Inverted ethics …

Christian Century, July 31, 2002 by Kent A. Meyer

CAROL ZALESKI in "Help, St. Anthony" (July 3-10) sounded a note I have tried to sound in my own denomination (UCC). The ethical experimentation of the '60s and '70s had a tremendous impact on the leadership of our churches. We have not really dealt with it because we are still very much under its sway.

By the time I went to seminary in the late '70s, situation ethics had become the norm, especially in the area of sexuality. In fact, the situation actually became inverted: sexual liberation became the norm and having limits on sexuality became a sign of repression--something that needed to be overcome. Now "the chickens have come home to roost," with many church leaders incapable of articulating a position on personal sexual ethics. While the problem of clergy sexual misconduct has been around for centuries, the ethics of sexual liberation has hamstrung church leaders at a time when they really need to lead.

Kent A. Meyer
St. Joseph, Mich.