Rev. Henry J. Lyons: Repentant or Still Scheming?

The Broward Times › October 19, 2009

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Summary

When confronted with cases such as [Henry J. Lyons]' we are exhorted to forgive, as Jesus commanded us to do. But the word forgiveness is a tricky one. Does it mean that we simply forget wrongdoing? Does it mean that we can't hold anyone accountable for their actions? I am uneasy with the notion that forgiveness means letting Lyons and others like him off the hook without question. It may all be a moot point because God has forgiven him anyway. But I still find it troubling that Lyons seems to think that saying he is sorry is enough. If Lyons felt the need to make a public statement upon his release from prison he should have explained himself more fully. I would take Lyons' claims of contribution more seriously if he quietly resumed his new life and expressed some degree of thoughtfulness about what led to his downfall. An emotional ceremony featuring a costume change does not undo the damage he caused to the church and to many people who supported him.

The current president of the NBC, Rev. William Shaw, reached out to Lyons upon his release from prison. It is appropriate for Shaw to offer assistance on a personal basis, but not on behalf of the convention. Unfortunately, Shaw has said that as an ex-president Lyons would be treated "with respect" and that he could be "a resource." I can't imagine what Lyons can offer that someone else could not. There is no benefit to be derived from Lyons having any role at this time. He could have spared himself, his family and the denomination two years of suffering if he had been truthful about his activities. He now grandiosely reappears and wants a role in the convention he nearly destroyed. I hope that Rev. Shaw will have any private conversation with Lyons that he chooses but advise his against attempting to get the attention that he obviously craves far too much.