Sexual misconduct amongst evangelical leaders: a practical theological reflection

A number of recent examples of sexual misconduct by prominent evangelical leaders has stimulated conversation regarding why Christian men exhibit such behaviours. This article adopts Osmer's practical theological method to analyse the phenomenon and suggest more faithful practice for the Church...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPractical theology Vol. ahead-of-print; no. ahead-of-print; pp. 1 - 14
Main Author Hussey, Ian
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Leeds Routledge 03.09.2023
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Accountability
Christians
evangelical
Exegesis & hermeneutics
gender
Hegemony
Justification
Misconduct
Osmer
Power
Psychology
Sexual misconduct
Wisdom
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Summary:A number of recent examples of sexual misconduct by prominent evangelical leaders has stimulated conversation regarding why Christian men exhibit such behaviours. This article adopts Osmer's practical theological method to analyse the phenomenon and suggest more faithful practice for the Church and Christian organisations. Resources for the practical theological activity include three recent prominent cases of sexual misconduct by evangelical leaders brought into dialogue with biblical resources and wisdom related to male hegemony, psychology, power and accountability. The research concludes that sexual misconduct is connected with a faulty hermeneutic, self-justification/rationalisation, power differentials, and the failure of accountability structures. It suggests that safeguarding principles be implemented in evangelical organisations to foster safer environments for members.
ISSN:1756-073X
1756-0748
DOI:10.1080/1756073X.2023.2168228