The news about our politicians and corporate high-ups is awash in allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and debasing conduct. The media daily confront us with the debate about whether this leader or that figure ought to resign from a political post, or ought to be fired from a visible position.
These stories raise up again the matter of human evil perpetually present in the world. They force us to open our eyes to the pain our misconduct can cause people around us, people who trust us to contribute to their thriving rather than to injure them with our desire.
At Sonlight Camp we take seriously the potentially damaging effect of poorly chosen words and actions. We train our staff to communicate in encouraging ways, and to confront negativity and bullying when it occurs. We insist that our staff be modest and sensitive to the already-overwhelming maelstrom of adolescence. We uphold policies that keep physical contact between staff and campers limited and appropriate. All of these things we affirm in the Spirit of Christ, who has called us to be kind, gentle, and compassionate so that everyone we meet may be blessed by our presence and ministry.
These practices form part of the foundation of our own ministry. But presently the news daily confronts us with others who may not adhere to the same principles and boundaries. And the world, as it so often does, calls for aggressive condemnation of those accused.
Part of Sonlight’s values, which we talk about together with the Board of Directors at our meetings, is an optimistic approach to people. We assume the best until we have direct evidence otherwise. We assume that signs of difficulty are signs that the Spirit is working in us to make us better, to help us chart a course that will lead to our growth, or to uproot something in us that needs to be set aside. We approach our working relationships—and the relationships with our campers—not with a spirit of condemnation, but a spirit of reconciliation and life. This approach grows out of our redemption in Christ: We are all sinners, redeemed in Christ and living a life of rehabilitation for the kingdom of God. Claiming this path for ourselves requires offering it in grace to others.
But the world is out for blood. Without access to the complete story, millions will weigh in on accusations against political leaders and prominent figures. They will ignore the fact that there exist courts in which the actions of these leaders and figures are tried. Forgotten will be the assertion, essential to the American legal system, that the accused is to be reckoned innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Forgotten in the frenzy of perverse finger-pointing will be the fact that elected officials serve or step down according to the votes of their constituency, and elections are part of due process. Forgotten even in Christian circles will be the teaching of Christ that wrongdoing should be dealt with conscionably within the local Christian community (Matthew 18:15-20).
In the face of this terrible forgetfulness, Sonlight will continue to offer truth, compassion, and justice as Jesus calls us to practice them. We will teach the righteousness of proper conduct that loves God and neighbor in concrete ways. We will affirm the grace and mercy offered first to us, and then offer it to others. We will insist upon the justice that confronts evil with love and seeks the redemption of the world.
We have found that the solution to rumors of evil in the world is not quick condemnation, but grace, compassion, and a willingness humbly to seek the truth and the will of Christ. For our campers, who constitute the next generation of voters and viewers to be exposed to the venom of this world, we hope that Sonlight may continue to be a place where the peace and goodness of God serve as a blessed antidote.
~ emrys tyler
Co-Director