Accounts Quote by Eugene H. Peterson
“The religious leader is the most untrustworthy of leaders; in no other station do we have so many opportunities for pride, covetousness and lust, and with so many excellent disguises to keep such ignobility from being found out and called to account.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Untrustworthy Leader, Eugene H. Peterson, 1995
Religious authority can be especially prone to moral failings because of power, secrecy, and self‑interest.
In simple terms: Leaders can misuse power and hide wrongdoing.
Key Takeaway
Hold leaders accountable and seek transparency.
Themes
power
morality
leadership
accountability
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- church governance
- political leadership
- community oversight
Key Concepts
ethics
corruption
human frailty
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent abuse of authority?
- How can communities foster integrity?
A Different Perspective
The claim may generalize all religious leaders, ignoring many who are ethical.
![“The clergy [in the 14th century] on the whole were probably no more lecherous or greedy or untrustworthy than other men, but because they were supposed to be better or nearer to God than other men, their failings attracted more attention.” quote by Barbara Tuchman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/558/barbara-tuchman-3945_attention_the-clergy-in-the-14th-century-on-the-wh_159681.jpg)
