The first to throw a stone

Available for 29 days

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Canon Simon Doogan. Good morning. Ruthless social media pile-ons appear to be a modern phenomenon. In what can feel like an anonymous and consequence-free online environment, some think they can say just about anything, about just about anybody – true or otherwise. Numerous high-profile libel and defamation cases suggest otherwise, while younger victims of peer-group callousness seem to have little comeback. They’re also much more vulnerable, sometimes tragically so. It’s a trend, ironically, which highlights the foundational legal principle, that evidence must be gathered and cases brought by parties with a direct interest in the matter. Decisions to order investigations, instigate proceedings or bring prosecutions don’t lie with judges, that’s a common misconception. As the original Canon Law doctrine expresses it: ‘No one shall be punished without an accuser’. Its source, though, is chapter 8 of John’s Gospel. A religious mob is lynching a woman caught in adultery. In a hold-your-breath encounter in the Jerusalem Temple which might count as a first century real-life equivalent of internet group shaming, it falls to Jesus to dispel their bloodlust and puncture their self-righteousness. His words, roughly translated, are stone away if you’re without sin. After the stoners slope off, Jesus asks the woman: Where are they? Has no one condemned you? Her reply, No one, sir, establishes a legal tenet that protects us all. Lies or gossip alone can never form the basis of a prosecution or punishment. An identifiable and accountable accuser, must always step forward. Lord hear our prayer today for those who stand falsely, vexatiously or frivolously accused. Bring them someone to say on their behalf: let anyone among you who is without sin, be the first to throw a stone. Amen