SENTINEL WATCH October 8, 2007 ISSUE

HONEST LEADERSHIP

BARBARA M. VINING

WHEN A LEADER —a teacher, a politician, a high-profile athlete, or other public figure—appears to fall from grace, and his or her story is splashed across the news, or talked about in the community, the public rush to judgment can be brutal. An expectation of honest leadership is reasonable of course. It's natural to want our leaders not only to champion high moral and ethical values, but also to uphold these values in their private lives to serve as examples for our children and us. But harsh public reaction perhaps points to a deeper, more basic human need: to respond more graciously when our leaders disappoint us.

As St. Paul recommended in his letter to the Christians at Galatia: "My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted" (Gal. 6:1, New Revised Standard Version).