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Decent and in Order Conflict, Christianity, and Polity in a Presbyterian Congregation
(Click to Enlarge)
Ronald R. Stockton
Book Code: C6668
ISBN: 0-275-96668-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-275-96668-3
256 pages, tables, glossary
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 2/28/2000
List Price: $125.00 (UK Sterling Price: £70.00)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
  • Endorsement From Nancy Myer Hopkins
    Consultant to Religious Traditions:     This is a sobering, even riveting book for anyone who is struggling to understand the modern complexities of congregational life. The author was a key participant in events, so that while he is by no means an impartial observer, the devastating impact of painful and traumatic events on real people is compellingly revealed.
  • Endorsement From J. Patrick Dobel
    Associate Dean
    The Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs
    University of Washington, Seattle:     At a time when people are rediscovering faith communities as sources of public good, Stockton provides an exemplary service by portraying the realities, joys and sorrows of a real community struggling to live up to its ideals.... Stockton writes with passion, reflection, and rigor about a vital topic for a society that is looking to faith and communities as a source of renewal. The book provides a compelling narrative built upon strong but unobtrusive analysis of the realities or organizational and bureaucratic life confronting the needs and desires of community and justice.
  • Endorsement From Carl S. Dudley
    Co-Director of the Center for Social and Religious Research
    Professor of Church and Community
    Hartford Seminary:     Decent and in Order is a scary book, because it could happen in any congregation. This carefully researched study is more than another case of an abusive pastor. This is a story about typical church leaders who are simply trying to do their duty--and they get hurt emotionally, socially, and spiritually. To protect all of us who are vulnerable and to heal local congregations and the denominations that seek to serve them, this study should be mandatory for leaders throughout our churches.
  • Endorsement From Anson Shupe
    Professor
    Indiana University--Purdue University, Fort Wayne:     Decent and in Order is a valuable contribution to the growing research literature on clergy malfeasance.... We need more such case studies.... This volume deserves wide exposure.
Description: This is a systematic study of how a congregational conflict involving allegations of sexual harassment and power abuse against a minister was seriously mishandled by church authorities. The conflict escalated to entangle regional and national authorities and worked its way into the civil courts. Stockton focuses on the interaction of organizational dynamics and ill-defined Christian concepts (such as reconciliation and discipline), showing that in conflict situations the ideals of pastoral care are squeezed by an organizational mentality. Key themes involve the role of women in the church, the complex question of sexual harassment, and the interface between church law and civil law. The narrative, which is based on interviews and official documents, captures the human dimensions of the story while simultaneously giving unique insight into congregational disputes and organizational behavior.
Table of Contents:
  • Institutional Theory
  • Why Sexual Misconduct Investigations Go Wrong
  • Beth-El: Early Problems
  • The Congregational Setting
  • Arrival at Beth-El
  • Escalation
  • Institutional Analysis
  • The Calvinist Concept of Discipline
  • The Special Case of Women in the Church
  • Beth-El and the Presbyterian Legal Process
  • Into the Breach
  • Back in the Pulpit
  • The Final Wave
  • Picking Up the Pieces
  • Institutional Process
  • Presbyterian Polity and Function
  • The Question of Due Process
  • Some Reflections and Suggestions
  • Lessons From This Case
  • Epilogue
  • Appendix
  • Glossary
  • Bibliography
  • Index
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