and embark on the journey to revitalizing your church community. #ShepherdingTheFlock #OvercomingStagnation #CommunityRenewal #FaithGrowth #ChurchCare Post 5: The Role of Empathy in Pastoral Care 💖 The Role of Empathy in Pastoral Care 💖 Empathy is a cornerstone of effective pastoral care. "Shepherding the Flock: Transforming the People of God into a Community of Care and Encouragement" by Paul A. Blake delves into the essential role of empathy in building a supportive church community. This book teaches us that to truly care for others, we must first understand their experiences and emotions. Empathy allows us to connect on a deeper level, offering comfort and guidance that resonates with those we serve. By listening with compassion and responding with kindness, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our community members. "Shepherding the Flock" provides practical advice on cultivating empathy within our pastoral roles. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and engage with the hearts and minds of those we shepherd. Through empathetic care, we create a church environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Join the journey of deepening your empathetic connection with your community. Order your copy of "Shepherding the Flock" today and learn how to make empathy a central part of your pastoral care.