How should a Christian view the #metoo movement?

Answer

In 2006, civil rights activist Tarana Burke introduced the phrase “me too” as a means to support women who had faced sexual harassment, letting them know they were not alone. A decade later, the #metoo movement spread across the internet following a tweet by actress Alyssa Milano, encouraging women who had been victims of sexual assault to share those words in her comments. Soon, the internet was flooded with #metoo posts on Twitter and Facebook. The strong reactions were fueled by revelations of sexual abuse and harassment in Hollywood. Both men and women came forward to accuse former employers, producers, and others of sexual misconduct in the workplace.

However, like many movements today, the #metoo movement quickly became entangled in politics, demanding the inclusion of issues such as abortion rights, pay equality, the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and various other contentious topics. According to its founder, Tarana Burke, the #metoo movement has lost some of its impact, diluted by the incorporation of other women’s rights issues that have diminished its original focus. Therefore, while Christians can and should support efforts to combat the rising tide of sexual abuse, caution is advised when fully endorsing a movement that lacks a Christ-centered approach. Instead, consideration should be given to what a Christ-centered alternative might entail.

Firstly, Christ would never want a victim to endure suffering without seeking help. It is regrettable that it required a hashtag to empower victims to acknowledge the sexual harassment and assault they have endured. It is undeniable that victims have not always been believed. Victims should not hesitate to reach out to the authorities or their company’s HR department as necessary. Taking such steps can be daunting or even terrifying; victims should feel empowered to seek assistance from a friend to navigate the process.

The church should play a role in this. ChrChristianity, by its very nature, opposes any and every kind of abuse and exploitation. Any form of mistreatment, especially sexual harassment, is in direct contrast to Jesus’ command to treat others as we would like them to treat us, as stated in Matthew 7:12. Loving one’s neighbor as oneself is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, so anyone claiming to follow Christ must adhere to those principles, as mentioned in Matthew 19:19, Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:14, and Romans 13:8. Clearly, any form of sexual intimidation or harassment falls far outside those boundaries, so Christians can confidently support and advocate for anyone who is a victim of such behavior. In Psalm 82:3, God commands us to “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” When someone has been a victim of sexual abuse or assault, Christians should be the first to respond, offering rescue, comfort, and assistance in seeking justice.

Our churches should be safe havens for victims, and it should be widely known that sexual advances of any kind will never be tolerated at any level. Unfortunately, the #metoo movement has extended into #churchtoo. Victims have recently come forward with accounts of sexual harassment and assault by various Christian leaders, some well-known and others less so. Churches and denominations have been found guilty of denial, victim-blaming, and perpetuating abuse. While the instances of abuse are rare considering the significant number of righteous pastors and ministry leaders, Christians should exert even greater efforts to eradicate sexual abuse from churches and ministries than the broader world. Organizations like GRACE and advocates such as Rachael Denhollander are diligently working to assist victims in finding justice and healing.

A hashtag has no power to right wrongs or bring about justice. Instead of joining a movement that may offer thirty seconds of validation, the church needs to walk alongside those victims through the court process and see real justice done. Churches should teach their young people about acceptable levels of physical contact and why it matters to God— including healthy ways to date or express interest in another person. Not every church has the resources to provide crisis counseling and legal help for those who find themselves victims of sexual harassment, but they can provide information on organizations that do. And churches can hold their members to a godly standard of sexuality and behavior, using church discipline when appropriate and calling authorities when a crime has been committed.

It is unfortunate that it took hashtags to empower victims to seek support and justice. We long for the day when #metoo belongs only to the world because Christians prefer the hashtag thechurchhelpedme.