The fall of Sam Allberry caused a shock wave that went beyond the borders of his ministry. Recognized pastor, appreciated speaker and author of numerous works – notably on the tensions between Christian faith and homosensitivity, a reality that the Briton himself experienced in the choice of chastity -, he was officially declared disqualified for pastoral ministry. This was announced at the beginning of May by the council of elders of his Immanuel Church in Nashville, citing a “serious violation of trust” after new information on an “inappropriate” relationship with an adult man.
Flash deletion of content
Beyond the legitimate sadness of seeing a figure considered to “fall”, the violence and speed of certain reactions raise questions. In addition to the wave of mockery on social networks, the eagerness to delete all traces of his contributions is striking. The site The Gospel Coalition (and its French-speaking version Gospel 21), for which he was a regular contributor, withdrew all of his articles in less than 48 hours. Cleared with one click. If this decision can be explained by a desire for editorial protection, it nonetheless remains a radical symbolic act: that of pure and simple erasure. Sam Allberry was also scheduled to be a speaker at the “He Reigns” event organized by Gospel 21from May 13 to 16 at the Biblical Institute of Geneva. His visit was canceled.
It is as if, through the shock wave of this revelation, everything that had been produced before had suddenly become obsolete or struck with infamy. However, in their press release, Immanuel elders emphasize that Sam Allberry “has shown himself to be repentant, humble and cooperative”.
A “trash culture” specific to the evangelical world?
This situation calls into question a form of violence specific to certain circles: a desire to erase the man and his work as soon as the fall – sometimes disagreement – occurs. However, according to the elements made public, we are talking here about a moral fault – a sin, a breaking of community rules… and not a crime or a system of predation. Is there not a need for nuance and restraint?
This affair adds to so many other recent scandals affecting Christian figures, especially across the Atlantic. There, the revelation of these excesses – less controversial than in French-speaking Europe – can be explained as much by a culture of more marked transparency as by a more daring Christian press, endowed with a maturity which allows it to assume its role of counter-power without fear of “harming the Church”. But this efficiency has its drawbacks: it sometimes fuels a “trash culture” where, because one person falls, we decide to throw everything away.
Towards a ministry of restoration
Without addressing here the fundamental question that it raises – the reception of homosensitive people in the Church – this matter must provoke reflection. First, on the risk of overexposing fragile personalities (we all are). Then, on this temptation of total cancellation. Should we, to protect the institution, erase even the memory of those who served? If it is imperative to protect victims where appropriate and to punish moral failures, what about after that? In an environment that advocates reconciliation, how can we lift up those who are down? Without falling into a naive utopia, a “ministry of restoration” would remain to be developed: a path which would allow fault to be treated seriously without definitively excluding (if possible) the individual from the human and spiritual family.
Christianity Today
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