Christian ministry. Mary’s ‘Let it be with me’ in response to God’s call is a strong and positive affirmation of faith, and the language of the Magnificat speaks of empowerment, not passive acceptance.
2.9. Inequalities of power in pastoral care
Any relationship in which one person seeks help from another involves asymmetrical power and it is crucial that all ministers acknowledge this reality. The ‘provider’ inevitably holds more power than the person needing help. This inequality increases if the helper has the authority of an official or professional position (e.g. priest, teacher, doctor, police officer, etc.). It is abusive to use such asymmetrical power to gratify needs for affirmation, let alone to manipulate or coerce an individual to satisfy sexual desires or to obtain material or financial advantage.
In pastoral ministry, power and authority will be experienced differently depending on the gender of both the person offering pastoral care and the person receiving that care. The ascribed authority and power of male pastors or senior colleagues will be reinforced by the power still inherent in being a man in our society. Male ministers therefore need to be particularly aware of the possibility of misusing (albeit unconsciously) or abusing this power, particularly when ministering to women or relating to female colleagues in ministry. Male ministers also need to be aware of how easy it is to ignore or override the quieter voices of women. Greater height, bulk, strength and volume of voice can all have a powerful impact and men need to recognize how physical presence may affect others and can be misused to ensure that they are heard and others are not.
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