The other day, the Abilene Christian University Board of Trustees issued a statement of confidence in the school’s president, who is in the midst of a divorce. The Christian Chronicle, a well-respected newspaper within churches of Christ, published an article reporting on the incident. When they received criticism for the article that was published, I took the side of the journalists, arguing that such reporting about a public figure was warranted.
That said, I think we need to learn the difference between the responsibilities of a journalist and those of a brother in Christ. That is, I’m not a publication. I’m not expected to treat Christians “objectively”; I’m to treat them as family. I should look at a “public figure” and see a person. I should look at tragedies in their lives as moments for ministry, not talking points for doctrinal issues nor university politics.
The Christian Chronicle was right to report on this issue. That’s their responsibility as journalists. Now it’s up to us to pray for healing and to let this news spur us on to minister to all hurting couples within our brotherhood.