Should Pedophiles Be Allowed in Church?

They made their choice. I don't want them ANYWHERE near my children. Even at church. I leave my kids at Sunday school and in the nursery. The consequences they suffer are their own fault and my child should never have to be put at risk like that.

And thanks for the article. You made me think. :)

I personally feel that former child abusers should be allowed to go anywhere there is adequate adult supervision. I believe, however, that it should be made known to all concerned that they are forner child abusers, and then it will be a matter of whether or not the rest of the congregation wishes to allow that person to continue to attend that church.

I think they should be seperated from any children no matter the venue. What do you think a pedophiles do when in the presence of children? They gather fodder for their fantasies that's what. Its like leaving a big bowl of powdery, white cocaine on the coffee table at a Narc-a-non meeting.

If ministering to pedophiles is a big concern, I suggest churches develop services/supports for them at adult-only locations where they will not be in the presence of other parishioners children.

The law is going too far. I'm going with your first instinct that the children should be supervised in church and not be allowed to roam around where a pedophile could take advantage of them. With the parishioners and minister knowing which person is a pedophile, it should be easy enough to keep an eye on him, too. There are children everywhere. Are we going to ban pedophiles from ever leaving their home just so they can avoid being around young ones? They've already served their time in prison. It wasn't a life sentence or they'd still be there. Granted, I don't approve of pedophiles and the deeds they do, but they pay for their crime...and giving them the benefit of a doubt...they should at least be given the chance to try and get their life back to normal. That would be rather hard to do if they were banned from going anywhere.

I think pedophiles should be forced to wear a locating device at all times. I don't think they should live, work, or socialize in places where children are present. I'd prefer that someone who sexually abused a child be dropped on a deserted island with no kids.

Would I want them in church, near other children? No. They want church, they can pick up a bible and read it. Stay away from my kids.

Rob, it isn't about watching your children. Pedophiles fantasize about children in the way grown adults fantasize about other grown adults. For them, just SEEING and being around other children is what gets them off.

I don't want to know that my 6 year old daughter laughing and giggling is in the spank bank of some sick person who gets off on that.

Who would know really? Your right they need church. Shame on us if our kids aren't safe in God's home.

We are talking about pedophiles Berf, not "child abusers," which is a blanket term covering a gamut of behaviors.

Pedophilia is a specific psychological disorder. As defined in the DSM "pedophilia is specified as a form of paraphilia in which a person either has acted on intense sexual urges towards children, or experiences recurrent sexual urges towards and fantasies about children..." As there are no former pedophiles just as there are no former schizophrenics.

I agree, I think they should be banned from going to church services, If they want to go during a time where no kids are there then thats fine but not during regular services. I'd hate to go and know that in the next pew is a guy who molested a girl my daughters age ect.

I to have a mixed emotion on this. I think they should find a service where they can worship together. I hate for anyone to be kept from church. The whole church should know if they are in church who and what they are.

Another problem I see as being a potential problem is that if they are allowed in church, they may end up volunteering to work with children in children's programs and such. If there is no law to protect the children, then this means they could go to any church and nobody would be the wiser. Nobody is going to walk into a church and announce they have once been convicted of molesting children.

I think the law goes to far. I think as long as the children are supervised, and the person isn't say made into a sunday school teacher or a youth worker they should be allowed to worship. They need it. Not to mention not all of them are cut from the same cloth. I know someone who was 19, liked a girl, and she lied about her age, said she was 17, the age of consent...she looked it, but it turned out she was 13. Her parents freaked and he had to register as a sex offender. He did nothing wrong really, but why she he not be allowed to worship?

"We are talking about pedophiles Berf, not "child abusers," which is a blanket term covering a gamut of behaviors."

What else is pedophilia but one of the worst forms of "child abuse"?? Besides, the term "pedophilia" is just as much a "blanket term covering a gamut of behaviors"??
A man who has sexual relations with a girl who is 17 and a half years old is considered a pedophile just as much as one who molests a 10 year old.

Rob...I see your point about having paid for their crime. The problem is that pedophilia is not just a crime...it is a mental fixation on having sex with children in some form or fashion. Just because someone has completed his sentence does not mean that his problem has been cured. And if it has not been cured, he will be released only to hang out in places where children hang out...so he can molest again.

I think it's a good law. These offenders have proven that they can not function well around children, and children should not be put at risk just because of them. Maybe there should be "child free" programs in various churchses (even if they're not on Sundays), or these people should be ministered to in their homes, or something.

This kind of law is stupid pandering to popular anger (well deserved) against pedophiles. It is almost impossible to enforce and it gives people a false sense of security when they leave their children at church. It does more harm than good and it takes time away from matters in which the legislature can do some worthwhile things.

ANd I'm not proud of the Legislature I helped elect on this one.

I think they should be incarcerated forever. To see children as objects of sexual desire is a sever mental aberration. Anyone who hurts a child should be kept away from the general populace. If you want them around your children, have at it.

Convicted sex offenders, which includes pedophiles, are listed on the net in my county. I memorized the faces of most of the ones in Lakewood and I point them out to other people when I see them out and about.

They are disgusting.

I know several churches that are now doing background checks on all volunteers that work in the church not the ones that just go to church but the ones that are involved in the church. If they don't pass the background check you better believe that they won't be working with children.
Personally I think pediphiles need Jesus but I really don't want them around my child. There is no way that I would want to put my child in that kind of situation.

I do the same thing Sharon. I point them out to other people so they will know.

No, kids are present!

The law went way too far.

The law had not went too far. Keep them away from the children. All they need is one little excuse!

Jesus went down and joined all the people others would have nothing to do with. Should we be better than him. What about people that murder or are chemicaly inbalanced such as many sexal deviets are? God says we should love everyone so how can we keep them out of our churches. Aren't we suppose to help them find their way?

God gave us the ability to chemically treat people so they are no longer a problem to our children. Why don't we chose this method that doesn't harm them instead of treating them as lepards? I am a diabetic and years ago I would have been locked up in an aslum for the insane. I thank God every day that I can be treated so I can be allowed in society to earn a living and praise God in my church. Every law hurts people in some way so would it not be better to use other methods such as treatment instead of banishment?

If there is a way to chemically treat these people, I wish they would do it. As for now, most generally committ these crimes again and again, and leave parents worrying about having to protect their children. From my understanding, they are not only to register as sex offenders, but are not allowed to reside within a certain radius to schools, so this says something. As long as there is a fear of a repeat crime, I can see having to segregate, so to speak, them from the possibility of being near children as much as possible. I am sure if they truly want spiritual guidence, that they can find altertitive avenues. But the children must be protected as much as can be.

After reading the comments, I agree with some of what was said...in principle. Pedophiles are sexual offenders and are required to register as such...with the information readily available to the public for everyone's knowledge and safety. A church only has to look up on line to find out if any members are on that list...and make everyone aware in addition to keeping an eye on the children and prevent anything from happening knowing what the person has done. I very much agree with what Gordon said. I know everyone wants their child protected from harm, but what kind of Christians turn their back and banish someone from their church? Must be they aren't too good at practicing what they preach. I thought God says we should love one another...not love everyone...except pedophiles, child molesters, murderers and such. I never heard of a clause in The Bible that says you should only love and accept those who are without sin. So much for the prostitute, drug addict, shop lifter, jaywalker. "Let ye who is without sin cast the first stone.' Give people a chance to repent and change their life rather than banish them into damnation for something they did in the past. If they're willing to try and change their ways and follow the teachings of the Lord; should they at least be given a chance? Again, I'm not saying pedophilia is right and I don't condone that type of behavior, but who are we to judge. That's like a church banning me from attending because my lifestyle goes against what they believe in...and there are enough churches already that bar gays from being members. I was born the way I am...just as this man was born as he is. What next? Not allowing those with different colored skin than the rest of the parishioners to attend? Sounds like a step backwards in my book and not the acceptance and love that's supposed to be taught in a house of worship.

the guy that molested my daughter was the musice director for the church, and the pastor knew what he was.,

Well, if you mean should they be allowed into the church building at all to worship and to pray, I would say yes, they need to go! If you mean should they be allowed to be in a close situation with children such as a sunday school teacher, then I would say, no, don't let them teach. But yes, they should go! If they have repented, and do not do that "action" anymore, if they have been saved, then they should be allowed to worship with others. If they are going to church after they have committed their life to Christ, and are still doing those things pertaining to this sin, then I believe it's scriptural to not have that person there. If they haven't committed their life, and are still doing those sins, I really don't know about the scriptural thing for that.

That is a tough question. I worked in a church for 5 years, and kids ran freely to the restrooms, or from classroom to classroom. I guess it would be dangerous to allow them there, but I agree that they probably need church more than anyone.

it truly is a tough decision, going to church and speaking to the preacher may in deed help them find god and stop their evil ways, I really don't know what to think on this one.

Very difficult for me to answer this but in my heart I say that forgiveness is best and permit the "sick" to attend church. On the other hand, if I had children I don't think that I would want any pedophiles any where near my children.

It doesn't matter if they're not teaching Sunday school either as anything can happen with a Pedophile anywhere and in public view.

I guess I would have to say NO ultimately. I do agree with this new law.

Only if they have their own church.I don't care where the person is anyone that sick and heartless to commit and act like that should be mandated to wear a sign. Those people get no forgiveness in my book! For each pedophile that gets caught there's many that don't and who get a way with the crimes due to the megan's law and when it was put in to effect. These people don't change!

I just found out recently from a friend that our local mall hired a pedophile to play santa!I'm appalled and not taking my daughter this year at all. Her sister and her mom started an investigation but unless he admits it there's not much they can do because he commited the crime before the megan's law was passed.It's horrible.These people should be far away from kids.I don't agree with them being allowed in apartments where kids are located either.If they can have laws to keep them a way from playgrounds and day cares why can't they inforce it other places?

Somebody should start a church just for sinners and then all the bad people can go there.

This really is a difficult call. I can easily see both sides. We definitely need to protect our children. Every church I have ever been to has been of the mindset that it is safe for the children to pretty much have their run of the church, under the assumption that it is a "safe" place. I remember, though...when my daughter was around 5 years old, there was a teenage boy who helped out in her Sunday school class. He seemed to take an unusual interest in her to the point I felt very uncomfortable and so did she. I have no doubt that he was up to no good. I had to talk to him and tell him that she had to stay with me at all times. He was always tickling her...and trying to get her off away from the crowd of people.

The point is, it would be very hard to keep kids confined in a church atmosphere...and parents should not have to worry that someone is there getting ready to molest their children. I do not believe, however...that the pedophile should be banned from going to church. I just think that he needs to go to a service, perhaps in the evening...when there are few or no children present. Perhaps if he could show some kind of proof of successful treatment by a qualified professional...he could be allowed into the other service.

I agree with Heathers comment..

who cares if your supervising your children or not.. its a mental issue as well as acting on it.. I would NOT attend a church that allowed them!

Gordon I have to ask.. if someone murdered your child.. or molested your small child or raped them.. your telling me you would FORGIVE them for that..

Tiffany...someone did rape my daughter when she was 12...and I had to forgive. Not for HIM...but for myself. The anger, bitterness and hatred were eating me up inside.

http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com

Yes, but, rules should be put into place. As long as they are just attending service, I see no problem with it.

Also keep in mind, just because they have the "sex offender" label, doesn't mean they are a pedophile or child molester, the label cover many issues, and not all are one and the same.

www.oncefallen.com

I think there is a lot of fearmongering when it comes to sex offenders, and sadly, it seems to grab those with the "Christian" label more than most. Don't forget there were times Christians were used for sport and scapegoats. Former offenders are reviled and we believe such myths like "they are all pedophiles" or "they will all re-offend," while in reality, the opposite is true. And just because a person is not on a registry doesn't make them any less of a threat. Watch the news and you'll notice most sex crimes are NOT committed by those on registries. Many leave prison and never re-offend.

It amazes me so many Christians treat sex offenders contrary to biblical principles Jesus ate meals with the dregs of society-- prostitutes, tax collectors, and other unpopular guys and gals, and merely sought for them to"go and sin no more." On the other hand, many churches will ban a sex offender who has served his time out of fear and loathing. It is far from Christianity to do such things. Now granted, our society is in the midst of "Predator Panic," so people bring up liability issues, but there are ways a church can welcome an RSO member. How about assigning an accountability partner, for example? Having someone go with him to all his church activities covers both him and the Church. There are ways to allow a Former Offender into Church without making it a liability, and as long as you show the member the repect of a human being and explain to him it is much to protect HIM as the Church, he is understanding.

I think the Church needs to do a sermon (or even a series of sermons) on dealing with the Christian sex offender. We don't talk about sex in church anymore, it burns the ears of Christians. But the Bible is very explicit (read Song of Solomon or Ezekiel 23 sometime), and we have to address teaching people sexual responsibility and accountability in the Church, but in a positive manner. Most churches won't even mention sex (if they do its usually in a derogatory sense), so that leaves pop culture to do it. A proper education is in order.

To you specifically, "Cheryl W."
In the front page to my website under the heading "Once Fallen media Appearances," I listed a Christian Radio I was a part on with another great guest [Women Living 4 Jesus Community Call]; I ask you listen in -- its about 2 hours long, but we addressed this issue. Fell free to listen into ReFORM Radio as I'll be addressing this topic as well in future episodes. Please also read my two articles at my website, "You might be a sex Offender If..." and "Criminalizing Teen Sex."

Not every sex offender is a pedophile or rapist. Decisions should be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Let them go to church. Do background checks on your youth workers and nursey workers. If you're truly a Christian, then trust the Lord to watch over your children and trust the Holy Spirit to take care of the pedophiles. I believe we don't really trust the Lord to take care of His children in His own house. Sad.

I am working to start a grass roots effort to stop, and reform sex offender and registry laws. The first thing you need to know are the facts.

1. Sex offenders have the LOWEST recidivism rate except murderers. (Under 10%, 2.8-3.5% after 3 years, DOJ study)
2. 90% of all offenses are done IN THE HOUSEHOLD, not by a stranger!
3. Most sex offenders are NOT pedophiles, for an example please check out Rickys story.(similar to mine) http://sosen.us/ Video on right.
4. I have no info on registered offenders committing a crime in church, but how about Halloween? We are all familiar with that hysteria! Guess what? 0 incidents EVER!
5. Registry laws, and restrictions are unconstitutional and judged my most pier reviewed studies as in effective.
6. These laws prevent re-integration of former offenders, likely INCREASING the chances of re-offending.
7. These laws are destroying the lives of MILLIONS of family members, and there children.

Please, I only ask you to look at the facts, do some research on your own. Lets stop the bogus hysteria and figure out how we can force politicians to work on ideas that will TRULY protect our children and the public.

http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com
http://sexoffenderstudies.blogspot.com/search/label/Recidivism

First, let me get this out. I am totally against ANY form of abuse to any human being. And I believe anyone who murders another human being should be in prison for the rest of their life (until they die). I do not believe in the death penalty for anyone. Also, I believe that once a person has been in and out of prison and has served their probation and parole, done everything required of them, and what was signed on the "contract" when they took the plea, none of this should be required of them, none of it. The state cannot tear up a contract like this, which they are basically doing, it's unconstitutional. Many people, if they had known they would be faced with all this, they would have NOT taken a plea deal. And the courts are very aware of this and this is why they made it retroactive; thus violating ex-post facto laws! They should be allowed to get on with their life as if nothing happened. I'm not saying for it to be removed from their record, but, the crime should be removed from public view and background checks, they should not have any more restrictions, shaming, etc. If they commit another crime, then they face a lot more punishment, like everything else is treated.

When are we going to move away from being "TOUGH ON CRIME" and move to being "SMART ON CRIME?" If you locked every single s*x offender up, at this moment, or killed every one of them, do you think the problem is over? No, more will follow.

I've heard many people say "If these laws protect one child, then they are worth it!" And at the same time, if millions are tortured, it's ok. Offenders are losing their homes, jobs, families, and children and cannot find new jobs or homes due to the insanity of these laws. The families are also made into outcasts for associating with or being related to an ex-offender and their own children are harassed and bullied at schools due to a family member being an ex-offender.

I know these laws are a sensitive issue, but as all issues, they must be discussed and we must come up with a valid solution that will work. The laws, as they exist now, DO NOT WORK! People are always saying they cause unintended consequences. These laws have been on the books for years now, so nothing is unintended anymore. When are we going to set aside fear, hate, rage and anger and come up with a real solution? History has proven that these feelings NEVER get good laws passed but only create bad ones that punish and torture many people. These knee-jerk reactions to a slim number of high-profile crimes, like Adam Walsh and Jessica Lunsford, MUST STOP!

When an ex-offender is forced to move from his/her home, thus having to sell it, cannot find another home within the law due to the residency "buffer" zones, get fired from their jobs due to being on the registry, cannot find a new job due to being on the registry, their husband/wife lose their jobs due to a significant other being on the registry, their children lose their friends and are harassed and bullied in school due to a family member being on the registry, thus destroying the children's lives, ex-offenders are forced into homelessness and to live under bridges, harassed by police, neighbors and probation/parole officers, have to wear "I'm a s*x offender T-shirt" or have a neon green license plate on ALL their cars, have "s*x offender" on their drivers license and forced to renew their licenses every year, forced from shelters during tornadoes or hurricanes, cannot give blood at some places due to being discriminated against for being on the s*x offender registry, denied housing due to being on the registry, signs placed in their yards inviting harassment and ridicule from the neighbors, forced to move when the neighbors start picketing outside the ex-offenders home, the list is endless.

I THINK THIS IS CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT, BEYOND THE EXTREME!

Michael Jackson should open a string of child molester only houses of worship. Birds of a feather-molest together. Woody Allen could be the Monsignor and elder molester and chief.

Thank you for all of the good information, Swartz and Sex Offender Issues. I agree that it is a difficult and touchy subject. I also agree that there is something not quite right about continuing to punish a person after he has served his sentence. It isn't fair and it really is the only crime where we do it.

In regard to the sex offender laws, I have known instances where a 14 year old girl willing had sex with her 17 year old boyfriend...and when the parents found out, they had him arrested for statuatory rape and he had to register as a sex offender. In one case, the couple actually got married, and he is not even allowed to attend his children's baseball games due to being on the registry. I totally disagree with this, and do not believe he should be charged in such a case. The laws definitely need some revamping.

A law was just passed in NC that makes the sex offender laws much stricter. One of the laws says that convicted pedophiles cannot attend church because there are children in church.

Put aside the emotional gut response and follow this logic to the conclusion.

Are they banned from supermarkets? Children are all over the place there.

What about public parks?


Libraries?

Malls?

Museums?

Movie theatres?

Concerts?

Sporting events?

Do you see where this logic goes?

There comes a point where you have to stop using "protect the children" as a excuse for discrimination. Because guess what? NONE OF THIS protects children! Most children are abused by family members and/or family friends. It provides a false sense of security to parents, while making rehabilitation impossible for the criminal.

Cheryl, the story you cite above....it gets MUCH WORSE. Thinking most sex offenders were just disgusting animals that deserve what they get (despite my own youth problem) I never really looked into this until recently. I now believe the greatest civil rights violation since slavery is upon us. Check out some activist websites like Sosen, reformsexoffenderlaws.com and others. You will find well set up, professional sites, pro paying for your crime and helping victims...but you will also find the stories, and some WILL move you. Mothers of YOUNG CHILDREN that face life on the registry for playing doctor. Two 14 year olds charged and registered because its illegal for them to have sex, a 50+ year old man with 4 children and a wife of 30 years that can no longer support his family due to the registry, a 40 year old man with 2 kids married to the"victim" for over 20years killed because he was on the registry......Go ahead, take a look into it folks....I promise you wont feel dirty for it..You might even feel something else. You will also notice(if you get into it) EVERY study on Sex Offenders, restrictions and registries are posted ASAP. The reason? Because the science, and the facts are on the side of reform.

Julie, the other day I thought, well I guess you could just lock all sex offenders up for a few trillion dollars.....but kids sometimes tour prisons for "shock", and since children are consistently prosecuted as adults for almost every crime now.....Guess that wont work either!

Change is coming, it must. What people and families effected by these laws right now want to do is simply educate the public and legislators. Then figure out what will work to protect our most precious resource.

Uhm....that's a hard one to answer. I mean, well, there are many areas with children. Parents should be watching their children, but I agree; church is another zone like a playground, very easy for a person to prey on a child. Its scary, but a tough decision and my man is from SC and I know NC and SC both have very strict laws when coming to sexual offenders and they don't play. That's just like my man, he is from SC and he don't consider much a joke. He takes most things serious and to the extreme, but I have to say my man makes good points about lots of topics.

So...hmmmm.. I wouldn't know what to say on this one... Sighs.. SORRY!

Check out my YouTube channel for more insanity.

http://www.youtube.com/user/SexOffenderIssues

I do not think they should be "not allowed" in church. Oncefallen made a good post. If someone is truly a pedophile that will re-offend then I believe they should still be in jail. If it was a young boy at 17, 18 or so who had consensual sex with a girl a few years younger, no I don't think he would need an "accountability partner" in church. If their crime was not against a child, they do not need a "partner" either. To make the churchgoers feel better then I guess that someone that did offend against a child could have a "partner" when they go to church. Obviously they should not teach Sunday school either. Most people that have been convicted, will do their sentence & most will not re-offend. What is next? Murderers, robbers, wife beaters? Should they also not be allowed in church? Aren't these the people that most need God in their lives? Parents should keep an eye on their children regardless of whether a known sex offender is going to the church or not.

Julie Ann Dawson mentioned the law in NC about not allowing pedophiles in churches.

It does not say pedophiles, it says "sex offenders!" Big difference. They are banning all sex offenders from going to church, not just those who harmed a child.

And I agree with the rest you said... When does it end? Pretty soon, all sex offenders will be on house confinement for the rest of their lives.

Sex Offenders are just today's scapegoat for the mass hysteria, moral panic perpetrated bu the media and politicians who know nothing about what they are doing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapegoat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_hysteria
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_panic

You folks should read the following books, they are highly recommended:

http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Fear-Americans-Afraid-Things/dp/0465014909
http://www.amazon.com/Satans-Silence-Ritual-Making-American/dp/0465071813

I agree that they should not be allowed at church. Church should be the one place besides our own homes that we can allow our child to goa nd roam free without worry about being abused in any shape or form.


As for the comment "4. I have no info on registered offenders committing a crime in church, but how about Halloween? We are all familiar with that hysteria! Guess what? 0 incidents EVER!"

Sorry but didn't you hear a few years back about all the grown Catholic people turning their priests of messing with young boys in the church. When the head of the chur h found out about it, instead of doing something about it. They transfered the priests to a different church. It happens at church. Because it happened to my hubby's nieces who 19 yrs old. But was 5 yrs old when it happened. The man is still in prison because he got life as a punishment.

Julie Ann Dawson mentioned the law in NC about not allowing pedophiles in churches.

It does not say pedophiles, it says "sex offenders!" Big difference.

Knee-jerk reaction. If you actually read my post you would see I was quoting the original article.

Sex offender....It was me who said "pedophiles were not allowed in church". But you are correct that the law is speaking of all sex offenders. I was just speaking directly to the issue of pedophiles in church because the particular article I read was dealing with that issue and how the church was trying to protect its children.

Ok, I was just wanting people to understand, all these sex offender laws, affect all sex offenders, not just pedophiles and child molesters, but all sex offenders, even teenage consensual sex, like this one:

http://www.rickyslife.com/

And their YouTube page:

http://www.youtube.com/user/childabuseinamerica

Minipin, I feel for you and your nieces. Abuse of children by someone in a place of power, and great respect is absolutely the worst kind. But, lets be clear the CHURCH failed to protect the children. Those priests were not convicted sex offenders, and until stopped, they were likely to keep doing it. Transferring and ignoring the problem was terrible. Again, one thing we ask is to keep emotions in check, and keep the issues in focus. Registered sex offenders, especially those that have been treated are not likely to hurt your children. People your kids know, that have not been caught are what you must protect them from. I am looking around for good resources right now....http://www.stopitnow.com/

The Catholic Church was NOT the only church to experience an issue like the sex abuse scandal, nor will they be the last. What about our fine US Congress covering up for Mark Foley for over a decade before it was revealed we was making sexually explicit conversations with young teenage Congressional pages? Then when he got caught, instead of being accountable, he blamed his problem on alcohol and claimed to be abused by a priest. It seems when it comes to sex, no one can be honest about it. If we talk about it, its always in a derogatory manner. We certainly don't discuss it at church. Where can a person turn when he or she has a sex problem? Nowhere!

www.oncefallen.com/Prevention101.html

The solutions are already available, but we choose to forsake them in favor of the placebos already in place, and most post-release sex offender laws are indeed a placebo rather than a panacea

Surely the church should welcome absolutely everyone?? We all have good and bad, dark and light, positve and negative energy to share.

I grew up before we had sex offender laws and believe things were much safer then. Parents would talk to each other and when someone did something to a small child it was usually small contact. Parents would place that person off limits and tell their kids that they were dangerous people and they should stay away from them.

More problems with the person would be handled with a parents meeting with the person and let them know that they are under watch and any more problems noted would mean disgrace and a ride on the rail out of town never to return again.

I believe this way was better for all because the children were able to play freely and talk to their parents if any thing strange happened to them from a neighbor. The major thing I saw was less fear as the person could repair his life with only the people involved seeing that things were stopped before they got out of control.

The thing I liked the most is that the sexual contact could be kept from going out of control and having fear of exposure of any contact pushing the offender over the path of fear that needed to result in locking up the child or even killing to protect the person from exposure. The more we push these poor people to live in fear, the more we can expect our children to be kidknapped or killed to hide the offenders contact.

Wow Cheryl. I had no idea you'd done an article on this subject. Good for you. I absolutely loved reading through the responses.
You know part of my feelings from Hip, Hip Hooray. The responses here really cover the whole gamut of thought.
I didn't mention that we adopted a new born baby whose folks were heavy alcohol and some drugs. He was born just a little different. Lots of problems growing up. He messed with someone when he was 14 and she was 11. He was sent to training and counseling etc. Now I don't minimize the wrongness to the 11 yr old. (Though, just to be honest, I will say she was VERY flirty as many are today) Of course that's no excuse. But ... he grew up and really grew out of problems pretty much by 19 or so. We were happy he seemed to be fairly normal. Except ... he was on the sex offenders list till he was 24 I think. They had not had sex. I'm not overly defending him. We held him accountable.
I just wish a judge, or panel, had some ability to personally judge the situation. I think mandatory sentencing on anything is unjust. To give the full penalty to be on the list to everyone across the board is very unfair. Older men that found themselves in a situation where temptation overcame them but circumstances probably won't happen again ... after counseling & whatever ... should get to start all over again.
I'm glad to see some here fighting for more justice ... on both sides of the issue. There are no easy answers.

hMMMMM I noticed 3 of these people just joined Dec 3 and don't have any articles. I'm wondering if all three are the same person. Just curious.

That is a very difficult call!! I say keep them the heck away from my kids. maybe offer a seperate service for them, maybe an "adults only" service after the regular services are done for the day?

My advice in my church was that the person should confess to the church in some way. By letter or having the pastor indicate what happened and what he is/was doing to correct the situation and his promise to avoid anyplace with children to give the parents some security.
Some parents would treat him well, some wouldn't. They have the right to make their own decision. But at least all the cards would be on the table.

They shouldn't be allowed ANYWHERE where there are or even might be children!

I did not take the time to read every comment, and there were plenty. Castration is the answer. I DO NOT care about the "rights" of the pediphile.

I would have to agree with you Mark! Although, that might be too nice of a punishment!

i agree with julie... if we are banning sex offenders from church... what's next? the grocery store? the mall? driving on the highway?????

don't forget that sex offender laws blanket a WIDE variety of crimes... sometimes someone can be charged with a sex crime if they are 21 and have sex with a 17 year old... is that person a pedophile? NO! sex crimes can occur when there is COSENSUAL sex!!! i do agree that we need to keep children safe from the real icky nasty actual pedophiles, but keeping all sex crime offenders away from a church is just sad...

jesus loves everyone, including sex offenders.

I don't think that not allowing them to attend church is right. I do feel that churches should always do background checks before allowing someone to work closely with children, as should any other job that works closely with children. There are so many people on sex offender registries that really shouldn't be on there. I have a cousin who is a registered sex offender. When he was 19, he got a 16 year old pregnant. She was a freshman in college (just like him) so he had no reason to suspect that she wasn't really 18 (as she said). I guess the moral of that story is to always ask for ID before dating someone? I don't really know what the solution is. That kind of stuff happens all the time.