For three years, my workshop partner and I presented this material to over 70 ministers and leaders. As a result of this work, I was called upon as a consultant, at least 5 times, to converse with leaders and congregations in the aftermath of misconduct charges. I have read extensively in this field, I have helped design curricula, I have written articles and I continue to facilitate workshops. Most recently, I have agreed to and begun chairing a UUA committee that will recommend a guideline and process for institutional response and ministry to the victim survivors of clergy sexual misconduct. All of this is simply to say that I have strong feelings and deep roots regarding the issue.
Power can come in many different forms - perceived, real or inherent.
The person with power is in control - they can create the misconduct, they can maintain it, they can walk away from it. And often, they can try to bury it. Our President's crisis is a classic example of sexual misconduct - in terms of his history, response, and now his desire to apologize, be forgiven and move on with the nation's business. I have seen, heard and read this scenario many other times. He fits a profile, as does the national response as indicated from polls.