Download “In the World” for April 23, 2023 here.
REINSTATED AFTER THEFT
The city manager of Brookings, the southernmost city on the Oregon coast, was reinstated last month after pleading no contest to a charge of theft after allegedly shoplifting from an area grocery store. Janell Howard repaid the store for the items she is accused of taking and paid a $500 fine. But Brookings locals report feeling “betrayed” that she was given her old job back. “What message does that send to our at-risk youth that are trying to negotiate the system?” wondered Brookings resident Jan Miller. “That it’s okay to be a thief?” Concerned citizens vowed to hold a recall on all elected city council members who supported the reinstatement. That includes the mayor, said Miller. “We’re going to recall them all.”
REINSTATED AFTER BETRAYAL
After denying three times that he was Jesus’ disciple, and after watching his Lord crucified and buried, Peter’s remorse weighed heavily upon him. Even the reports of Jesus’ resurrection had not brought relief from his sorrow. So when the risen Christ appeared to several disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and asked if Peter loved him, Peter saw his chance to seek forgiveness. His three denials were canceled by three new protestations of his devotion to Jesus, and Peter was reinstated as leader of the newborn church.
- Under what conditions would you consider reinstating a public official—or religious leader—who is guilty of a crime?
- What cases could be made that Peter should or should not have been reinstated to lead the church?
- How can we balance prudence with Christ’s forgiveness of us as we consider reinstating Christian leaders who fall?
Additional Resources
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