Fortunately, situations like this aren’t common in my experience—but you are right: When they do occur, it makes unchurched people wonder if Christians actually believe in right and wrong. It even gives some an excuse to claim the church is full of hypocrites, and therefore they don’t want anything to do with it.

If this person has in fact committed immorality, he has sinned in the eyes of God. The Bible is clear: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). These are solemn words, and both this person and your church’s leaders should take them seriously.

Pray for your leaders, that God will give them courage and wisdom to do what is right. Pray also about your own responsibility and whether or not God would have you bring it to the attention of your pastor or other leader. Do so humbly and cautiously, however; they may know things you don’t know or may already be working quietly to resolve the problem.

More than that, ask God to help you live a life that honors Christ no matter what others do. Remember Jesus’ words: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).