"The fact is that my actions towards her were certainly foolish and irresponsible - but neither sexual nor amorous in any way- and my highest priority, as well as Nancy's, is to have the opportunity to meet together in a setting acceptable to her and bring healing, where I can take full responsibility for the things which apparently hurt her so deeply, things which I thought we addressed 23 years ago. Unfortunately, when Nancy and I learned through the Roys Report that there was an offense towards me in this woman's heart, we were not allowed to follow the mandate of Jesus in Matthew 5:23-26, but only given the option of offering a response to an article that would be released online. What happened to biblical process? That being said, if it's true that for 23 years she has carried this pain and I am responsible for it, I am beyond mortified and would plead forgiveness and the opportunity to bring healing and restoration. Her wellbeing remains our priority." - Dr. Michael Brown
This is just disgusting victim-blaming. Remember we are not dealing with two congregants, where one may have become inappropriate or foolish. We are dealing with someone in a high level of spiritual authority in the church befriending a female sheep more than half his age, who he encourages her to call him dad. Assuming all the allegations are true, he then starts hand holding and asking for kisses on the lips. Eventually he starts playfully slapping her butt. In light of Ravi and Bickle, these seem pretty benign but to the victim herself, this represented a violation of spiritual trust. Are we understanding this? What is always disturbing about Brown is his masterful art of "both-sides-ism." What do we mean?
"I ma beyond mortified and would plead forgiveness"
"Her wellbeing remains our priority"
"I am horrified at the false statements and mischaracterizations"
What happened to the biblical process?"
If you were truly mortified and concerned for her wellbeing, then you would not be trying to shame her in the same statement about how she violated some imaginary biblical process you are trying to leverage. I contend that we must wait before judging because in fairness to Dr. Brown, the facts are not all out in the open yet. This statement is not very helpful however. Dr. Brown - you are not the victim here, she is. Even if it is only a victim to your foolishness and lack of judgment, she is still the victim. Stop trying to provide cover for yourself. At a bare minimum it seems Dr. Brown admits to something. There is certainly enough smoke to wonder what might be on fire.
