Here We Stand

Although the life and writings of Martin Luther and other reformers have a great deal to say about children and our need to protect them from maltreatment, this legacy of the Lutheran churches, and of Christianity as a whole, has largely been forgotten. Here We Stand reclaims the Lutheran heritage as it sets forth a Lutheran theological and ethical foundation for the church's response to child abuse. The book models rooting our response to child abuse in fertile biblical and theological soil. Written by Lutheran theologians and child-abuse prevention experts, the groundbreaking book provides practical direction for the pastoral ministry of clergy and for congregations that wish to develop robust policies and practices in order to protect children. Part 1, "Lutheran Theological Foundations for Addressing Child Abuse," explores core Lutheran commitments by retrieving historical, confessional, and theological sources. Part 2, "Lutheran Interpretation of Challenging Biblical Texts," addresses misinterpretations of Scripture and the Lutheran traditions. Part 3, "Lutheran Theology Addressing the Sin of Child Abuse," provides practical instruction for ministry challenges related to child abuse.