Growing up in a family with 8 other siblings, I can attest to the fact that we all lived in a "disciplined" environment.  That meant, among other things, there was a certain order in our weekly routine that everyone was expected to follow.  Whenever any of us strayed from the "right" path, there was a repercussion which might mean a punishment to stress to the violator and the rest of the chilren that we need to "stay in line," if our lives were to be orderly and fruitful and NOT chaotic and fruitless.

The author of Hebrews last weekend (Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13) wrote of the importance of "discipline" in one's life as a Christian.  The Greek word, paideia refers to the education of a child in every sphere:  intellectual, religious, social and physical.  Growth to maturity includes chastening and correcting AND sometimes punishment for misdeeds.

In light of the sexual abuse scandal and the recent revelations that involve bishops and their handling (or rather mishandling) of situations of abuse of minors, perhaps it is good (and maybe needed) to see much of what has happened as discipline from the Lord that is serving to punish those who have caused harm to young people and our church has come up with new safeguards to make sure our episcopal leaders are resposible and accountable when it comes to acting quickly and seriously when there are allegations of abuse.  The new safeguards and safe environment training of clergy and lay people which has been in place for 20 years assures a "discipline" when it comes to striving to keep our children safe and away from ANYONE who might want to do harm.