Decent and in Order
Conflict, Christianity, and Polity in a Presbyterian Congregation
Decent and in Order
Conflict, Christianity, and Polity in a Presbyterian Congregation
Description
This is a systematic study of how a congregational conflict involving allegations of sexual harassment and power abuse against a minister was seriously mishandled by church authorities. The conflict escalated to entangle regional and national authorities and worked its way into the civil courts. Stockton focuses on the interaction of organizational dynamics and ill-defined Christian concepts (such as reconciliation and discipline), showing that in conflict situations the ideals of pastoral care are squeezed by an organizational mentality. Key themes involve the role of women in the church, the complex question of sexual harassment, and the interface between church law and civil law. The narrative, which is based on interviews and official documents, captures the human dimensions of the story while simultaneously giving unique insight into congregational disputes and organizational behavior.
Table of Contents
Why Sexual Misconduct Investigations Go Wrong
Beth-El: Early Problems
The Congregational Setting
Arrival at Beth-El
Escalation
Institutional Analysis
The Calvinist Concept of Discipline
The Special Case of Women in the Church
Beth-El and the Presbyterian Legal Process
Into the Breach
Back in the Pulpit
The Final Wave
Picking Up the Pieces
Institutional Process
Presbyterian Polity and Function
The Question of Due Process
Some Reflections and Suggestions
Lessons From This Case
Epilogue
Appendix
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Product details
| Published | 28 Feb 2000 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (PDF) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Extent | 256 |
| ISBN | 9780313096945 |
| Imprint | Praeger |
| Series | Religion in the Age of Transformation |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Related Titles
