I oscillate between a myriad of emotions on any given day. I know there is so much good happening, people quietly serving and loving, but it seems that the ugly, destructive and downright appalling get center stage and prime time.

And maybe I’m just slow to recognize, but I’m noticing more and more that the church, the so-called Christians, are making headlines with their less-than-Christlike behaviors.

Perfection, or the appearance of, has never been the great need of the world, nor does the world need the judgement and condemnation of “the saints.” What the world is in desperate need of is truth displayed through forgiveness, grace and love. Sadly, though, it is often the ones who have freely received that greedily withhold from others.

Well-known leaders speak with so-called righteous indignation against women to large crowds of approving nods. Their voices declaring only their deep seeded anger, resentment and fear of losing the privileged power that they have enjoyed for too long.

A Christian comedian, arguably the most popular, recently made headlines with his inappropriate, sexual in nature, behaviors and actions towards women. For years women have reported his behaviors and finally actions are being taken.

While things like this are disappointing, I’m notice that along the edges of such stories are groups of people who say things like: “That’s just how he is. I thought his behaviors were just common knowledge.” Or: “He always says outrageous things, I just ignore him.”

Even more so than the inappropriate words and behaviors, I find the greatest disappointment in the silence of others. Because, if I’m really honest, I often find myself in the comfort of the silence.

Why do so many protect leaders who act unjustly? Why do we protect the reputations of those who have joined the ranks of celebrity? Why would we withhold information that could potentially prevent others from falling into a harmful situation?

Forgiveness. This is the weapon that, in too many cases, the church is using with victims. You need to forgive him. It’s not very “Christian” of you to speak out against a brother. And on and on the abusive advice flows–forgive and forget. Apparently some harmful behaviors should just be ignored and prayed for.

Of course, the silence is not only found in faith groups, but in all groups, everywhere. Why do we stay silent? Why are we so quick to dismiss victims, using tactics of shame and guilt and blame?

I’m angry. I’m sad. I’m frustrated and mad.

Forgiveness does not require one to simply forget what happened. Forgiveness can happen while one is speaking up and calling out inappropriate and harmful behaviors. Discipline and punishments are often the appropriate consequences for behaviors.

I guess more than anything, speaking up and against the inequality and injustice that we see requires bravery, especially when the speaking up is against men or women in positions of power.

So perhaps the best questions of all: will we be brave to speak up, out and against injustice?

In the end, it will never be the words or actions of our enemies that hurt us the most, but our deepest wounds will be from the ones who had the opportunity to say something but decided to remain silent.