May 26. 2022 – LABC Update

Family,

Sexual abuse by clergy and other faith leaders is a sad reality in many lives and many congregations. As the article linked below makes clear, there has long been a pattern of failure to to protect victims while enabling perpetrators in the Southern Baptist Convention.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/23/us/southern-baptist-sex-abuse-report.html

However, when it comes to these kinds of practices it is not just the Southern Baptists, the Roman Catholics or the Boy Scouts of America. And even though, in my humble opinion, traditions that emphasize male prerogative and submission to authority are more susceptible to abusive behavior, abusive behavior can manifest itself anywhere.

A congregational commitment to prevent all such behavior is one reason LABC has long practiced “Safe Church” polices like background checks, two adults present whenever minors and adults interact and ongoing training.

It is one reason that we are working diligently to be in compliance with AB 506 which became law in California in September of 2021. This law requires heightened levels of training, background checks and written policies for “youth service organizations,” of which most churches are. Pastor Carolyn is leading our compliance efforts.

I encourage you to read the Times article, to pray for the victims of abuse and support our efforts to be a safe church.

Pastor Jim

Tonight on LABC Zoom – Pastor Carolyn leads Together In Spirit at 6:00

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