REDEMPTION CORNER
Redemption FOR CHILD MOLESTERS?
By Family and FaithMagazine Contributor, Indi Mclymont Lafayette
J
amaicans are an interesting people.
We have a hierarchy of sins - which
though not conforming to biblically sound
principles – is observed by many Jamaicans.
One of the worst sins you could commit in
Jamaica is that of molesting a child – that
ranks worse than murder (it may sound bad
but with our high murder rate we sometimes
don’t pay too much ‘mind’ to murders and
murderers unless it is particularly gruesome.)
We are more sensitive to crimes committed
against children, especially those of a sexual
nature.
Case in point, that of the pastor who was
arrested for allegedly having sex with a minor
recently. . That sparked a furor in Jamaican
society as the story unraveled to reveal that he
had been providing financial assistance to the
girl’s family in exchange for sexual favors from
her and her siblings. Public condemnation
ran high and his principal friend also found
herself in ‘hot water’ for bailing him.
I watched the numerous calls for her to be
fired for her association with him and I started
wondering about how we respond to persons
who commit the ‘worst’ of sins?
The message I was getting from the saga is
that once you are accused of a sin of a sexual
nature everyone should immediately abandon
you – even before you go to court and a verdict
is passed. Now don’t get me wrong – I am by
no means suggesting that persons should not
be punished for their crimes and I know that
some of that will mean losing the love, respect
and support of family and friends.
However I was just struck by the instant
condemnation for the pastor and the
headmistress for associating with him. I know
there are many layers to this case but I could
not help wondering like Bob Marley, “Is there
a place for the hopeless sinner who has hurt
mankind?”
How do we treat child molesters, murderers
and persons who commit heinous crimes?
How should we treat them? Should we throw
them into the pit? Or can they be redeemed?
Is it even worth the effort?
What does redemption even mean anyway?
One definition is that of saving or being saved
from sin, error or evil.
But what does that look like practically?
Is it ensuring that the offender’s basic human
rights are respected? The offender’s right to
life for example. Many Jamaicans will tell you
‘child molester fi dead.’ They may passionately
proceed to give you details of how that death
should be enacted. Jamaicans do not like
to talk about ‘forgiveness and redemption’
for persons who commit certain crimes.
Note I said forgiveness and redemption not
non-punishment. Forgiveness after all does
not excuse wrongdoing. Moreover, while those
who were directly offended can forgive, it does
not preclude the responsibility of society and
the state to execute justice.
As it pertains to the Church, I am still waiting
specifically to see how it responds to the
increased cases of pastors and leaders being
arrested for sexual offences against minors. At
least four cases have been in the media since
January 2017. Will church people address the
‘betrayal’ of leaders? Will time be spent trying
to restore these leaders even while they face
the consequences of their actions?
Or will we do like we normally do and sweep
it under the rug – refusing to talk about it –
turning the ‘blind eye’ because we don’t want
to face the issues it will expose. On the other
hand, can there be redemption if the offender
is locked away from society but society’s
enabling culture is not addressed? An enabling
community that knows for example that the
pastor has a history of molesting young girls
but no one says anything. Whatever reports are
made to the church are ‘hushed up’ and the
offending pastor is sent to another location but
the issue i s not addressed.
Many in the church are hurting and grappling
with the pain of their ‘fallen leaders.’ A clear
understanding and application of redemption
and forgiveness which also take into account
justice and restoration for the victim is now
more relevant for healing than ever before.
Note: Chris Brodber presents a clear
understanding of redemption on page 14
and 15. Check it out.
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