“There is no accountability for leaders or even influential pebbles to higher authorities, and no means of due process for individuals who are being judged.”
At that same synagogue, there was a great cry to payoff the building they were in so they can sell it and move to the suburbs, closer to other Jewish synagogues. When nearly within reach of that goal, there also happened to be a few trips to foreign lands for the sake of evangelizing. Of course the rabbi went and explained it was necessary. We are not sure how many people confronted him, but some were told what he did with that money (they gave by the way) was none of their business, as they did not understand the needs of the congregation as he did. Also, last we knew (after all these years) they are still in the same building as when we left.Actually after they exited that meeting and told us about what happened, we got an excellent opportunity to explain the teaching of our Church regarding accountability, such as:
Cat. 893 “The bishop and priest sanctify the Church by their prayer and work, by their ministry of the Word and of the Sacraments. They sanctify her by example, “not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.” 1Pet.5.3 (also see Cat.896).Our Church teaches of those in political power and with great influence that they are accountable for what they do and that they will be held to a higher standard as Peter does above in our last quote. This is also echoed in the words of Father Thomas Williams:Cat. 907 “In accord with the knowledge, competence, and preeminence which they possess, [lay people] have a right and even a duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church, and they have a right to make their opinion known to the other Christian faithful, with due regard to the integrity of the faith moral and reverence toward their pastors, and with consideration for the common good and the dignity of persons.” (CIC can 212 paragraph 3)
Tend the flock of G-d that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but by being examples to the flock. And likewise when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfolding crown of glory. Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘G-d opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” 1Pet.5.2-5
“Thus legislators, even more than other public figures, are called to a higher standard of accountability because of their moral authority and the influence that their decisions have on others.”We fully agree with the wise theologian’s statements about our politicians; though sadly, very few seem to follow such wisdom. Still, who has the greater “moral authority and influence that their decisions have on others” - political leaders or spiritual leaders? We believe spiritual leaders, which is why Yeshua warned us in the parable of the unforgiving servant such a sin is grave. In it a servant sought mercy from the king, yet the king gave greater mercy than what was sought, for he forgave completely the servant’s debt. Yet, this servant then proceeded to demand a smaller payment from a fellow worker, without any mercy (though it was asked for). When the king heard of hypocrisy, he summoned that man unto him and threw him to the jailers “till he should pay all his debt”, which is something none of us can do without grace! Thus Pope John XXIII noted in his Encyclical Letter "Pacem in Terris:(Father Thomas Williams, dean of the School of Theology of the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum. Cf. Jam.3.1-2)
“the question of peace cannot be separated from that of human dignity and human rights… Accordingly, peace and harmony within nations and between peoples and States require an ever more inclusive and participatory exercise of political authority, even at the international level, and greater transparency and accountability at every level of public life.”
Every level of public life includes the religious life because of our engagements with other people, including those within one’s own parish community. And these leaders need to be careful, especially those who oversee others because we may unwittingly become examples, as Rav Shaul (St. Paul) warns:
“Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol’s temple might he not be encouraged if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols.” 1Cor.8.9-10
Spiritual leaders are teachers of the faith, and this is why James warns all who teach that they will be judged with greater strictness. Which judge is better to face, the earthly one who can help us overcome our weakness in this world, thus promote healing from our sins, or the Eternal Judge who may throw us into prison if we abuse those under our care, and not let us out until we understand the cost of true discipleship?
