A friend of mine commented some time ago that the politics in the organisation with which he works is ugly. And then he went on to say that he has noticed that the politics in Christian organisations seems to be even worse.

Another person whom I knew mentioned something of that sort: “You may be surprised that the politics here (referring to the Christian organisation she was working with) is worse than the politics in other places.” “This is where you can find all the ‘satans’”, she said.

After having gone through cycles of political rivalries in various Christian organisations, I thoroughly agree with the above observations. And I wonder why such organisations, which are supposed to reflect the peace, mercy, and justice intrinsic to the being of God’s eschatological community, are the very organisations that probably reflect the most distasteful virtues any Christian could reflect.

Why the priority of organisational reputation above truth and justice? Why conspiracies and not open discussions? Why secrecy of agenda and not honesty in motivations? Why backstabbing and not graciously direct confrontations?

And to the victim of political scapegoating, they say: “We suggest you just accept what has happened to you, move on quietly, go do something else, and start your life from base. We say this to you pastorally”. No tone of regret, no sign of remorse. After all, for them, it is nothing personal.

I think this is what many Christian organisations and denominations have become because nobody is holding them accountable for their motivations and actions. The notion that they are subject to divine laws higher than the laws of the land has brought about a kind of lawlessness for which they cannot be held accountable. So each man for himself, and each organisation for its own reputational interest.

What about justice? It’s a concept. We can still preach about it…