Welsh tackle abuse scandals horror

Welsh Baptist ministers spent some time recently focusing on the pressing issue of ‘Abuse of power in the local church’.

Phil Swann (see photo) of Llanelli Evangelical Church opened up a topic which the Baptist Union of Wales admits is not often talked about but ‘can do great harm’ to both ministers and members. ‘Recent public cases have drawn attention to how church leaders need be more aware of the potential abuses of power within the local church and the damaging effect this can have on those caught up in such situations,’ it said.

Director of Mission Simeon Baker was very appreciative of what he believes was a ‘timely seminar’. ‘It was both challenging and thought provoking,’ he continued. ‘Phil reminded us that those power dynamics can be complex and have the potential to be misused for evil. The example of Jesus in John 13 is our clearest picture of what it means to follow in Christ’s footsteps. The temptation to use church leadership as an excuse or cover- up for controlling and coercive behaviour should be safeguarded against and avoided at all costs. In the discussion that followed there were questions around the dangers of weaponising Scripture, pastors working in isolation, and how a whistleblowing policy might be used to prevent the abuse of power in the church.’