We turn our backs on the victim , and offer no prayers or solace to them . Like knowing Uncle Walter is a child molester , but still having him at Big Mama ’ s house for Thanksgiving dinner with all the children present that he ’ s molested . We force the victim to be a victim all through childhood , never a survivor .
We force the victim to be a victim all through childhood , never a survivor . But the Bishop is raised up as a survivor , just as Uncle Walter is positioned as a survivor when he is allowed to sit at the table and break bread .
Silence is complicity . Defense of the abuser is an absolute endorsement of his behavior .
It ’ s okay to forgive the preacher who rapes . Yet , we are somehow more comfortable forgiving and dismissing the rape if the act was against our daughters , sisters , or granddaughters . We show more disgust when they rape our sons , nephews and grandsons . We show disdain toward the male victim for not being able to stop it , for being almost of consenting age and not fighting back . We ostracize them . And if the male victim is gay , then not only is he ostracized , he ’ s judged and cast out and told he will die . We do all this while claiming not to judge the pastor , deacon , preacher or bishop , and while still being faithful in giving him tithes and the offerings of those same children every single Sunday . And when confronted , the mantra is , I forgive because God forgives . And yes , He does , but what about our daughters , sisters , nephews and brothers ? What has been offered to them ?
Had the bishop been White , I think people ’ s comments and views would be different . Yep , I said it .