Two major universities who are perhaps know more for football than academics among the general public are suffering through scandals right now. Each quickly (when the news became public) dumped successful football coaches–you know, those guys who bring millions of dollars into the institution.
Of course, I’m talking about Jim Tressel at Ohio State and Joe Paterno at Penn State. Both respected individuals until the scandals became public. Interestingly, it wasn’t what they did (although supervision of those under them was perhaps lacking), but it was what they didn’t do. They didn’t speak up when they saw or heard about wrong-doing. They chose to remain silent. They chose not to blemish their institutions and perhaps themselves publicly.
I imagine it was much the same in the Catholic Church where we’ve learned about many abuses and the fact that those in charge at some level chose to keep quiet.
Sometimes, in interpersonal relationships, it is better to maintain silence rather than hurt someone. But when the cases involve doing wrong, abusive or illegal things, silence is not golden. Jesus did not maintain silence confronting the religious leaders who were not following the path of God.
When another Christ-follower is off the path, we need not maintain silence but should gently correct them. But if the issue is serious, we should also tell authorities such that illegal activities are not condoned.
As we can see from these examples, maintaining silence only works in the short term. News eventually breaks out and then you are seen for what you are.
Faith Venture 