And that is the type of thing that you're dealing with in 1 Cor 5. There was a scandal within that particular congregation. While I would think that my church would deal with it somewhat differently, that situation is NOT what I'm talking about.
What I'm talking about is if a known prostitute comes to church (not that she is going there trying to score tricks, but that she is trying to get some solace for her soul). What I'm talking about is if a gang-banger comes to church (leaving his weapons outside, of course). What I'm talking about is if a homeless drug addict comes to church (he doesn't shoot up in church, but he might be high when he stumbles in).
Let me give you an example from my church. A woman ran an in-home daycare. Several people placed their children there. One day, one of the children died while under her care. She was convicted of negligent homicide and served a couple of years in the state prison. (She pleaded innocent and, to my knowledge, maintains that stand to this day, btw)
Her husband divorced her and took her kids away. They either started to go to another parish or just stopped going to church altogether.
The church, throughout her imprisonment, took care of her: they provided her toiletries and other sundries to make her life in prison easier. She had regular visits from the church staff and from the clergy (the women's prison is less than 20 miles from the church, so it wasn't all that much of an effort). At the same time, the church and the clergy made an effort to console the victim's family. And when she got out of prison, she wasn't shunned, she wasn't humiliated in any way.
When it came to light that the church wasn't going to boot out the woman convicted of killing (albeit unintentionally) this child, the victim's family was up in arms. They, along with several others (not sure of the quantity off the top of my head), actually started attending another parish, as they did not approve of what this parish was doing.
She has since been released and, to my knowledge, is an active member of the church. I, obviously, have no idea if she confessed this, or what she confessed if she did so. Not my business. The only reason I even know about this is because I know some of those who ministered to her while she was in prison.
Now, nobody is suggesting that a prostitute, a gang-banger, a druggie, or a murderess be given the positions of choir director, director of religious education, or even as an usher. But those people are those that the Church is supposed to minister to. Remember 2 Cor 5:18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
Sometimes that is a tough task.
BTW, in light of the recent Father Cutié incident down in Miami, how I personally would hope that they would deal with the situation is to give the woman involved some counseling and suspend the clergyman until he had a chance for reflection and discernment of his vocation (does he really have what it takes to be a priest?) If he realizes that he isn't cut out for the task, then laicize him; if he believes that this was a one-time-thing, then move him temporarily to a position where he doesn't have the temptation. If he is successful there, move him slowly to more challenging posts. I realize that in non-Catholic churches, there are different arrangements for clergy, but that's the general idea. I'd say firing the pastor sounds appropriate. (Let him find a ministry far from that temptation...if he's truly called to the ministry)
As for the woman, it would depend upon whether she realized what had happened. Her contrition over the incident would be key: if it was a circumstance where she fell into the adulterous relationship, and she was truly sorry, I don't know that I would exclude her. We are all human, after all. Would you exclude a woman who had an abusive relationship at home and, in the midst of a heavy work travel and long hours situation, fell for male worker at work? Again, not trolling for an adulterous hookup, but just something she fell into out of weakness moreso than anything else? Or would you, after getting her out of the adulterous relationship, try to work with her and her husband to mend their relationship, envelop them with prayer, and try to teach / counsel them on how to live as a Christian couple (or at least as a Christian spouse)?
If she wasn't contrite (yeah, I'm glad I seduced him and I'd do it again), then that would be a different situation altogether.
****What I’m talking about is if a known prostitute comes to church (not that she is going there trying to score tricks, but that she is trying to get some solace for her soul). What I’m talking about is if a gang-banger comes to church (leaving his weapons outside, of course). What I’m talking about is if a homeless drug addict comes to church (he doesn’t shoot up in church, but he might be high when he stumbles in).****
I am in complete agreement with you in this.
****The church, throughout her imprisonment, took care of her: they provided her toiletries and other sundries to make her life in prison easier. She had regular visits from the church staff and from the clergy (the women’s prison is less than 20 miles from the church, so it wasn’t all that much of an effort). At the same time, the church and the clergy made an effort to console the victim’s family. And when she got out of prison, she wasn’t shunned, she wasn’t humiliated in any way.****
The appropriate and commendable thing to do.
****When it came to light that the church wasn’t going to boot out the woman convicted of killing (albeit unintentionally) this child, the victim’s family was up in arms. They, along with several others (not sure of the quantity off the top of my head), actually started attending another parish, as they did not approve of what this parish was doing.****
Not knowing the complete circumstances in this story, I have nothing to say other than, I hope in time all wounds are healed and reconciliation occurs.
****If she wasn’t contrite (yeah, I’m glad I seduced him and I’d do it again), then that would be a different situation altogether.****
Well, she was less than gracious lets say. Even her sister and brother would not speak to her for quite afterwards.