teresaq Posted February 25, 2011 Posted February 25, 2011 A few years ago an incident happened, again, in one of the two churches I attend. He wasn't registered but an incident had already happened with one young lady. Nothing was done. The child just avoided him. It happened again and the parents of this young lady went to the church. These parents weren't out for blood, so to speak. They wanted it to be dealt with in a loving, Christian manner with the view of restoration of the offender. The church told them it was their problem, Matthew 18 it. Rather disappointing and cowardly approach. :( Quote facebook. /teresa.quintero.790
Stan Posted February 25, 2011 Posted February 25, 2011 If that reported incident, was not passed on to the Police, the Church leaders need to resign, or be booted out. Quote If you receive benefit to being here please help out with expenses. https://www.paypal.me/clubadventist Administrator of a few websites like https://adventistdating.com
Members phkrause Posted February 25, 2011 Members Posted February 25, 2011 A few years ago an incident happened, again, in one of the two churches I attend. He wasn't registered but an incident had already happened with one young lady. Nothing was done. The child just avoided him. It happened again and the parents of this young lady went to the church. These parents weren't out for blood, so to speak. They wanted it to be dealt with in a loving, Christian manner with the view of restoration of the offender. The church told them it was their problem, Matthew 18 it. Rather disappointing and cowardly approach. Yes teresaq(sda) it is sad. I think Stan makes a good point in his post. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
chickadee Posted February 25, 2011 Posted February 25, 2011 The policies vary from conference to conference. We had a convicted Pedophile attend our church. The police informed us that he would be attending and the church board discussed how this was to be dealt with. He was not allowed to attend the church where the child attended that he had assaulted, this was non negotiable. He was only allowed into the main worship service, was not to sit near children and had to be escorted to the toilet. At no time was he allowed to be alone in the church. The man was very thankful to be attending church so he stuck to the rules. It was very difficult for parents, but when it was handled well and all was being done to safe guard the children, it was a bit easier to live with. We did not have to deal with the situation for too long because the man died. It is a serious matter and has to be dealt with very sensitively. Although one thing that churches need to be aware of is that some pedophiles are not allowed to attend anything where kids are present, they are not even allowed to stand at a bus stop if a child is there.....so this needs to be checked out with the police. Quote
Sonny Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 I think a more pragmatic approach would be to assign a deacon to watch them when they leave the sanctuary and go to an area(s) of the church where other members who would be at risk from this person might be. Yes, and let's watch out for those who have committed adultery. Let's keep an eye of them. And don't forget those who have lied or cheated. Let's keep an eye on them also. And what about those who covet? Let's all watch each other. Matter of fact let's strap sidearms on our sides.... Quote
Sonny Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 because one day, they will have a bad day, and cross the line. Same with any other sin...adultery, rape, murder, theft....You are assuming once a sinner always a sinner. While the sin of the sex offender is terrible, in God's eyes all sins are equal. Now this will pee some folks off, but it's a true statement. If you don't won't too worry about your kids don't have any....But we do...we take risks bring kids into this world knowing it's rotten to the core. A little responsibility would help....I include myself. There are no guarantees in this world. Quote
Woody Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 Originally Posted By: abelisle I think a more pragmatic approach would be to assign a deacon to watch them when they leave the sanctuary and go to an area(s) of the church where other members who would be at risk from this person might be. "Yes, and let's watch out for those who have committed adultery. Let's keep an eye of them. And don't forget those who have lied or cheated. Let's keep an eye on them also. And what about those who covet? Let's all watch each other." Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
nuff sed Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 I am surprised that nobody has suggested that parents look out for their children. They should not be wandering all over the church looking for their parents after Sabbath School. Parents should take their children to their respective SS rooms, turn them over to the leaders and then pick them up at the same place at the end of SS...............or is that too much trouble?? nuff sed Quote
Members phkrause Posted February 26, 2011 Members Posted February 26, 2011 I am surprised that nobody has suggested that parents look out for their children. They should not be wandering all over the church looking for their parents after Sabbath School. Parents should take their children to their respective SS rooms, turn them over to the leaders and then pick them up at the same place at the end of SS...............or is that too much trouble??nuff sed Absolutely 'nuf sed. This is great advice, and your right this should be second nature. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
bonnie Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 Yes, and let's watch out for those who have committed adultery. Let's keep an eye of them. Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman
Woody Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 Quote: "judged according to our works". Let's be clear that only the lost are judged by their works. The Righteous are judged by the works of Jesus for their life would qualify them for Hell otherwise. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
bonnie Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 I am surprised that nobody has suggested that parents look out for their children. They should not be wandering all over the church looking for their parents after Sabbath School. Parents should take their children to their respective SS rooms, turn them over to the leaders and then pick them up at the same place at the end of SS...............or is that too much trouble??nuff sed Do you honestly think a SDA pedophile molests only SDA children that have "careless parents"? When my sons were little more than toddlers we had a very likable,personable married man that attended our church at times and was close to our extended family. I had no idea at the time what he was capable of.ANd No my children were not running the church unsupervised. There was a divorce that none of us understood and the man disappeared from the local churches,Some years later I found out for fact,no gossip what he had done. I had no idea where he was at the time. Not to long ago we visited a church that was pastored by a good friend of ours. I was surprised to find this man there. The chilling part was the little boys.If a little boy walked by him he would smile and shake his hand. There was not a parent present that knew what he was.He recognized me and by closing hymn he had left. I spoke to the pastor later to see to it he kept that man away from any child. I suppose in your opinion it would have been the fault of a parent.His job put him in close contact,sometimes without parent present. Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman
bonnie Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 Quote: "judged according to our works". Let's be clear that only the lost are judged by their works. The Righteous are judged by the works of Jesus for their life would qualify them for Hell otherwise. Let's be clear Woody,a repentent pedohile will be the very first to tell you,"DO NOT TRUST ME ALONE WITH A CHILD"? His warning carries a lot more weight than your interpretation. A few years ago a level 3 sex offender was released after 23 years.He literally begged to not be let out because he would re-offend. His sister and other family members begged to please do not let him out. Within 6 months he abducted,tortured,raped and killed a beautiful young college girl. No biggy tho right as we have all sinned? A pedophile is far more aware of the damage and heartbreak he can cause than you will ever be. Perhaps it would be nice if you and others can welcome them as a next door neighbor. Maybe as has been hinted at before you have enough faith or pray in the correct manner,you and yours would be safe Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman
CoAspen Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 Tag on-not a reply, To say the least, I am really surprised that some think it is okay to let a pedo have uncontrolled access at a church when they don't have else where in society!! This isn't about 'sinners' being able to go to church, but about the protection of the individual and children. Last time I checked, our sins or desires did not get checked at the door. I do believe there is a basic lack of understanding of Pedophilia. Again, we are the same inside or outside of the church. Quote
bonnie Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 When stats and the words of a pedophile say "I will do this again",the most christian and common sense approach is to tell him it is alright.We have all sinned and besides the parents need to watch their children more closely Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman
Sonny Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 How about just not bringing kids into this world. The most trusted person has a nature that is perverted....You can't trust human nature and you never really know if a person is allowing Christ to have his/her nature. Quote
bonnie Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 How about just not bringing kids into this world. The most trusted person has a nature that is perverted....You can't trust human nature and you never really know if a person is allowing Christ to have his/her nature. That is your choice. I happen to consider my kids a blessing that cannot be put into words. Deciding not to have children because their are those that believe known pedophiles should have acess to them may be or have been your choice.It is not mine Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman
Amelia Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 *GP Please remember, this thread is about church policies. Do we have them? What are they? Do they work? And if we don't what should we do. NOT about having or not having children. NOT about good or bad parenting. Thanks Amelia Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p>
Members phkrause Posted February 26, 2011 Members Posted February 26, 2011 *GP Please remember, this thread is about church policies. Do we have them? What are they? Do they work? And if we don't what should we do. NOT about having or not having children. NOT about good or bad parenting. Thanks Amelia Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Sonny Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 That is your choice. No, Bonnie, you have made the choice to bring kids into this world knowing that it is anything but safe. I have too.... However, that was thirty + years ago. Now I wouldn't because I realize how unsafe it is. We, as Christians, are living in enemy territory. The more America turns it's back on God, through secular humanism (which is really self-worship) the more trouble we will see here in America. Perhaps it's time for responsible adults to think about not bringing children into this world. Even Ellen White alluded to this.... Quote
Sonny Posted February 26, 2011 Posted February 26, 2011 Do they work? Unless some type of background check is done on anyone entering the church you are at the mercy of those attending church. You could have a murderer sitting next to you.... The thing is laws are very limited. No law will save you from harm. All laws do is punish those who break them, i.e., if they are caught. Quote
bonnie Posted February 27, 2011 Posted February 27, 2011 Originally Posted By: Amelia Do they work? Unless some type of background check is done on anyone entering the church you are at the mercy of those attending church. You could have a murderer sitting next to you.... The thing is laws are very limited. No law will save you from harm. All laws do is punish those who break them, i.e., if they are caught. Anyone to a elected position or teachers,pastors and pathfinder or youth leaders should have a through background check. No adult should be left behind closed doors with someone else's child. You can not always know of a threat to a child by someone.When you do and shrug and say "We have all sinned" and say and do nothing you are as responsibile as the one that molests a child. A careless parent in church does not make a pedophile. He is already a predator waiting for his chance Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman
Guest Posted February 27, 2011 Posted February 27, 2011 No law will save you from harm. All laws do is punish those who break them, i.e., if they are caught. Exactly! Which is why more gun laws don't make sense. It only resticts law abiding citizens. Sorry Amelia.... Quote
bonnie Posted February 27, 2011 Posted February 27, 2011 Originally Posted By: bonnie That is your choice. No, Bonnie, you have made the choice to bring kids into this world knowing that it is anything but safe. I have too.... However, that was thirty + years ago. Now I wouldn't because I realize how unsafe it is. We, as Christians, are living in enemy territory. The more America turns it's back on God, through secular humanism (which is really self-worship) the more trouble we will see here in America. Perhaps it's time for responsible adults to think about not bringing children into this world. Even Ellen White alluded to this.... As far as I know we have always lived in enemy territory. I don't think God intended we walk around with long faces looking only at the bad. I don't think we should blithly ignore warning signs of danger to our children because "You know we are in enemy territory" Or we have all sinned so ignore that known pedpohile that sits next to your child in church. Regardless of your pessimism I enjoy life and my children and grandchildren only add that much more. Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman
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