On Anonymous Criticism
It doesn’t happen very often at Our Savior’s, but the congregation council recently received an anonymous letter critical of some aspect of our congregation. The issue involved is irrelevant, but the theological implications are not. The council asked me to write an article exploring Christian teaching on anonymous criticism.
Unity through Reconciliation
In a sinful and fallen world, Christians will from time to time disagree. Sometimes that disagreement is due to a difference in how we read and interpret the Scriptures, and other times disagreement is found in matters of personal opinion. Either way, an important goal of every local Christian congregation is peaceful unity. We are to pursue it with humility, gentleness, and patience.
How we handle our inevitable differences is an important part of ensuring peace and harmony within the church. St. Paul calls us to a high standard of unity, writing:
Ephesians 4:1-3 — I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
When we do disagree, our goal should always be reconciliation. We should never intend to triumph over and defeat those with whom we disagree. Instead, we should seek restored relationships. When one member of the body of Christ has wronged another, we must work towards reconciliation and forgiveness.
Jesus gives us clear instructions on how we are to handle disagreement within the church. In particular, he teaches:
Matthew 18:15-17 — [Jesus said,] "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
To be clear: the very first thing that we are to do when we feel we have been wronged is talk to the person one-on-one and face-to-face.
Anonymity is Unfaithful
Too often, though, we are afraid to confront problems head on. This is where anonymous criticism comes in. But anonymity isn’t a faithful way to engage in disagreement:
Anonymous critics reject Christian accountability. They act as if they are entitled to have a say in what is going on while at the same time remaining above criticism and disagreement. Anonymity gives people cover to say whatever they’d like without consequences. They want their criticism to be heard and obeyed, but they won’t engage in dialog.
Luke 12:2-3 — [Jesus said,] "Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops."
Anonymous critics disrespect and mistreat those who have legitimate authority. Authority isn’t a popular word today, but as Lutheran Christians we believe that a pastor is an ordained servant of Christ and our council members are elected leaders of the congregation. With that responsibility comes the expectation that, even when we disagree with them, we treat them with the respect due to them as servants of the Gospel.
As Luther's Explanation of the Fourth Commandment in the Small Catechism says, "We are to fear and love God, so that we neither despise nor anger our parents and others in authority, but instead honor, serve, obey, love, and respect them." (emphasis added)
Anonymous critics reject Christian reconciliation, because no act of reconciliation can be unilateral. Reconciliation means that forgiveness has been offered and received, and a new way forward together is found. Therefore, reconciliation is a two-way street, and you cannot be reconciled with someone if you don’t even know who they are.
Anonymous critics are unwilling to follow the Golden Rule. Few people who offer anonymous criticism would be pleased (or even think it fair) to receive anonymous criticism of themselves.
Matthew 7:12 — [Jesus said,] "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets."
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a well-intended anonymous message among Christians. Aside from a limited number of situations where anonymity is necessary (for example, to protect the victim of a crime), anonymous criticisms are sinful.
Our congregation council has agreed that we will not be listening to anonymous criticism.
Anonymous Criticism Harms Us All
Not only is anonymous criticism unfaithful in and of itself, but it harms the entire congregation as a whole. In particular:
It inflicts unnecessary pain and anxiety upon both paid staff and volunteer leaders.
It discourages our volunteers from leading the congregation with boldness and integrity for fear of criticism to which they can’t even respond.
It distracts our leaders from our core mission: the Gospel.
It creates division and mistrust within the congregation instead of promoting unity of teaching and purpose.
Most insidiously, it allows a handful of critics to emotionally manipulate the congregation by spreading fear, threats, and mistaken or misleading information.
We Want to Hear from You!
Fortunately, you have a congregation council (and a pastor!) who is willing to hear your feedback, even if it’s critical. We are determined to keep Our Savior’s a safe environment in which we can all be faithful followers of Christ. Your feedback isn’t just welcomed, it’s of great importance as we look to the future of our congregation. We just ask that you speak for yourself, with your name attached, and treat our leaders with the common respect due to all people as children of God.
If you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Pastor Ted, on my cell: (507) 832-0099, congregation president Eric Tvinnereim at (507) 840-1288, or any other member of the congregation council.
