Fr. Thomas Hopko<\/p><\/div>\n

It’s very encouraging to hear an Orthodox leader speak to a problem many us are aware of but don’t know how to frame in ways that we can responsibly speak about it. That problem is corruption, malfeasance, and plain old brokenness in clerical ranks. <\/p>\n

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Fr. Tom starts with comments that corruption of this type is nothing new. True enough. All too often though, this statement is used to close discussion, as if the present calamity (not too strong a word in some areas of American Orthodoxy) ought not be broached and Fr. Tom thankfully does not take this approach. <\/p>\n

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Instead, he delves into the scriptures to describe what proper Christian leadership consists of servanthood (not overlordship) and exhorts the faithful to help the priests and bishops to “tend the flock of God that is in (their) charge.” <\/p>\n

Then Fr. Tom asks, “What do we do when those in leadership are not exercising their leadership properly?” He says the final answer is for the people of God to live like they really are the people of God. No shortcuts. Then strong leaders will come forward. <\/p>\n