Should Cancel Culture Exist in Our Religious Institutions?
Cancel culture has become a defining phenomenon of the modern age, sweeping through our mainstream media and leaving no sector untouched. From the public shaming of Ellen DeGeneres for alleged workplace toxicity to accusations against Lizzo and Jermaine Jenas, the cultural appetite for exposing and cancelling those who fail to meet our moral standards is palpable. But when this ethos infiltrates religious institutions, particularly in light of scandals like the Church of England and the Soul Survivor controversies it raises a critical question: Should cancel culture be adopted in the Church? I believe the answer, perhaps surprisingly, is yes - but with a twist.
Cancel Culture: Accountability or Annihilation?
Cancel culture operates on the principle of accountability, demanding that individuals in positions of power or influence face consequences for their actions. It stems from a desire for justice, but in practice, it often conflates public punishment with moral virtue. For Ellen DeGeneres, the “Queen of Kindness,” reports of a toxic work environment contradicted her carefully curated public image, resulting in a backlash so severe that it derailed her show. Similarly, Lizzo, celebrated for her body positivity and empowering anthems, faced accusations of fostering a workplace culture that contradicted her public persona. The public’s outrage wasn’t just about the allegations; it was about the perceived betrayal of trust.
This pattern mirrors an age-old human tendency to elevate figures onto pedestals and then tear them down when they falter. But when applied to Christian leaders and institutions, the implications become even more profound.
Scandals in the Church: A Call for Cancel Culture
The recent scandals involving the Church of England and Soul Survivor have spotlighted systemic failures within religious communities. Reports of misconduct, abuse of power, and failure to safeguard vulnerable individuals have deeply shaken trust in these institutions. Unlike secular figures, Christian leaders are often held to a higher moral standard due to their role in guiding others spiritually.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the Church has often failed to hold its own accountable. For decades, abuse and misconduct have been swept under the rug, cloaked in the language of forgiveness and redemption. This isn’t grace; it’s complicity. If cancel culture - or something like it - is what it takes to expose these injustices and demand change, then perhaps the Church should embrace it. Not as a tool of vengeance, but as a means of ensuring justice and safeguarding the vulnerable.
Why We Cancel - And Why the Church Should Too
Cancel culture is driven by a desire for justice and a refusal to tolerate harmful behaviour, especially from those in positions of trust. In the Church, this is magnified by the spiritual harm caused when leaders abuse their authority. The anger and disappointment from such betrayals are understandable, and demanding accountability is both biblical and necessary.
However, cancel culture is also fueled by a sense of moral superiority. Publicly condemning others can serve as a way to assert one’s own righteousness, creating a false dichotomy of “us” versus “them.” This dynamic can be particularly damaging in Christian communities, where the focus should be on grace, repentance, and restoration.
But let’s not kid ourselves: the Church’s track record of “grace” has often been a thinly veiled excuse for inaction. When leaders abuse their power, the priority must always be the safety and healing of those who have been harmed. If that means “cancelling” a ministry or removing a leader from their position permanently, so be it.
A Biblical Framework for “Cancelling”
The Bible provides a nuanced perspective on holding others accountable. Passages such as Matthew 18:15-17 outline a process for addressing sin within the Church, emphasising reconciliation and repentance over public condemnation. Similarly, Galatians 6:1 encourages believers to restore those caught in sin “gently,” with a spirit of humility.
But scripture also emphasises the importance of justice and protecting the vulnerable. Jesus himself called out the hypocrisy of religious leaders and demanded accountability for their actions. In cases of abuse or misconduct, the priority must always be justice for the victims. Restoration for the perpetrator, if it comes, is secondary and contingent on genuine repentance.
The Church’s Opportunity: Cancel to Redeem
As the Church navigates these scandals, it must model an alternative to the world’s version of cancel culture. This means embracing transparency, accountability, and safeguarding, while also embodying the grace and forgiveness that are at the heart of the Gospel.
Here’s how:
Prioritise victims
Justice begins with listening to and supporting those who have been harmed. Their safety and healing must come first.Demand accountability
Leaders who abuse their power must face consequences. This may include removal from ministry, public acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and legal action where appropriate.Offer a path to repentance
While some actions disqualify individuals from leadership permanently, the Church can still extend grace by supporting their journey toward repentance and personal restoration.Commit to safeguarding
Preventing future abuse requires systemic change, including robust safeguarding policies and independent oversight.