Publication Date
4-2024
School
Helms School of Government
Major
Criminal Justice
Keywords
clergy sexual misconduct, restorative justice, code of silence, forgiveness, purity culture
Disciplines
Criminology and Criminal Justice | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Lau, Skya, "Christian Code of Silence: The Church’s Current Response to Clergy Sexual Misconduct and Potential Improvements Utilizing Principles of Restorative Justice" (2024). Senior Honors Theses. 1410.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1410
Abstract
The prevalent and pervasive issue of clergy sexual misconduct within the Christian church has been perpetuated under a code of silence through the use of perverted Scripture to support its tactics. By departing from biblically aligned principles, and silencing the victims and protecting the offenders, the church’s current response has detrimental effects, calling into question the moral standing of the church. However, by practically implementing the principles of community, accountability, and forgiveness found in restorative justice and interpreting them through a biblical lens, the church can begin to improve their response. In dismantling the code of silence, the church can restore its integrity and provide adequate support for victims through acknowledging the criminal wrong, church leadership accountability, and appropriate dialogues supporting self-acceptance and self-compassion.
