An open letter to pastors

An open letter to pastors

In light of letters you might have recently received from fellow pastors regarding congressional politics, I am moved to express the following:
Before his recent passing, Reverend Billy Graham expressed sincere regret for associating too closely with presidential power. While few pastors in our region will have the opportunity to counsel presidents, I do think Reverend Graham’s experience can be instructive to those of us who serve the flock in south-central Pennsylvania.
Our networks, congregations and moral authority are valuable resources. It is tempting to use these resources to benefit elected officials and candidates we believe to be Godly and deserving. But to do so and seek direct influence on an election is a disservice to our congregations and our charge, and it diminishes our office. Politicians come and go, some quicker than others, but our true calling is eternal. To endorse or actively support one candidate is shortsighted. Instead, we should serve to be protectors of the role of faith in politics, in an age when no one else is.
Too many politicians have learned how to game the media, which seemingly no longer understands true faith. But we as pastors can play a vital role in helping our members discern the values, true beliefs and honesty of all candidates.
We can serve as a safeguard by promoting honest discourse, asking hard questions and speaking truth to power. Rather than promoting the candidates we know best, we should create forums for all candidates to speak about their values and allow our congregants to ask direct questions.
As pastors, we can play a vital role in strengthening the democratic process in our local communities. I encourage you to embrace that role by opening your doors to candidates, facilitating a deeply needed discussion about the role of faith in our government, praying for our leaders and our nation to turn back to God in humility and repentance, and asking for His blessings and wisdom in selecting leaders.
Mark A. Dillow
Senior Pastor, Crossroads Bible Church
Bedford

Dismaying behavior

I am dismayed and disgusted to hear of the charges brought forth this past week against Bedford County District Attorney William Higgins, whose function was to serve the community and be a voice for victims. His blatant abuse of power in exchange for sexual favors is symptomatic of the very underpinning of the #MeToo movement. I applaud the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police for taking swift and certain action against this predator. Targeting and preying upon individuals who are already in vulnerable situations is the very definition of a sexual predator. 

Our office has received prior complaints of his intimidation tactics and his outright victims’ rights violations, about which we reached out to his office with no positive resolution. At that time, we encouraged the complainants to report this conduct to the Office of Attorney General, which was done.

We encourage any and all victims to please come forward to the Office of Attorney General using the special tip line set up, 724-332-7252. In addition there are supportive resources in your county and within the Office of Victim Advocate. Please contact us at 1-800-563-6399 or visit us at ova.pa.gov to find your local victim services agency.

You are not alone and you do not have to walk through this experience alone.

Jennifer Storm, Victim Advocate of the Commonwealth