I’d never thought through this. Pretty sure every church we’ve ever attended would have no qualms about letting a pedophile attend as long as they weren’t working with children. But it makes so much sense to refuse pedophiles easy access to potential targets, and offer an alternative option like an adults only service. Especially in light of the epidemic of abuse in the church.
Thank you for your comment and taking the time to read, Kimberly! This is such a complex issue that requires a lot of thought. I absolutely agree that in light of all the abuse we are seeing, over and over, it needs rethinking, and from a victim's perspective, not the offender's. But I also think it's in the best interests of an offender, and someone who is truly repentant would not want to be around children and would happily submit to reasonable protections.
Praise God that Tennessee brought in the death penalty for sex offenders. Let’s hope to keep them out of our churches with kids for good. Sounds like these elders had every opportunity to take a group and minister to him in his home - that would have cost them, so it’s no surprise they didn’t. Bless you brother for your work in keeping children safe. Where’s your trophy?!
I’d never thought through this. Pretty sure every church we’ve ever attended would have no qualms about letting a pedophile attend as long as they weren’t working with children. But it makes so much sense to refuse pedophiles easy access to potential targets, and offer an alternative option like an adults only service. Especially in light of the epidemic of abuse in the church.
Thank you for your comment and taking the time to read, Kimberly! This is such a complex issue that requires a lot of thought. I absolutely agree that in light of all the abuse we are seeing, over and over, it needs rethinking, and from a victim's perspective, not the offender's. But I also think it's in the best interests of an offender, and someone who is truly repentant would not want to be around children and would happily submit to reasonable protections.
Praise God that Tennessee brought in the death penalty for sex offenders. Let’s hope to keep them out of our churches with kids for good. Sounds like these elders had every opportunity to take a group and minister to him in his home - that would have cost them, so it’s no surprise they didn’t. Bless you brother for your work in keeping children safe. Where’s your trophy?!