27 Feb 2026, 10:54Dr Kirk ThomasWatford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
A Call to Justice and Compassion: Lessons from the Epstein Files for the Church
Pastoral Newsletter 26th February 2026
Dear Church Family,
Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus. The release of the Jeffrey Epstein files has sent shockwaves through the moral fabric of society, provoking discussion about the ethics of sexual exploitation, the systematic abuse of power, and the culture of tacit complicity that enables it all. Through the prism of this case, we are confronted with urgent questions about accountability, justice and mercy – values that are deeply embedded in the Christian faith. As the ugly workings of Epstein’s world were gradually exposed, it became clear that the scandal involved more than just one awful person. It involved a systemic collapse that calls for an uncompromising ethics of moral reflection. Here, most disturbingly, is what can happen when we abandon those ethics.
As one delves into the Epstein files, one can’t help but be met with the unfortunate reality that there was an enormous network of complicit individuals who chose to look the other way to make sure the ‘kingpin’ was protected, and in the process, the many innocents that Epstein preyed on were repeatedly sacrificed to the paedophile god of power and lust. Many of us in the world – including non-believers and Christians alike – are left to ponder where we fit in the grand social scheme. Are we passive players, or are we actively engaged participants within the larger global community? Christians, as per the Gospel, are to be citizens of the Kingdom of God – an institution built on justice for all and the protection of the weak. So, in essence, we all have a Godly charge to seek accountability within our societies. And with that in mind, looking through the various pages of scandal within the Epstein files, it becomes clear that there are certain institutions that played a role in his atrocities and had no qualms in turning a blind eye to cover their own shameful interests. Those institutions obviously range from the local police department to the more prestigious institutions of learning, such as Harvard, and yes, churches.
The Bible teaches us that we should account for the way we act. This principle is not only personal but also institutional. The unfolding events surrounding the Epstein case show the awful price of our silence. As followers of Christ, we must engage actively and critically in the fight to prevent exploitation and to challenge social norms that enable and encourage our silence rather than our outrage at injustices. The Bible teaches us that there is a profound responsibility as witnesses of God to bear testimony to sin and to defend those who are persecuted and oppressed. Thus, Christians need to be actively engaged in speaking out about abuses, supporting victims, and grappling with the often-painful truth of the darkness that often lies beneath the surface and must be brought to the light of the air to be healed.
It is equally important to consider the pasts of the influential people who chose to enable Jeffrey Epstein. The culture that allowed him to act out these atrocities for decades is one that calls for introspection around issues of privilege, power and injustice. We as Christians should reflect on our posture and be aware of our actions in relation to these matters, all while advocating and fighting for real systemic change that protects and defends the vulnerable and holds those with power to task. From Genesis to the Gospel of Luke, the Bible calls us to be just. The prophets especially call for social justice in which everyone is treated with dignity and fairness.
On one hand, these tragedies exist, and we acknowledge their painful reality while – as Christians – are summoned to extend compassion not only to the victims of the violation but also to the culprits, recognising that God does not cease to offer his grace even to those responsible for crimes. A compassionate spirit asks for the restoration of victims and demands that justice is restorative rather than purely punitive so that honour and dignity are restored to victims. We are called to support projects providing victim access to mental, medial or legal assistance in order that they may recover from their traumatic experience.
I believe justice has to be coupled with compassion. The idea of justice is often seen in a very retributive light. When thinking about justice in the context of this case, it is important to consider the kind of punishment for abusers that will bring restoration rather than just retribution. This is a bigger discussion about how societies are redeemed and how people are given an opportunity to be educated, to repent and be restored. A Christ follower has to navigate how to bring justice and mercy to bear in a world where both are desperately needed.
The Epstein files also highlight the need for education to hold people accountable and instil humanity. As Christians, we have a responsibility to educate people about the signs of trafficking and sexual exploitation, so we have a voice to speak out against it. Through education, we have the potential to build stronger, healthier communities and empower people, especially our most vulnerable. Through education, we can stop cycles of abuse and begin the healing process.
This scandal points beyond the actions of one individual. It challenges all of us to resist harmful narratives and to advocate for moral clarity. Our role is to uphold accountability, pursue justice and extend compassion to those who have been grievously harmed. In doing so, we become part of a counterforce to exploitation in all its forms.
The ethical lessons emerging from these events reinforce principles central to the Christian faith. Social change is a goal that may seem far-off or utopian, but in fact it is a goal that calls for active participation from every member of society – especially those who confess Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour. As our Lord and Saviour taught us to do, we too must be agents of justice in society – it must be a justice that upholds the principles of accountability – and we too must be bearers of compassion to a suffering humanity in need of healing.
In other news: Congratulations to Pastors Blake, Gooden, Divinia and team for another six baptisms in the Walthamstow Church. Finally, the West Croydon SDA Church will be dedicated this weekend. Congratulations, Ps Jesse Samuels and team! Be Inspired for Mission!
Dear Church Family,
Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus. The release of the Jeffrey Epstein files has sent shockwaves through the moral fabric of society, provoking discussion about the ethics of sexual exploitation, the systematic abuse of power, and the culture of tacit complicity that enables it all. Through the prism of this case, we are confronted with urgent questions about accountability, justice and mercy – values that are deeply embedded in the Christian faith. As the ugly workings of Epstein’s world were gradually exposed, it became clear that the scandal involved more than just one awful person. It involved a systemic collapse that calls for an uncompromising ethics of moral reflection. Here, most disturbingly, is what can happen when we abandon those ethics.
As one delves into the Epstein files, one can’t help but be met with the unfortunate reality that there was an enormous network of complicit individuals who chose to look the other way to make sure the ‘kingpin’ was protected, and in the process, the many innocents that Epstein preyed on were repeatedly sacrificed to the paedophile god of power and lust. Many of us in the world – including non-believers and Christians alike – are left to ponder where we fit in the grand social scheme. Are we passive players, or are we actively engaged participants within the larger global community? Christians, as per the Gospel, are to be citizens of the Kingdom of God – an institution built on justice for all and the protection of the weak. So, in essence, we all have a Godly charge to seek accountability within our societies. And with that in mind, looking through the various pages of scandal within the Epstein files, it becomes clear that there are certain institutions that played a role in his atrocities and had no qualms in turning a blind eye to cover their own shameful interests. Those institutions obviously range from the local police department to the more prestigious institutions of learning, such as Harvard, and yes, churches.
The Bible teaches us that we should account for the way we act. This principle is not only personal but also institutional. The unfolding events surrounding the Epstein case show the awful price of our silence. As followers of Christ, we must engage actively and critically in the fight to prevent exploitation and to challenge social norms that enable and encourage our silence rather than our outrage at injustices. The Bible teaches us that there is a profound responsibility as witnesses of God to bear testimony to sin and to defend those who are persecuted and oppressed. Thus, Christians need to be actively engaged in speaking out about abuses, supporting victims, and grappling with the often-painful truth of the darkness that often lies beneath the surface and must be brought to the light of the air to be healed.
It is equally important to consider the pasts of the influential people who chose to enable Jeffrey Epstein. The culture that allowed him to act out these atrocities for decades is one that calls for introspection around issues of privilege, power and injustice. We as Christians should reflect on our posture and be aware of our actions in relation to these matters, all while advocating and fighting for real systemic change that protects and defends the vulnerable and holds those with power to task. From Genesis to the Gospel of Luke, the Bible calls us to be just. The prophets especially call for social justice in which everyone is treated with dignity and fairness.
On one hand, these tragedies exist, and we acknowledge their painful reality while – as Christians – are summoned to extend compassion not only to the victims of the violation but also to the culprits, recognising that God does not cease to offer his grace even to those responsible for crimes. A compassionate spirit asks for the restoration of victims and demands that justice is restorative rather than purely punitive so that honour and dignity are restored to victims. We are called to support projects providing victim access to mental, medial or legal assistance in order that they may recover from their traumatic experience.
I believe justice has to be coupled with compassion. The idea of justice is often seen in a very retributive light. When thinking about justice in the context of this case, it is important to consider the kind of punishment for abusers that will bring restoration rather than just retribution. This is a bigger discussion about how societies are redeemed and how people are given an opportunity to be educated, to repent and be restored. A Christ follower has to navigate how to bring justice and mercy to bear in a world where both are desperately needed.
The Epstein files also highlight the need for education to hold people accountable and instil humanity. As Christians, we have a responsibility to educate people about the signs of trafficking and sexual exploitation, so we have a voice to speak out against it. Through education, we have the potential to build stronger, healthier communities and empower people, especially our most vulnerable. Through education, we can stop cycles of abuse and begin the healing process.
This scandal points beyond the actions of one individual. It challenges all of us to resist harmful narratives and to advocate for moral clarity. Our role is to uphold accountability, pursue justice and extend compassion to those who have been grievously harmed. In doing so, we become part of a counterforce to exploitation in all its forms.
The ethical lessons emerging from these events reinforce principles central to the Christian faith. Social change is a goal that may seem far-off or utopian, but in fact it is a goal that calls for active participation from every member of society – especially those who confess Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour. As our Lord and Saviour taught us to do, we too must be agents of justice in society – it must be a justice that upholds the principles of accountability – and we too must be bearers of compassion to a suffering humanity in need of healing.
In other news: Congratulations to Pastors Blake, Gooden, Divinia and team for another six baptisms in the Walthamstow Church. Finally, the West Croydon SDA Church will be dedicated this weekend. Congratulations, Ps Jesse Samuels and team! Be Inspired for Mission!
