EiC: Power and a Powerless Church

Our latest edition of Ethics in Conversation is called “Power and a Powerless Church: A Reflection Essay” by KLC’s own Michael Wagenman. The topic of the church and power is a key research area of Michael’s and he offers valuable insights in this new and very timely study.

While we might point fingers at any of the several horrifying cases of physical and sexual abuse committed by church leaders, this is far from being the whole of the problem, and Michael’s reflections cut much closer to home.
Much more widespread is the problem of spiritual and emotional abuse, and this is capable of being inflicted by Christians who hold on to any perceived lever of power – however small.

Michael’s in-depth reflection presents us with a much-needed challenge to consider that at the heart of the problem is a misunderstanding of what power itself is and a failure to embody service in the pattern of Christ.