Cover-up

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As believers and churches we should not be involved in cover-ups (disguising or keeping a mistake, abuse or sin hidden), but are legally and morally obligated to expose any works of wickedness that occurs within the boby of believers (Rom 13:1-5; Eph 5:11). As believers, the Bible message is we are

Any cover-up erode trust

not to remain in darkness (sin), but "walk in the light as He is in the light" (Jn 12:46; 1 Jn 1:7). When wrong conduct is suspected, it should be carefully and thoroughly investigated; sometimes this may require taking the matter to the civil authorities. Attempting to protect a person or organisation's reputation is futile as most cover-ups will be found out in this life and when they are exposed this magnifies the disgrace and erodes trust (Num 32:23; Prov 28:13; Eccl 12:14; Lk 8:17; Heb 4:13). Covering up will have far worse consequences than dealing with the issue immediately. Courage, truth and justice are necessary to ensure the matter is corrected. Sin must not be allowed to continue as its effects will spread like yeast does in a batch of dough (Gal 5:9). While grace and forgiveness are necessary ingredients in the solution, these come after confronting the issue and repentance.

When a wrongdoing has occurred, truthful humility is the only acceptable remedy. If it is an abuse issue, the victim should not have to endure ongoing suffering but feel empowered to speak up with their care and restoration being more important than attempting to protect the reputation of the abuser. Those responsible for the offense should be confronted and subject to proper church discipline (Mt 18:15-20). Integrity and accountability with transparency are important qualities that should be in place to safeguard against failure happening in the first place (2 Cor 8:20-22; 1 Pet 2:12). Any confronting must be done in love (yet love is no substitute for the truth), mindful none of us are beyond sinning (Gal 6:1; Eph 4:15). Appropriate dealing with wrong, restoration of the guilty party and bring any victim to wholeness are the goals; each must be addressed fully to bring God-honouring closure.