As one who has been severally abused in the church by “unsuspected” men as a minor and young adult, yet not losing my love for God, for Christ and His Church, I understand. I understand perfectly the positions of those fighting for the body of Christ that has in many ways come heavily under attack in this age and time both from within and with out, and the others fighting in defense of the flock who complain of pain inflicted upon them in the church.
Being in the position I find myself both as a victim and as one who is proudly unashamed of the gospel of Christ, I understand the place of balance in this whole issue. Just because we do not know in details, we should all try to be compassionate in our words to both the alleged victim and the alleged rapist. Do not vilify nor trivialize any side of the argument yet. Do not be quick to do so. You would be surprise to find out that what you think you know and should give you reasons to talk, may be just a scratch in comparison to the reality. So do leave judgement and choose diplomacy. Don't make it hard for other victims to speak up because of the way you bash the one who did and don't make it difficult for other men of God to be confident that they won't be labelled abusers, the moment a finger points at them, without the case being properly investigated.
I cannot stand any manner of abuse, but to me sexual abuse is so intolerable it should be equated with murder. I can stick out my neck for victims, in ways I was not able to do for myself. Likewise, I cannot stand anyone who support sexual abuse under whatever cloak, nor anyone who trivializes testimonies of victims without proof that they are lying. I loathe such persons. However, the consciousness of how little we know about all that happened and the drive to get to the root of the matter and dig up the truth should be our focus, our earnest desire. Let's push for proper investigation. That should be our preoccupation.
Let me say this, if though it may be hard to swallow：
Everyone's truth us their truth.
Pst. Biodun's truth is his truth, how much do you know about this incident, to call him a liar？What assurance do you have that this is not an allegation？
Busola's truth is her truth, please how much do you know to call it a lie？ You ask her for proof and evidence, what is your own concrete proof and evidence that she is lying Or you think because the narrative didn't flow as you imagined it should, then it is not true What are your evidences? Do you see my point？ You know nothing, you and I know absolutely nothing.
Everyone's truth is “their truth”. Our concern should be to find out “the truth” and there are stipulated ways to go about that. If you do know anything or have anything tangible in support or against any of the parties, why not be willing to testify alongside either of them in the courtroom？ If you know or have anything, guard it jealously and use it to drive this case towards justice in the appropriate manner. Are you getting my point？ You may have to pause and review your social media comments again in the light of information you can attest to.
Let us learn from King Solomon, the wise son of King David, who in 1 King Chapter 3：23-25, showed us indeed how to approach cases of this sort with wisdom. Without taking a stand by hearsays, Solomon sought to put the claims of the two prostitutes to a fair test, by choosing to “equally” share the baby between the two women. I love the fact that 1 King 3：23 in TLB translation put it this way： “Let's get the fact straight, both of you “claim”...
Friends, all that we have heard, we must wait to test and try it, before we conclude. You must wait for the testament of both the alleged rapist or the alleged victim to be tried, before you begin making strong statements of condemnation, judgement or hate about Busola or Biodun.
Desist from that. But if you truly want to do some thing, then here is what you should comfort the one who complained of being hurt, and encourage the one who complained of being falsely accused.
While we wait for the law to begin its fair trials and trust God to unveil the truth for the sake of all who were abused in the church and for the Church of Nigeria in distress, let us pray for the persons involved and for their families. Do not be quick to hurt those who are hurting the more with your words, instead extend your compassion...as we wait for the trials and truth to prevail.