“The church does not have legal immunity in cases of crime. When a sexual crime takes place in the church, the assailant must be urged to repent, as well as being punished by the law.”
Prof. Kim Eun-hye of Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary emphasized this point during a discussion gathering titled “How should the Korean church practice sexual ethics?” held on November 2 at the Korean Christian Ecumenical Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, by Korea Church Women United (KCWU; president: Elder Kim Ga-eun).
In her presentation “Sensible sexual ethics for our age,” Prof. Kim said, “When churches do not deal properly with sexual violence but instead cover it up, downplay it or keep silent about it, the result will be second and third incidents, and continuing damage.”
Particularly in cases of sexual crimes by pastors, these often are committed through the abuse of their high rank and influential power. Kim said, “Such pastors are abusing their power and the status entrusted to them to care for the souls of their congregation, as they commit sexual violence repeatedly and in secret. It is extremely difficult for the victims to reveal what is going on, due to the pastor’s status and the social prejudice within the church.”
Kim underscored the need for churches and denominations to enact regulations strictly punishing crimes of sexual violence, and to provide counselling and physical and spiritual healing. Currently, only the Korean Methodist Church and the Jesus Korea Holiness Church define sexual aberration as subject to punishment. The specific regulations of these two denominations, however, refer to extramarital affairs and homosexuality, rather than to forcible sexual crimes.
Kim also suggested that churches and theological seminaries should provide education on sexual ethics and gender equality, and be equipped with facilities for protection and healing of sexual violence victims.
Rev. Han Kuk-yeom of the Women Migrants Human Rights Center said, “The effective way to eradicate sexual violence at its roots is through legal punishment and strong disciplinary measures. Especially when a pastor commits sexual violence against a women believer, whether by physical force or emotional oppression, that pastor should be required to leave his sacred vocation.”
Reporter A-young Kim (singforyou@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)
Photo provided by KCWU
Original Article in Korean:
“교회 내 성폭력, 회개 촉구와 법적 처벌 병행돼야”: 한국교회여성연합회 토론회
“Sexual violence in churches demands both repentance and legal punishment”
2016-11-04 17:56
