Well, hell just froze over. Greenville News:
Bob Jones University said it has appointed an outside Christian organization as an ombudsman to review “past instances in which it is alleged that the university under-served a victim or didn’t comply with the law in handling reports of abuse.”
The action follows the recommendations of a committee that was appointed by the BJU board of trustees upon the request of President Stephen Jones “to review the institution’s sexual abuse policy and its application.”
The committee had 3 outside members, a doctor, sexual abuse counsellor and a child advocate. For leadership at this school to release control to outside parties is unprecedented. BJU pr:
As part of its recommendations, the committee suggested the University appoint an independent ombudsman to review past instances in which it is alleged that the University underserved a victim or did not comply with the law in handling reports of abuse. The University agreed to the recommendation and said that when an ombudsman was appointed, information on how to contact the ombudsman to communicate past issues would be posted on the University’s website.
Whether the fundamentalist university will be able or willing to follow the recommendations G.R.A.C.E. makes, remains to be seen. No ones knows how many students have suffered spiritual abuse, assault, blame, shunning or expulsion for being a victim of crime, the culture of the school has not been open to reporting.
The school apologized in 2008 for it’s racial policies, and has been seeking accreditation. BJU has also moved away from it’s involvement in politics.
G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) is a Virginia based organization, founded in 2004, which works to prevent and respond to child abuse in religious organizations (church and parachurch). G.R.A.C.E. provides prevention training, response assistance, consultations and investigations. The organization, made up of professionals such as prosecutors, investigators and a mental health professional has had it’s public profile raised with investigations of the abuse of missionary kids. (New Tribe Missions, Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) via: MK Safetynet.
During the coming weeks, GRACE will finalize its procedures for collecting data from individuals who feel they were underserved by BJU when they reported abuse. Upon finalizing its procedures, GRACE will notify BJU who will post on its website procedures for contacting GRACE. GRACE has informed BJU that the independent investigation will begin immediately after the new year. At that time, GRACE will act independently of the University and work directly with any possible complainants.
This is not a triumph. This is a tragedy. As Christ dies and Christianity dies, you are bound to see the decays of this former glory. We have that at Prairie Bible Institute. What a shame, just like the NTM, CMA and this BJU, we have our own sexual abuses for the last 40-50 years. Maybe more. What can be learnt from this? That god is dead. That he not being the goose Christians claimed him to be, and that Jesus is a dead person without arms and he lends no one help.
Until the schools come forward, and Prairie community embraces its own responsibility, I continue to be the LORD. Thanks, the Lord Ben Chung. And all his people say, Amen!
We have a solution to a dog that mauls people, and little kids. We put that one down.
What happens to the beast that is mauling little kids? You do the math. We call them Christian workers/missionaries. What should we do to those that maul little kids??
Every dog has its day,amigo
….and the stray do gets the front porch.
Dog is not great. Dog Delusion.
I think a key word would be trust. You build that bridge and you’ve got something.
I am not a fan of BJU but I have to say this is a very positive first step for them to take. At least they are making an effort to hear and acknowledge that abuse victims – something that PBI still has not done. BJU is at least acknowledging that they need professional outside help – again something PBI still has not done. I applaud this decision to hire GRACE. Now the truth has a chance to come out.
Bad things can happen at good institutions, and getting someone to help get the dirty laundry out is a step in the right direction. We’re starting to get to a point where folks won’t automatically assume that their pastor is beyond reproach if they’re accused of misdeeds.
Hey Bene,
Where is your quote from, “Have courage for…”? I really like it. Good for BJU. They may gain some credibility back if they are earnestly seeking help, healing and to learn from all that has occurred.
Hi Janet:
I don’t know exactly which Victor Hugo work it comes from.
He was a very prolific writer.
http://www.gavroche.org/vhugo/
http://www.kevinstilley.com/victor-hugo-select-quotes/
So what is it about PBI that makes them think they don’t need outside help? Do they really think by ignoring the survivors that this will all go away and be forgotten?
Linda, someone is praying that, right now, except with pious words like, lord help us to endure this storm, and protect this school under thy name…..and expose the lies Linda told about the school. O god, o jesus, come to our aid! O mama, or papa! First of all, ,y Lord Ehrman taught that god does not answer prayers, and that is why things happen. We are it, folks, and we can make things right. Leave god behind our bud and do the right thing, this minute, O Mark, of the LE Dead Maxwell!
Pingback: Aaron Blummer of Sharper Iron Lives in His Very Own Echo Chamber « chucklestravels
http://www.godvine.com/Andrea-Bocelli-andJosh-Groban-Sing-The-Prayer-1026.html