The Church and the Former Sex Offender
Notes from the ReFORM Radio Series
Derek “The Fallen One” Logue
December 13, 2008, last update Nov. 24, 2009
NOTE: This page will contain notes from the ReFORM Radio Series on the Church and the Former
Offender. As each series is recorded, I’ll add the notes from the show to this article.
Part One: Redemption -- How the Church deals with the Former Offender
North Carolina recently passed a new law barring Registered Sex Offenders from coming within 300 feet of
any place children congregate. Since churches have nurseries, churches can be off limits for registrants
depending on the sheriff’s interpretation of the law [1]. Georgia faces a lawsuit over a law barring
registrants from working or volunteering at a church, citing the law "criminalizes fundamental religious
activities [2].” A number of states or municipalities bar registrants from living in close proximity to churches
[3,4]. In these cases, the government has passed legislation limiting the free exercise of religion, so
chances are these cases will eventually be overturned.
However, in the wake of Predator Panic, many churches are struggling with the issue of whether or not to
implement their own prohibitions. One church in San Diego (Pilgrim United Church of Christ) illustrated this
struggle when a Former Sex Offender asked to become a member. The ensuing discussion was so heated
the church asked the registrant not to attend until the church could resolve the issue. The resulting news
article offered a number of questions which needed to be addressed: “Should anyone be turned away
from a house of worship? How do people of faith balance redemption with risk? What about liability issues
[5]?”
Churches are struggling with finding the delicate balance between offering forgiveness and reconciliation
to everyone and the need to protect members. Mark Pliska, the registrant who approached the Pilgrim
church honestly and divulged the information outright, was met with derision, isolation, and even
harassment from both members of the congregation and the community. In a separate church, Christ Our
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, Idaho, the church arranged for a registrant to be chaperoned
and only attend certain services. Even so, some members left the congregation, while others who were
critical at first asked for the registrant’s forgiveness. Two churches, two different approaches, but in both
cases, the offender was the one who brought it to attention. In response to these cases, the reporter
mused, “The irony is that barring sex offenders who come forward and identity themselves from attending
services may not guarantee a congregation's safety, since it's likely there are child molesters in the church
anyway -- they just aren't talking about it (or haven't yet been found out).” [6]
So what is a church to do when approached by a sex offender wanting to join the congregation? The
answer is not easy. On one hand the Church teaches Redemption, Forgiveness, and the Community of
Believers, among other things; on the other hand, our society places great emphasis on the Former Sex
Offender and protecting children, thus adding the element of fear and liability to the issue. Almost every
time a Former Sex Offender wishes to attend the church, "there's a split in the congregation where you
have people saying 'Jesus called us to welcome everyone,' and others saying 'if a pedophile comes in, I'm
quitting.'" "I wouldn't be surprised if some people leave if we do decide to include him, but others have said
they'd leave if we don't include him,” another pastor stated [7]. That leaves three possible courses of
action a church can take in dealing with this dilemma. Below are the possibilities with the possible pros and
cons of each choice:
Ultimately, the Church must make up its own mind as to the course of action to take. In the event the
Church wishes to develop a “Restricted Access” plan, there are two programs already available for those
churches struggling with this dilemma.
Keeping Kids Safe Ministries [http://www.kidssafeministries.com/]
Keeping Kids Safe Ministries
PO Box 1288
Smyrna, TN 37167
voice mail : 615-631-5075
kksministries@bellsouth.net
The Mission:
“To keep kids safe in church environments from sexual abuse. The services and guidance will always be
informed by our expertise in the field of sex offender management, and grounded in biblical solutions.”
A thorough article on their accountability focus can be found here:
http://www.faithwebsites.com/sysfiles/site_uploads/custom/custom1186.pdf
Keeping Kids Safe ministries offers a balanced approach in dealing with both the Registered Sex Offender
and the unregistered, “secretive” offender yet to be caught, in a biblical and common-sense manner
without resorting to the myths that permeate throughout our society.
“Balancing Acts: Keeping Children Safe in Congregations”
[http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/balancingacts/index.shtml]
Rev. Debra W. Haffner, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
safecongregations@uua.org
Congregation Policies and Practices
Congregations need to consider three major components to assure that theirs is a safe space for children,
youth, and vulnerable adults. They are:
congregation, the personal histories of the minister and the congregants, and other factors will influence
development and implementation. If such policies and procedures are not now in place begin the process
of addressing these issues. Adapt or modify these suggestions to meet the specific needs of your
communities. Guidelines and forms are templates for discussion and deliberation. There is no “one size
fits all approach” to these complex issues. Each congregation will decide what is right and fitting for you.
Further this is a process—it may take a year or two to put all of these recommendations into place. The
following recommendations are offered as starting points, as procedures to consider. They are based on
best practices of existing congregational policies, expert advice and consultation.
From the USA Today article:
“From there, church leaders can create a list of restrictions, called a ‘limited access agreement.’ Such
arrangements might include making sure an offender is escorted while in church. He might only be allowed
to attend adult worship services or one-to-one meetings with a minister.
Balancing Acts suggests that two adults always be with a child and that children are in open spaces when
possible [7].”
Balancing Acts also suggests an accountability partner for both safety/ liability and protection reasons, not
just for the church (preventing sex crimes) but also for the benefit of the registrant (preventing false
allegations, support network). Some people may not agree with me, but I believe in an accountability
partner because I am very aware of the real possibility of false accusations even in the church.
Faith-Based Sexual Addiction and/ or Offender Resources:
There are no shortage of faith-based resources for dealing with sexual addiction or issues with deviant
sexuality. It is only a matter of reaching out to one of these ministries if you need help:
The bottom line: There are resources to help both the sex addict/ offender to deal with the internal
issues, and resources to reach out and support those struggling through recovery without resorting to the
fear-based decision making so commonplace in secular society. Honestly deal with the issue at hand,
educate the congregation to promote healing rather than fear, assign an accountability partner if you
must, and be ready for the split decision no matter what decision you ultimately make.
Part 1 References
GREAT ARTICLE BY THE GASTON GAZETTE!
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/sex_28335___article.html/offender_jesus.html -- What would Jesus
do? State law would bar some registered sex offenders from attending church
December 18, 2008 - 5:57 PM
The Rev. Ben Robertson believes church doors should be open to everyone - even registered sex
offenders.
Congregations are grappling with a new state law that prohibits certain sex offenders from being within 300
feet of child care centers, which include church nurseries and playgrounds. If worship services are held in
close proximity to church child care, the law could prevent some from attending.
"As a church that preaches Jesus Christ as our savior, we at the same time preach resurrection and that
Christ welcomes all people, regardless of what they have done, regardless of what demons they are
dealing with," said Robertson, the rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Gastonia...
PART 2: Interview with Steve Vann and Greg Sporer from Keeping Kids Safe Ministries
On the March 10, 2009 Episode of ReFORM Radio, I interviewed the founders of Keeping Kids Safe
Ministries. The most striking revelation of their knowledge of how churches handle sex crime accusations
is how people tend to disbelieve "good people" can commit sex crimes and can even be enablers to
deviant sexual behavior of church members because they simply don't believe a good person can do bad
things. The church is as guilty of painting the issue in black and white as the secular community. We tend
to focus on the convicted sex offender and not enough on those not yet caught. Certainly more education
and accountability is needed.
ADDENDUM Aug. 25, 2009
Article from KDSK 5 St. Louis (click link for full article)
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=183424&catid=3
"Imperial billboards ask, 'What's forgivable'?"
By Alex Fees
KSDK -- Jefferson Hills Christian Church in Imperial is asking a series of serious questions on billboards
along Interstate 55 south of St. Louis. Those billboards ask whether God or people should forgive a
certain list of offenses, such as: sex offenders, suicide, cheating on your boyfriend, and little white lies."
We've noticed that people everywhere, no matter your faith or church background, have internal lists of
things they think are forgivable or not forgivable," said Steve Benke, lead pastor at Jefferson Hills Church.
"Are there certain things you can do that are unforgivable, and have heaven or hell issues at stake?" ...
"As Christians, we believe there is no unforgivable sin," said Benke. "Jesus Christ is our perfect savior,
and that means there's not a single sin a person can't turn to God with and find forgiveness." ...
The "forgivable" billboards stimulated conversation among drivers along I-55. One driver, Keith Murphy,
was asked if sex offenders and people who commit suicide are forgivable. "It all depends on the situation
and what happened, how it all went down," he said. Another commuter, Erica Downs, said three out of four
of the sins in the new billboard campaign are forgivable. Which one is not? "The sex offenders," she said.
So what does Downs think about the campaign? "I guess it's a good one," she said. "I guess that's what
the Bible says, that you're supposed to forgive everyone, but I don't think human nature really goes along
with that all the time." Benke said it's important people understand what's contained in Christian scripture.
"And then, quite frankly, the church gets that message wrong, as well," he said. "But the Bible teaches
there is no sin that isn't forgivable in Jesus." ...
To see the billboards visit www.whatsforgivable.com; for more information about Jefferson Hills Church,
visit their website at www.jhchurch.org.
WHAS 11 KY asks should a sex offender be allowed to lead a church congregation:
Vote:http://www.whas11.com/perl/common/surveys/display_full.pl?
poll_id=24221&site=whas11&vaction=voting&thissite=whas11
RESULTS:
http://www.whas11.com/perl/common/surveys/vote_now.pl?
action=viewResults&poll_id=24221&site=whas11
More to come!
Notes from the ReFORM Radio Series
Derek “The Fallen One” Logue
December 13, 2008, last update Nov. 24, 2009
NOTE: This page will contain notes from the ReFORM Radio Series on the Church and the Former
Offender. As each series is recorded, I’ll add the notes from the show to this article.
Part One: Redemption -- How the Church deals with the Former Offender
North Carolina recently passed a new law barring Registered Sex Offenders from coming within 300 feet of
any place children congregate. Since churches have nurseries, churches can be off limits for registrants
depending on the sheriff’s interpretation of the law [1]. Georgia faces a lawsuit over a law barring
registrants from working or volunteering at a church, citing the law "criminalizes fundamental religious
activities [2].” A number of states or municipalities bar registrants from living in close proximity to churches
[3,4]. In these cases, the government has passed legislation limiting the free exercise of religion, so
chances are these cases will eventually be overturned.
However, in the wake of Predator Panic, many churches are struggling with the issue of whether or not to
implement their own prohibitions. One church in San Diego (Pilgrim United Church of Christ) illustrated this
struggle when a Former Sex Offender asked to become a member. The ensuing discussion was so heated
the church asked the registrant not to attend until the church could resolve the issue. The resulting news
article offered a number of questions which needed to be addressed: “Should anyone be turned away
from a house of worship? How do people of faith balance redemption with risk? What about liability issues
[5]?”
Churches are struggling with finding the delicate balance between offering forgiveness and reconciliation
to everyone and the need to protect members. Mark Pliska, the registrant who approached the Pilgrim
church honestly and divulged the information outright, was met with derision, isolation, and even
harassment from both members of the congregation and the community. In a separate church, Christ Our
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, Idaho, the church arranged for a registrant to be chaperoned
and only attend certain services. Even so, some members left the congregation, while others who were
critical at first asked for the registrant’s forgiveness. Two churches, two different approaches, but in both
cases, the offender was the one who brought it to attention. In response to these cases, the reporter
mused, “The irony is that barring sex offenders who come forward and identity themselves from attending
services may not guarantee a congregation's safety, since it's likely there are child molesters in the church
anyway -- they just aren't talking about it (or haven't yet been found out).” [6]
So what is a church to do when approached by a sex offender wanting to join the congregation? The
answer is not easy. On one hand the Church teaches Redemption, Forgiveness, and the Community of
Believers, among other things; on the other hand, our society places great emphasis on the Former Sex
Offender and protecting children, thus adding the element of fear and liability to the issue. Almost every
time a Former Sex Offender wishes to attend the church, "there's a split in the congregation where you
have people saying 'Jesus called us to welcome everyone,' and others saying 'if a pedophile comes in, I'm
quitting.'" "I wouldn't be surprised if some people leave if we do decide to include him, but others have said
they'd leave if we don't include him,” another pastor stated [7]. That leaves three possible courses of
action a church can take in dealing with this dilemma. Below are the possibilities with the possible pros and
cons of each choice:
- Do nothing: Ignorance is indeed bliss, as people tend to react more in fear than in faith when it
comes to sex offenders; however, the primary concern would be liability. In the rare event someone
actually re-offends (or even a false accusation), churches may face litigation and public scrutiny.
Also, chances are sooner or later the registrant’s past will be made public, and the congregation will
demand something be done about the registrant. - Restricted Access: On the one hand, certain strategies such as an accountability partner or
limiting church access may be the balanced approach, addressing the issue while allowing the
registrant the opportunity to show his humanness and reformed life to those watching over him. On
the other hand, it largely invalidates the concepts of forgiveness, creates a scarlet letter which gives
great scrutiny to the registrant may hinder the registrant’s efforts at rehabilitation, and gives the
impression of a looming threat, which may compel many members to leave regardless. - Deny Access: The “easy way out” and least likely to cause dissention in the ranks. However, in
failing to address the issue to begin with, there are a number of bad consequences, including the
reputation of a closed door policy, a rejection of the Christian calling to admonish the sinner, and
the false sense of security of never addressing the safety issue, which will last only as long as an
unregistered offender is caught in the act.
Ultimately, the Church must make up its own mind as to the course of action to take. In the event the
Church wishes to develop a “Restricted Access” plan, there are two programs already available for those
churches struggling with this dilemma.
Keeping Kids Safe Ministries [http://www.kidssafeministries.com/]
Keeping Kids Safe Ministries
PO Box 1288
Smyrna, TN 37167
voice mail : 615-631-5075
kksministries@bellsouth.net
The Mission:
“To keep kids safe in church environments from sexual abuse. The services and guidance will always be
informed by our expertise in the field of sex offender management, and grounded in biblical solutions.”
A thorough article on their accountability focus can be found here:
http://www.faithwebsites.com/sysfiles/site_uploads/custom/custom1186.pdf
Keeping Kids Safe ministries offers a balanced approach in dealing with both the Registered Sex Offender
and the unregistered, “secretive” offender yet to be caught, in a biblical and common-sense manner
without resorting to the myths that permeate throughout our society.
“Balancing Acts: Keeping Children Safe in Congregations”
[http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/balancingacts/index.shtml]
Rev. Debra W. Haffner, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
safecongregations@uua.org
Congregation Policies and Practices
Congregations need to consider three major components to assure that theirs is a safe space for children,
youth, and vulnerable adults. They are:
- Policies and procedures developed and implemented for keeping children, youth and vulnerable
adults safe from sexual abuse. - Policies and procedures developed and implemented for educating adults, youth, and children in
the congregation about child sexual abuse and prevention. - Policies and procedures developed and implemented for responding to a person who has been
convicted or accused of sexual offenses against children, youth or adults.
congregation, the personal histories of the minister and the congregants, and other factors will influence
development and implementation. If such policies and procedures are not now in place begin the process
of addressing these issues. Adapt or modify these suggestions to meet the specific needs of your
communities. Guidelines and forms are templates for discussion and deliberation. There is no “one size
fits all approach” to these complex issues. Each congregation will decide what is right and fitting for you.
Further this is a process—it may take a year or two to put all of these recommendations into place. The
following recommendations are offered as starting points, as procedures to consider. They are based on
best practices of existing congregational policies, expert advice and consultation.
From the USA Today article:
“From there, church leaders can create a list of restrictions, called a ‘limited access agreement.’ Such
arrangements might include making sure an offender is escorted while in church. He might only be allowed
to attend adult worship services or one-to-one meetings with a minister.
Balancing Acts suggests that two adults always be with a child and that children are in open spaces when
possible [7].”
Balancing Acts also suggests an accountability partner for both safety/ liability and protection reasons, not
just for the church (preventing sex crimes) but also for the benefit of the registrant (preventing false
allegations, support network). Some people may not agree with me, but I believe in an accountability
partner because I am very aware of the real possibility of false accusations even in the church.
Faith-Based Sexual Addiction and/ or Offender Resources:
There are no shortage of faith-based resources for dealing with sexual addiction or issues with deviant
sexuality. It is only a matter of reaching out to one of these ministries if you need help:
- http://www.freedomeveryday.org/
- http://www.faithfulandtrueministries.com/links.php
- http://www.christianrecovery.com/
- http://www.prodigalsonline.org/Display.asp
- http://www.newlifepartners.org/ [note: women’s ministry]
- http://www.nationalcoalition.org/
- http://www.pureintimacy.org/
- http://www.promisekeepers.org/
- http://www.southpointbaptist.org/psalm51.htm
- http://www.higher-calling.com/news.php
- http://www.purelifeministries.org
The bottom line: There are resources to help both the sex addict/ offender to deal with the internal
issues, and resources to reach out and support those struggling through recovery without resorting to the
fear-based decision making so commonplace in secular society. Honestly deal with the issue at hand,
educate the congregation to promote healing rather than fear, assign an accountability partner if you
must, and be ready for the split decision no matter what decision you ultimately make.
Part 1 References
- Ruth Sheehan, “Sex-offender law gets tougher.” Charlotte Observer, December 1, 2008. http://www.
charlotteobserver.com/local/story/386492.html - Bill Rankin, “Law bans sex offenders' church work, say critics.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June
24, 2008, http://www.ajc.com/living/content/metro/stories/2008/06/24/sex_offenders_church_work.
html - Domonique Benn, “Sex Offenders move to hotels to comply with HB1059.” WRDW Augusta, July 3,
2006, http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/3281541.html - “Communities Send Message to Sex Offenders.” WLWT Cincinnati News 5, August 10, 2007, http:
//www.wlwt.com/news/13869291/detail.html - Sandi Dolbee, ‘Sex offender looking for acceptance, forgiveness.” San Diego Union-Tribune, March
17, 2007, http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070317/news_1n17pliska.html - Eilene Zimmerman, “Churches slam doors on sex offenders,” Salon.com, April 26, 2007, http://www.
salon.com/mwt/feature/2007/04/26/sexoffenders_church/ - Adam Gorlick, “Course helps churches handle sex offenders.” Associated Press (published in USA
Today), August 6, 2007, http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-08-06-church-abuse_N.htm
GREAT ARTICLE BY THE GASTON GAZETTE!
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/sex_28335___article.html/offender_jesus.html -- What would Jesus
do? State law would bar some registered sex offenders from attending church
December 18, 2008 - 5:57 PM
The Rev. Ben Robertson believes church doors should be open to everyone - even registered sex
offenders.
Congregations are grappling with a new state law that prohibits certain sex offenders from being within 300
feet of child care centers, which include church nurseries and playgrounds. If worship services are held in
close proximity to church child care, the law could prevent some from attending.
"As a church that preaches Jesus Christ as our savior, we at the same time preach resurrection and that
Christ welcomes all people, regardless of what they have done, regardless of what demons they are
dealing with," said Robertson, the rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Gastonia...
PART 2: Interview with Steve Vann and Greg Sporer from Keeping Kids Safe Ministries
On the March 10, 2009 Episode of ReFORM Radio, I interviewed the founders of Keeping Kids Safe
Ministries. The most striking revelation of their knowledge of how churches handle sex crime accusations
is how people tend to disbelieve "good people" can commit sex crimes and can even be enablers to
deviant sexual behavior of church members because they simply don't believe a good person can do bad
things. The church is as guilty of painting the issue in black and white as the secular community. We tend
to focus on the convicted sex offender and not enough on those not yet caught. Certainly more education
and accountability is needed.
ADDENDUM Aug. 25, 2009
Article from KDSK 5 St. Louis (click link for full article)
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=183424&catid=3
"Imperial billboards ask, 'What's forgivable'?"
By Alex Fees
KSDK -- Jefferson Hills Christian Church in Imperial is asking a series of serious questions on billboards
along Interstate 55 south of St. Louis. Those billboards ask whether God or people should forgive a
certain list of offenses, such as: sex offenders, suicide, cheating on your boyfriend, and little white lies."
We've noticed that people everywhere, no matter your faith or church background, have internal lists of
things they think are forgivable or not forgivable," said Steve Benke, lead pastor at Jefferson Hills Church.
"Are there certain things you can do that are unforgivable, and have heaven or hell issues at stake?" ...
"As Christians, we believe there is no unforgivable sin," said Benke. "Jesus Christ is our perfect savior,
and that means there's not a single sin a person can't turn to God with and find forgiveness." ...
The "forgivable" billboards stimulated conversation among drivers along I-55. One driver, Keith Murphy,
was asked if sex offenders and people who commit suicide are forgivable. "It all depends on the situation
and what happened, how it all went down," he said. Another commuter, Erica Downs, said three out of four
of the sins in the new billboard campaign are forgivable. Which one is not? "The sex offenders," she said.
So what does Downs think about the campaign? "I guess it's a good one," she said. "I guess that's what
the Bible says, that you're supposed to forgive everyone, but I don't think human nature really goes along
with that all the time." Benke said it's important people understand what's contained in Christian scripture.
"And then, quite frankly, the church gets that message wrong, as well," he said. "But the Bible teaches
there is no sin that isn't forgivable in Jesus." ...
To see the billboards visit www.whatsforgivable.com; for more information about Jefferson Hills Church,
visit their website at www.jhchurch.org.
WHAS 11 KY asks should a sex offender be allowed to lead a church congregation:
Vote:http://www.whas11.com/perl/common/surveys/display_full.pl?
poll_id=24221&site=whas11&vaction=voting&thissite=whas11
RESULTS:
http://www.whas11.com/perl/common/surveys/vote_now.pl?
action=viewResults&poll_id=24221&site=whas11
More to come!
| Copyright (c) 2007-2009 Derek "The Fallen One" Logue. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be used in any way without expressed written consent of the site owner. Once Fallen, "Through Wisdom and Knowledge Shall We Rise From The Ashes," Sex Offenders Pursuing Healing In Adversity (SOPHIA), and ReFORM Radio are all trademarks (TM) of Derek "The Fallen One" Logue. |
| Once Fallen featured on Conservative Christian Magazine! The Cypress Times, Nov. 24, 2009, full length editorial "Of Myths and Monsters" |
| NEW! Brochure on the Church and the sex offender courtesy of www.sosen.org! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY! (posted here with permission) |
| NEW! Court strikes North Carolina ban on Church Attendance! http://blog.christianitytoday.com/women/2010/01/nc_court_upholds_sex_offenders.html |