“… and I think there is a certain number of practitioners [trauma informed investigators] that The Advocate Group would only accept because it would increase the likelihood that there would be abuse found in their investigation.
So, for example, there are people that would say anytime someone in ministry has any form of sexual contact with somebody that would be subordinate to them that’s automatically abuse, and I don’t know that I disagree with that but I also know that there can be instances where somebody who might be younger or subordinate could maybe also seduce a minister. That’s why it’s so important to actually be able to get the facts and question you know the people involved….”
-“EXCLUSIVE: Candid Conversation with Eric Volz about IHOPKC” at 44:14-44:52 (emphasis mine)
The Lord supports the humble,
but he brings the wicked down into the dust.-Psalm 147:6, NLT
Few things in the sad, IHOP-KC saga has angered me more than this statement (quoted above) from Eric Volz!
For those unfamiliar, this interview is a reflection upon his recently “completed” job working with IHOP-KC leadership in navigating the recent crisis around sexual abuse allegations regarding IHOP founder, Mike Bickle. During his employ, Volz was the official “mouth piece” for the leadership. So, this statement–even though, no longer “on the job” allegedly–is VERY disturbing!
Let’s dig in:
After insinuating nefarious motives of the Advocate Group–those supporting Jane Does alleging being abused by Mike Bickle–he launches into describing an assumption by this group regarding abuse. He correctly articulates essentially the definition of clergy sexual abuse–namely, clergy abusing their power to engage sexually with someone who is their subordinate or under their care. He claims that he does not necessarily disagree, and then disagrees.
One thing I learned in my training as a Clinical Chaplain is to listen for the “but” as that negates everything that came before that word.
What came before the “but” in Volz’s statement?
“I don’t know if I disagree with that [assumption of abuse as automatically having happened whenever a superior has sexual contact with a subordinate].”
He then engages in classic victim-blaming language. It is presented as a counter-factual to “prove” his point but hardly does so.
He states,
“…I also know that there can be instances where somebody who might be younger or subordinate could maybe also seduce a minister. That’s why it’s so important to actually be able to get the facts and question you know the people involved….”
THIS is why victims and friends of victims were right to NOT trust Volz or the appointed investigator!!!
Not agreeing to such a basic definition of clergy sexual abuse tells me that they were minimally ill-equipped to handle the accusations and process them justly. Worse yet, it signals a willingness on Volz’s side to victim-blame.
Scripture is clear that we are responsible for our own actions. A married minister who has sexual contact with a subordinate is responsible fully for this sin. He will answer to God for it (see 2 Cor. 5:10). It is not the fault of the minister’s victim, the subordinate.
Also, even if someone tempts you as the Enemy tempts Believers, we are still FULLY responsible for the sin when we give into said temptation. This is basic theology regarding sin and responsibility. The “devil made me do it” won’t cut it in front of God’s Judgment Throne.
Another point, what I find chilling with this is example is how this sort of language and thinking is regularly employed by pedophiles and their supporters to justify their heinous crimes and sins. “She was so seductive.” Sick!
Now, I realize he is not necessarily talking about individuals that young given the context of the interview regarding IHOP-KC. Regardless, it is still revolting!
Does General Fuller–interim CEO of IHOP-KC–and the remaining Senior Leaders agree with this statement from Volz?
I hope not.
If they do agree with Volz regarding rejecting such an assumption about abuse, I hope they know they are in spiritual danger. They may find God is about to humble them for being so proud–e.g. “I also know”–as God fights on the side of the oppressed (e.g. Psalm 9:8-9) and opposes the proud (see I Peter 5:5).
