Sexual responsibility ( Preach and Politicians )
Eddie Dowdy II
"Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I undertake to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long- term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct” -THICH NHAT HANH[1]
Sexual responsibility is a cultivated way of life that protects the safety and integrity of society.[2] Sexual responsibility should be considered as a universal ethical virtue that governs humanity. Leaders in the human community should be aware that sexual irresponsibility could cause major interior fractions in society. Moreover, leaders should never engage in sexually irresponsible acts, due to the potential harm it could bring to the human community. The reality in American society is that social and spiritual leaders cannot seem to grasp the concept of being sexually responsible. In the last three decades many individuals, children, couples, and families have been destroyed by the sexual misconduct of preachers and politicians. The lack of sexual integrity is an embarrassing ground of commonality to find leaders such as preachers and politicians.
Why Preachers?
American Christian Preachers tragically have not been sexually responsible over the past three decades. Strangely sexual irresponsibility is becoming a cultivated norm within mega pastors circles especially in the Metro Atlanta area . In 2006 archbishop Earl Paulk, former pastor of mega church Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill Harvester Church in Decatur, GA, was sued by former church employee Mona Brewer.[3] In the lawsuit Mrs. Brewer claimed Earl Paulk manipulated her into an affair from 1989 to 2003 by telling her it was her only path to salvation.[4]In a 2006 deposition stemming from the lawsuit, the archbishop said under oath that the only woman he had ever had sex with outside of his marriage was Brewer.[5] However, a 2007 court-ordered paternity test revealed Archbishop Earl Paulk slept with his brother's wife and fathered a child by her.[6]
Similarly, Bishop Eddie L. Long ,who is the pastor of an mega church in suburban Atlanta found himself in the center of a sex scandal of. In October of 2010, four Georgia men filed a lawsuit claiming that the prominent Atlanta, GA, pastor coerced them into sex. The suit, allege that Long used his position as a spiritual authority and bishop to coerce young male members and employees of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into sex. [7]Bishop Paulk and Bishop Long are just two samples of the tragic reality of sexual irresponsibility being practiced by American preachers. American preachers, or any preacher for that matter, should be fully committed to protecting the structure and integrity of community and individuals, but this has not been the case .
Why Politicians ?
American politicians have also tragically been sexually irresponsible over the past three decades. In January of 2010, former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards admitted that he had fathered a child outside of his marriage with a former campaign videographer, confirming tragic rumors and reports. Edwards publicly admitted to the affair with Mrs. Hunter, after the National Enquirer reported that he was the child's father. [8] Similarly, former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer was caught practicing sexual misconduct. In March 2008,then Governor Spitzer who gained national prominence by relentlessly pursuing Wall Street wrongdoing, was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a high-priced prostitute at a Washington hotel . [9]Mr. Spitzer, apologized for his behavior, and described it as a “private matter.”[10] Spitzer also declared, “I have acted in a way that violates my obligation to my family”.[11] John Edwards and Eliot Spitzer are two more examples of the tragic reality of sexual irresponsibility being practiced by American politicians. As public leaders, politicians should protect the public with their actions, but this has not been the case.
How ?
It is clear that sexual misconduct is an embarrassing ground of commonality for American preachers and politicians. However, the pressing question is, “Who is responsible for this lack of sexually integrity amongst preachers and politicians?”. I think that every preacher or politician is personally responsible for their own individual actions. However, American society as a whole is partly responsible for the actions of our spiritual and social leaders. We treat our preachers and politicians as if they are demi-gods and goddess. This type of treatment towards our spiritual and social leaders has in some way harnessed an untouchable attitude amongst our leaders. As an African American preacher, I am almost embarrassed by the unnecessary royal treatment given to me when I visit churches as a guest speaker. I can only imagine how communities treat powerful politicians. Spiritual and social leaders should try not to take advantage of the power given. Likewise communities should shift from treating our preachers and politicians like celebrities. Sexual responsibility is a cultivated way of life that protects the safety and integrity of society. We should all try to remember it is our duty to practice sexual responsibility.
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