And it would give grace time to work. Ministers can sign the covenant of sexual ethics developed by the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission. It provides a framework for upholding ministers' sexual integrity, supporting and protecting ministers by defining ethical norms and establishing a process for achieving justice, reconciliation and healing. Ministers can take another step by building a confidential partnership of accountability. This may be difficult, because often the person must be apart from the church and community.
Churches can help by providing resources to establish and maintain such partnerships.
Still, studies show clergy sexual misconduct often grows out of ministerial burnout, isolation and depression. Churches that help their ministers remain healthy are most likely to have ministers who are faithful. Similarly, ministers can utilize available resources, such as the Texas Baptist Ministers Counseling Service, to seek help when they need it. Texas Baptists also can stand ready to expand such service and make it more readily available statewide. We also can do more to reclaim ministers.