Bishop Long’s alleged sin is reprehensible. As is always the case, to the extent that his accusers’ claims are true, their families have been severely hurt and probably permanently damaged. And because few are trained to maneuver correctly through public scandals or devestating crises, the bishop, his household and support group are understandably mishandling this situation, which will deepen and extend the damage and in turn delay healing and recovery for everyone. In fact, all parties will multiply their pain by bringing to themselves new misfotune.

Hopefully, on this occasion, the church will finally mature on the issue of accepting that its layity, leaders and heroes all share a spirituall contaminated gene pool that naturally produces despicable, despotic, depraved behavior. So while she must always reject immoral actions, such conduct from within will cease to surprise her.  

My prayer is that God will give His gift of repentance and forgiveness to all hearts embroiled in this controversy. That He’ll also mercifully dispel fear, confusion and shame, as well as sovereignly intervene through miracles and competent, “spiritual” human beings.