Rationale for a Social Statement on Child Abuse and Child Protection

Abstract

This article presents biblical, theological, ethical, pastoral, and scientific rationale for the development of social policy by faith communities to prevent child abuse and promote child protection. The article has three major sections: 1) definition of child abuse, the meaning of trauma, and the need for child protection; 2) the goals of child protection, including strategies for preventing child abuse, training, developing robust policies, and pastoral care; and 3) theological perspectives on children and child abuse, including uses and misuses of scripture, problematic theologies, and children as a means of grace. This rationale for a proposed social statement in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America can provide impetus to other faith communities.