Frequently Asked Questions about the CARE Act
We’ve compiled some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the CARE Act.
Child Abuse and the Lutheran Confessional: A Call to Elevate Christ’s Teachings on Children above Church Traditions
The Lutheran concept of private confession is a human doctrine not found in Scripture. As a result, it must give way when keeping a confidence violates the clear commands of Scripture. In the case of child abuse, Jesus clearly commanded his followers to protect children from abuse and this directive must take precedent over tradition.
Why we CARE
Child sexual abuse is heinous and tragically common in church settings. Strong evidence suggests that child predators are attracted to churches. Sexual abusers benefit from Christian teachings on repentance and forgiveness; if they’re caught, they can simply performatively express remorse, rely on unwise church practices that grant access to all in the name of grace, and then secretly continue their abuse.
News Conference: Gary’s Statement
Today the New York State Council of Churches stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers
who advocate for the passage and enactment of the CARE Act legislation in New York State.
News Conference: James’ Statement
Clergy are called to be a pastoral presence and to journey with people during their trials and tribulations. We also need to know the limits of our calling and work with other professionals to stop harm. Therefore, I support the CARE Act to make clergy mandated reporters of abuse.
News Conference: Judy’s Statement
Christians are mandated reporters. We are mandated by Christ to care for the “least of these” among us - meaning the most vulnerable. In this case, the children.
News Conference: Tim’s Statement
This bill does not require clergy to report information reported to them during their duties as a faith leader. It would require them to be mandatory reporters for the same reasons that teachers, day care workers, doctors, and nurses are already mandatory reporters: because they are the trusted authority figures an abused child may rely on for help.
News Conference: Michelle’s Statement
Church should be a place where children are safe. Where children are protected and where the evils of the world stop at the door. Pastor, elders and leaders are the gate keepers. They have an obligation to protect the least of these. During this divisive political climate it's important to stress that reporting CSA is not now nor has it ever been a political issue.
Why we support the CARE Act
The Child Abuse Reporting Expansion (CARE) Act is a proposed New York State law that eliminates the mandated reporting loophole to include members of the clergy.