Muckracker Julie Roys exposes abuse in the church

By Abdul Masih —

This is what investigative journalists are supposed to do, and it fulfills the self-purifying duties of the church. But every time Julie Roys publishes another report about pastor abuse or Christian leader abuse, Christians wince.

“If men in the church were doing their job, Julie Roys wouldn’t have a job,” says Christian rapper Ruslan.

The latest takedown of The Roys Report was Michael Tait, beloved singer Newsboys (formerly DC Talk), exposed for SA against men and drug use. Tait issued a public apology (a Christian confession) and pledged to enroll in rehab.

Previously, Roys has exposed Robert Morris, Ravi Zacharias, Michael Brown and some 20 other leaders. She covers not just SA but also abusive leadership style and financial mismanagement.

Her website, launched in 2018, has roused some vicious counter-attacks, particularly after she questioned John MacArthur‘s discipline of the wife of a elder who allegedly abused his children.

James MacDonald, of Harvest Bible Chapel pastor, called her “JuLiar,” a “gossip slut” and “a cancer on the body of Christ.” Janet Mefferd, via Pulpit & Pen, labeled her a “grifter,” questioning her journalistic integrity and describing her site as a “sad, a-theological tabloid.” She’s been called a liberal feminist, a traitor and a grand-standing muckracker.

But Roys herself says God has given her a gift to help purify the church. “We’re not out to burn something down,” Julie says. “That’s a misconception of what we do, that we’re here because we hate the church. No. We love the church, and anybody who loves the church is grieving for what’s happening. Satan’s got a foothold in the church.”

Julie holds a master’s degree in broadcast Journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School and has worked for a CBS affiliate, for WGN‑TV and for Fox News Chicago. She has written for World magazine, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, The Federalist and The Christian Post. She was working for Moody Bible Institute when she exposed financial issues that led to three administrators exiting.

There is among Christians a widespread understanding that our first obligation is to present the Gospel to sinners, so sniffing out corruption among our fabled leaders seems counter-productive. Where others fear to tread, Roys boldly stepsy.

As painful as her exposés may be, it is better that self-judgement comes from inside the church than from outside. The Guardian was reportedly working on the Tait story when Roys broke it. If the world blows the whistle, the church can be accused of coverup, enabling, abandoning its mission, coddling its leaders, not caring about the masses and not being authentic.

This uncomfortable ministry provides another usefulness: that of solacing victims who abandon their church because they are silenced, ignored or gas-lighted.

It is important that the church not show that sexual misconduct will be tolerated. This contrast is important when compared to other religions that almost seem to high-five the sexual prowess of their leaders.

Lying beneath the exposés simmer two block-buster realities that are awkward to address: mega churches function with no real accountability, mega ministers seem to have an adrenaline addiction that seeks an outlet after the adoring fans are not there.

“I think transparency and accountability are wonderful things,” says a redditor. “I think Roys is doing good work.”

Investigative journalists are supposed to investigate, so let’s not demonize them. Let the muckrackers rake muck. Even if they’re Christian muckrackers.