Saturday, August 23, 1997

Religious leaders such as Schuller expected to be responsible, accountable

By JOY THOMPSON / Knight-Ridder Newspapers

LONG BEACH, Calif. - The Rev. Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral agreed last week to enter a six-month federal diversion program rather than be prosecuted on a charge of assaulting an airline attendant during a flight. Compared to the indiscretions other famous ministers have been accused of, Schuller's situation is mild in comparison. However, the incident still tarnishes some of his luster.

How is the faithful layperson to respond when they hear about such indiscretions? Grace and mercy are the most noble responses. But, in the case of religious leaders, a high degree of accountability and sincere repentance are expected. As the Bible says, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (James 3:1 NIV) And what judge could be harsher than the press?

In one sense, the press is fair: Disgraced clergy of all faiths receive substantial amounts of coverage. Schuller, who founded Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif., 40 years ago, is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, a Christian denomination. Last year, the assistant of an Orthodox Jewish rabbi made national headlines after he was charged with molesting a young girl on an airplane. And last month, the wife of the Rev. Henry J. Lyons, leader of the National Baptist Convention (an African-American group), created a buzz when she was accused of breaking into and ransacking a home she said her husband shared with another woman. Nothing stirs the media's senses more than a good religious scandal.

But too often the media are unfair when it comes to balance: They downplay or ignore the many good things religious institutions do. For much of this country's history, churches and synagogues have been the glue holding communities together. Religious leaders have led the way in promoting moral values, caring for the poor, taking stands against injustice, inspiring people to achieve positive goals in their lives, families and society as a whole.

Last week, for example, the Long Beach Press-Telegram ran a front-page feature on the Rev. Greg Laurie, 44, founder of the Harvest Crusade. Laurie, who was born in Long Beach and now leads a huge congregation in Riverside, has accomplished the commendable feat of connecting with younger people. The Harvest Crusades, featuring contemporary Christian music and Laurie's down-to-earth style, draw thousands of twentysomethings and baby boomers to Anaheim Stadium each year. His appeal, alone, debunks the myth that Generation X stands for nothing.

We hold religious leaders such as Laurie in high esteem because they influence many people. A key role of a minister is shepherding, and shepherding involves holding people to a certain standard. In other words, keeping them accountable, helping them practice what the ministers preach. And that is why it is so shocking - and newsworthy - when a minister fails to uphold the standards he preaches.

The most disappointing aspect of the Schuller case is the time it took for him to apologize. When the allegations about the flight incident first surfaced, he held a press conference and talked about the incident as if it were just a slight misunderstanding - on the flight attendant's part. But the FBI took a more serious view. By interfering with a flight attendant, Schuller had committed a federal offense. Schuller pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor assault charge, and instead of being prosecuted, he agreed to enter a six-month federal diversion program. He also agreed to pay the FAA a fine of $1,100.

Schuller now admits that he had gotten into an argument with a flight attendant that disrupted the entire flight. "Early in the flight I should have tried harder to be more polite, and later I absolutely should not have aggressively grabbed his shoulders or touched him in any way," he said in a written apology. At least he apologized.

"Religious leaders are human, too" is the statement I usually hear when a member of the clergy is disgraced. I've never doubted the humanity of any religious leader. However, most religions teach that a religious leader is on a higher spiritual plane than the rest of the flock. And to whom much is given, much is expected - much in terms of honor and respect; much in terms of responsibility and accountability.

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(Joy Thompson is an editorial writer for the Long Beach Press-Telegram. You can write to her at 604 Pine Ave., Long Beach, Calif. 90844.)

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(c) 1997, Press-Telegram (Long Beach, Calif.).

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