Theology – Authority, Mediation and Abuse

What can theology bring to a consideration of authority, mediation and asymmetrical relationships in the Church in the light of the abuse crisis? This is a question that runs throughout the course. In this area the focus has been on protocols and policies: legal, canonical, procedural, psychological, financial, sociological and cultural all factors that must be considered. The forgotten dimension, however, is the theology that informs our response as churches to this crisis. Within the Christian faith tradition there are theological resources that can be re-appropriated so as to bring life-giving insights. In order to access these, it is important that we acknowledge that abuse is not just wrong or sinful (of course it is) but that it profoundly wounds both those who are abused and the body of Christ. At its heart it is a profanation of the very person of Christ. It is Jesus himself who asserts this reality “whatever you do to the least … you do to me.” (Matt 25:40).