Questions in an Apology Demanding Culture
So with all the news about the moral and ethical transgressions of public figures, what questions do we need to wrestle with as faith-based communicators?
First of all, how do we handle Public Relations in an apology demanding media culture? I think we can all understand why a public servant, such as a politician, owes their constituents an explanation of moral and ethical failings. But to whom else does he/she “owe” an apology? It gets more sticky when we talk about the moral failing of an athlete or entertainer. When (and why) exactly is the public “entitled” to an explanation? Or a truly sincere and above-reproach apology? It’s a relevant conversation to have.
Now how does this apply to a church leader? We know when they owe a full explanation with an appeal for forgiveness to the people they serve. But to whom else? At what level is a Christian figure prominent enough to be required to submit a public statement or hold a “tell all” press conference?
At what point do the private, personal affairs of a spiritual leader demand to be made public?
When does the secular media have the responsibility to report on spiritual ethics that do not violate any laws?
And finally, what is the appropriate way a Christian should respond to the moral or ethical transgressions of a secular public figure? When should the Church demand an apology? In the case of an entertainer (and role model) like Tiger Woods is there a way the church should react that sets us apart?
