Church Proposes Bylaws Restricting Members’ Speech

[Matthias]

A story from my X / Twitter feed this evening.

“An Arkansas Baptist Church, under fire for alleged cover-up of sexual abuse, has devised a new way to control negative publicity - forbid members from speaking anything with ‘(negative) intent’ in public. …”

(Josh Shepherd, “Embattled Southern Baptist Church Proposes Bylaws Restricting Members’ Speech”)

x.com

x.com

Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

 

[Matthias]

A church that would strip its membership of freedom to speak is, imo, on the wrong path.

 

[Bob]

Thank you for your post.

On the one hand: it makes sense for any congregation to have members raise concerns within the congregation, rather than publicly. In principle, however, this church should have procedures dealing with and correcting internal abuses (Matthew 18:15-17).

On the other hand, if members have been frustrated in the church’s lack of response in cleaning house, they might try public shaming to force the issue, realizing there will be consequences to them as well as the congregation.

Whether the church is right or wrong in prohibiting the public airing of alleged misconduct, they will need to contend with the consequences of their rules.

Over to you, Catholics!

Peace and blessings.