Throughout the political landscape in the U.S. there are members of Congress and government officials whispering that they cannot talk about what’s actually happening behind the scenes in our nation “for fear of retribution.” I was hoping that one of my own Senators – who is not running for re-election – might use this opportunity to be bold and speak the truth when he sees tyranny and cruelty. Nope.
The Church of Jesus Christ has been diminished and broken by our history of Church Abuse which is often based on “the fear of retribution” and I’ve seen it in living color.
- Priests who don’t report child abusers for fear of financial, legal, and systemic consequences.
- Children who don’t disclose abuse for fear of disappointing someone/standing up to a powerful person their parents respected and/or God.
- Staff members who don’t report rampant bullying or corruption for fear of losing their jobs, especially when the bully controlls future employment as well as current employment.
- Church members who don’t stand up for what’s right and faithful for fear the congregation would split.
Imagine you are at a meeting and the leader declares something that is absolutely untrue. What do you do? Say nothing (but chat about it with others after the meeting)? Say nothing and go along with what the boss says. Stand up and correct the misinformation?
It takes faithful courage to speak the truth when retribution is a real threat. Especially in these days for our government officials, speaking the truth could not only get your fired; it could cost bodily harm.
Fear of retribution must never be part of any church’s culture, but sadly it is more prevalent than we’d like to admit. The cure for this – I believe – is trusting the power of God more than we fear the power of leaders/bullies/bosses/colleagues. It only takes one person to stand up to the bully. But it’s so much easier when several people stand together.
Image from the Liam Neeson movie “Retribution” (2023) which is not about employment issues.
A Church for Starving Artists 
Thank you for the thoughts about retribution and speaking out. I have served the PCUSA as an ordained Minister since 1991, and have seen and experienced such occurrences. And yet, I, too have been guilty of the fear that a system can create. I have also attempted to stand up, speak out and have been the victim of gaslighting, bullying, etc. However, in these days, I am saddened to continue to see evidence of such things in our own denomination. The foundations of our faith seemed to be only written words for some of our leaders. God is in control. Let us trust God.
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Such a compelling reminder that no one in the church should ever feel afraid to speak up or seek help. When fear replaces grace, community fractures. But where there’s safety and trust, love grows—and hearts are free to heal.
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church bullies have been present for the entire life of the church – at all levels. Wherever we allow bullying, we promote fear of retribution
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