SPIRITUAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLNESS- Bullying by CLERGY Part 2.

Well, based on the number of visits to my blog last month (over 400), I have concluded that this subject is one of interest and there is a significant number of people who have been victims of abuse by people in authority. Therefore, this post is a sequel on the subject.

 Awareness is the first step toward stopping the injustice and humiliation caused by bullying in the home, school, workplace, and yes, the church. I believe sharing information on the subject of bullying is helpful in this regard. What I am sharing includes real life experience, even more authentic than Reality T.V.

I recently read this concise description of the tactics used in the art of bullying. I used the word art because bullying is not a reaction or simply an emotional outburst. It comes from a personality disorder and it is well orchestrated. The bully gets his/her kick from the energy of planning and executing the scheme. This behavior ultimately meets an unmet need in his or her life in an abnormal way. Maybe a more accurate term to use would be “science” instead of “art,” since it is something that tuned with precision as it progresses. Like Psychology, whether you call it an art or a science it is nevertheless a reality. The following  is a very accurate description from my experience of dealing with a bully and witnessing it being played out on former colleagues.

" - the bully can use threats, insults, and taunts, whispers, stories and lies. They sound convincing and soon get the support of others. You are left out of their circle of friends, events, community and make you feel unwanted to the point you feel you don't belong …"

Have you encountered someone using these tactics? If the answer is yes, you most likely have encountered a bully.

You may be aware of someone who is being bullied or a victim yourself of this evil. Perhaps you are considering blowing the whistle on the bully. Let me tell you upfront it can be costly. What I am about to share is not intended to deter you from taking action but to inform you of what I have personally witnessed.

As in the case of reporting abuse and sexual assault, you will face the risk of not being heard, not taken seriously, be pressured to recant, facing a public battle causing you to relive the experience over and over again. You will have to face the wrath and rejection of the bully’s supporters which will include colleagues and even people in positions of authority who rather cover it up for personal or organizational gain or just do not have the will to stand up for the cause of justice. Last but not the least of my personal observations, all of which I witnessed, is being let go from your position.( Two Pastors whom I know personally experienced the latter just recently.)  In the church setting, this is done in the name of the Lord and in the pretense of “Love”. What a mockery.  May the Lord have mercy on their souls!

If you intend to try and expose a bully I offer the following advice:

It would be wise to first of all confide in people you can trust. Surround yourself with people who will give you moral and spiritual support and other resources that you will need. Do not try to bear it alone.

If you weigh the cost and take the risk and the result is not what you hoped for, let me tell you there is satisfaction in knowing you did what you could and one day someone else will reap the results of your sacrifice because you dared to stand up and speak up for the sake of justice.

Christian denominations have in their ranks, radicals that can be as dangerous to society as the extremists in non - Christian religions that propagate terror. We need to be aware of such tyranny at home, especially those in the pulpit, who use their position and title to “cover up” a multitude of sins

I hope what I have shared in these two posts on Bullying by Clergy will in some small way contribute to winning the battle against tyrants who bully, and who operate in the religious realm of the church with their worldly politics and business models that bring a reproach to the Gospel.
All abusers, including the bully dperate on a level so low that the snakes stand tall and have in common with the snakes the fact that they are just as slippery and equally as dangerous.

Researching and writing on this subject has been a form of Therapy for me as I recover from the trauma inflicted on me from what I saw, heard and handled in my resolve to stand up and speak up against such eyewitnessed abuse in a church.

I hope you will resolve to do the same.  There is no place, especially in the pulpit, for such pious, pompous, arrogant, self-righteous and self-serving individuals. If you have assumed that I have no regard for bullies and those who condone and tolerate them, than you are absolutely correct.

I conclude with a quote from   Micah 6:8.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Until next time,

God Bless!

Pastor Harold.