• Um, Jesus, No Touching

    August 13, 2008

    From the Associated Press:

    Ohio church: No kissing, tickling allowed

    CINCINNATI (AP) — The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has issued a detailed list of inappropriate behaviors for priests, saying they should not kiss, tickle or wrestle children.

    The newest version of the archdiocese’s Decree on Child Protection also prohibits bear hugs, lap-sitting and piggyback rides.

    But it says priests may still shake children’s hands, pat them on the back and give high-fives.

    I can hear the naysayers now, “This is just good advice. It’s godly wisdom. It’s ensuring that you don’t even have the appearance of evil.” And all that.

    Without launching into lengthy biblical defenses of just how mistaken those thoughts are, let me just say how sad this makes me. That the Church, the people of God called to demonstrate an alternative reality, would have to pass decrees curtailing innocent signs of love and affection.

    What has become of the Body of Christ when we can’t allows its spiritual leaders to give kids piggy-back rides? Sad.

    It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Gal. 5:1.

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    Posted in: bible, church, love

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Recent Comments

  • chris said...

    1

    I totally agree.  Inappropriate behavior is always inappropriate and more than likely occurs in private.  These rules only address appropriate behavior done in public.  They are treating the symptoms not the disease.

    08/13/08 5:36 PM | Comment Link

  • sarah christoph said...

    2

    this is sad! What if parents and teachers and other influencial people in children’s lives followed that example? (domino affect) Kids would be without needed affection. Also, I agree with Chris, this is not the disease.  But the new rules might be a disease!  reminds me of a U2 song…

    08/14/08 5:36 AM | Comment Link

  • Joshua Elek said...

    3

    Maybe the church could curtail the sex scandals by removing priests from office after they are found guilty of sexually abusing their congregations.  There have been far too many instances of sexually predacious priests being permitted to carry on their “ministries.”  Don’t stop innocent priests from doing innocent things, instead remove abusive priests.  Stop tolerating the behavior.

    08/15/08 3:05 PM | Comment Link

  • WanderingellimaC said...

    4

    as much as you think those thoughts are mistaken…we live in a world where these “simple” rights are too often taken advantage of. heck, we live in a world where a father can’t even walk down the street or travel with his young daughter anymore without it raising an eyebrow or suspicious look.

    08/16/08 2:51 PM | Comment Link

  • JR Rozko said...

    5

    Indeed – this is truly the world we live in.  This is precisely why it is so important for the Body of Christ to live out an alternative reality which corresponds to a different world.  Followers of Jesus need to conduct themselves in ways which scandalize the world we live in (love of enemies, forgiveness of the unrepentant, sacrificial generosity, and strong embraces of children) without any fear that others will be able to bring a charge against us other than – they love too much.  Rules and prohibitions are sure fire ways to ensure this never happens. 

    – High five kids, but don’t set them on your lap – what will people think? 

    – Pray for jihadists in the middle east, but don’t forgive them – what will people say? 

    – Give the homeless guy a buck or two – but don’t invite him into your house – what will people say? 

    I wonder why our fear of “what is something bad happens?” drives us more than a fear of “what if I fail to give and love as I have been given and loved?”

    08/16/08 10:01 PM | Comment Link

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