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From The Pastors Corner

December 1, 2006

Dear Editor:

In recent years there have been a number of reports of failure among clergy in both the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches. There have also been many incidents of moral failure that have not been reported in the media but have been dealt with privately within congregations or denominations. It is hard to forget the failures of Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart and most recently Ted Haggard. We grieve over the reports of sexual abuse of children and same-sex relationship among Roman Catholic priests and Protestant Ministers. Although by God’s grace most of us have not committed these grievous sins the behavior of our fellow clergy affect all of us who identify ourselves as Servants of Jesus Christ. Most laymen do not distinguish between the different Christian denominations and so what one does reflects up all of us.

Therefore, on behalf of my fellow clergy I want to ask for the forgiveness of all who have been offended by the actions that have received publicity and those that have gone unnoticed. We are poor reflections of the Christ whom we serve. We fail to measure up to the standards that He has set for us in the New Testament. We have failed to be an example to our flock. We have been hypocrites who fail to practice what we preach. We have sought to please people rather than speak the truth that is clearly set forth in the Bible. We have expressed a proud judgmental attitude rather than one of love and humility. We have labored to maintain an institution and have neglected human problems like prejudice, injustice, disease and poverty. We are not able to say what was said by the Apostle Paul “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

(I Corinthians 11:1).

We therefore need your forgiveness, prayers and support. We need you to hold us accountable and to correct us when you see us going astray. We need you to remind us of our high calling and not to desert the church because of our failure. Jesus has not changed and He will not fail you even if those who are called to represent Him may fail. He came into this sinful world and paid the ultimate price for our sins on the Cross of Calvary so that forgiveness would be made possible. When we experience His forgiveness we are then able to forgive other also. I hope that many of you who read this letter will accept God’s forgiveness through Christ and extend that forgiveness to those clergy who have sinned. This does not remove anyone from facing the consequences of their sin, but it will keep you from becoming bitter and resentful. It will enable you to receive God’s grace and extend it to others. Thank you for giving this matter your consideration

Sincerely,

Dr. Tony Gibson

Pastor

Calvary Baptist Church

988 Post Road

Darien, CT 06820

203 655-0318