No honourable newspaper should delight in airing dirty laundry in public. This is particularly true of a Christian one. Not only because every believer is a sinner saved by grace alone (1 Tim. 1:15), but also because Christ himself gave clear steps for how local church gatherings should deal with scandalous sin (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:4-5). en is not a church. Yet, as a newspaper, which represents many evan-gelical constituencies, there is a responsibility to call to attention influential individuals who fall (2 Thess. 3:14), lest we fall ourselves (Gal. 6:1, 1 Cor. 10:12), and to do so with a deep humility (Luke 18:9-14). This is particularly important given our society’s rightful and increasing sensitivity to the wickedness of abuse, and the sinfulness of those who cover it up.
On Saturday 22 June, the front page of The Daily Telegraph sadly reported the Revd Jonathan Fletcher, 76, had been ‘stripped of his Church powers by the Bishop of Southwark following complaints made to the London church where he used to be minister.’ This ban included permission to officiate and preach due to ‘spiritual abuse’ of vulnerable adults.
Well-known evangelical Anglican church Emmanuel Church Wimbledon, where Fletcher presided for thirty years (1982-2012), responded the next day. It confirmed that, although no police action had been taken, they were ‘appalled and saddened by what had been disclosed [to them in recent months]’ and had taken their own steps to ensure that Fletcher was prevented from ministering. Various websites and news outlets subsequently speculated on misdemeanours committed and past links with other disgraced vicars.
Last Word: wisdom
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