Molester in the church?

Question

I was wondering how anyone felt & biblical reasons to back up your statement if you can as to why a convicted child molester (already done his jail time) should or should not be allowed in the church or participate in childrens functions. We have a man who is saved in our church who was rejected by other churches but our church was split in decision and let him come to our church & I am just not sure what to think I know what is right but that motherly instinct makes me leery. Any comments will help. thanks so much :) God Bless

Answer 1

I'm sure he registered as a s*x offender or on some kind of list.  Nonetheless, he should not be around kids unless he's supervised with them.  Even then I might have issues.

Just My Thoughts!

Answer 2

Do you know how long ago the molestation happened? Even then, he should have nothing to do with the kids.

Answer 3

Our church goes through a screening process for anybody who wants to work with children, no matter HOW well we may know him or her.  Before anyone can work with children, they must first fill in an application to which a background check is made, and they are required to watch a video.  

All this is done to protect the little ones, and required by our insurance.  I can't remember the name of the insurance company or the video.  Sorry.

We have instituted a 1-year policy.  Nobody in the church can work with children without having first been actively involved in other church activities for an entire year.  

We have also instituted a policy in which no adult is left alone with a child.

Attending the church is one thing.  Working with children is another matter entirely.  Nobody (and I mean absolutely NO body) is allowed in the children's area who has not already been authorized.

All these policies deter those who want "instant gratification."  The idea is that when they see they can't just simply go work with children, they tend to leave the church completely, looking for other "territory."

If ALL churches were to put this kind of policy into play, our children will be safe no matter WHICH church they attend.

God bless you as you seek God to do the right thing.

Answer 4

I agree with most of the answerers but if you can't walk your talk maybe it's time to get a new talk.

Answer 5

answer: Whether he's welcome in church is one thing.

He should never, ever be allowed around children.  That's part of his payment for his past actions.  

Who would you rather "hurt"? This man's feelings or run the risk of children being harmed for life?  Child molesters are never cured, they can learn self control but the desire is always there.

Do not take the risk.

Answer 6

When he ends up molesting one of the children in there, remember my words.

If he tried joining a Kindred (Asatru group) one of two things would have happened: Either we would have turn him down, or beat the living c**p out of him, then turn him down.

You have that motherly instinct for a reason.  Preservation of the young ones.  And everyone who voted to let him in will be responsible when he does what he will do.

Answer 7

He will likely do it again`

Answer 8

He cannot participate in children's functions nor be alone with children at any time.   Come on, it's a no-brainer, isn't it?  You wouldn't have a convicted thief as the treasurer, would you?

I guess I see why this gets muddy.  But it is really only when you over-think it.  Seriously.  God gave us those "motherly instincts" for a reason.  Forgiveness does not require us to put our treasures out there for testing someone.

Answer 9

he will have already received his instructions from the court as he has been convicted, so just make sure he has no contact with children at any functions, but you will probably find he will stay away on his accord to prove to people he has changed . blessings

Answer 10

i would be very careful, keep him on a short leash at least for a while. as Christianity is all about forgiving and giving second chances... as long as someone can keep a close eye on him it should be OK if he really has repented of it... but that's just my 2 cents and i would also support anyone who doesn't let them participate in children's functions..  

Answer 11

He should be allowed to attend. but he should be informed his past will not be forgotten. and maybe to help him get through it he should be given a job/ task in the church that keeps him away from children. but will let him feel more accepted.  

Answer 12

I think  you have to  trust  him  to come  into the church  make him welcome  but  keep an eye  on him and never  ever  let  him  be alone  with  the children.

Answer 13

Barring him from Church is a little much - but keeping him away from children is the right thing to do...after all, he abused children in the past.  

Answer 14

He is forgiven by Jesus.  I wouldn't have any problem with him serving in any capacity.  

If we single him out, then we have to single out the adulterers, thieves, drug users, liars, in other words, EVERYBODY.

So don't listen to those above that want to paint "scarlet letters" on people.  Jesus doesn't do that.  Jesus forgives, and FORGETS our sins, no matter what those sins are.  

Answer 15

You should leave the church.

Answer 16

That's a tough question. God is all forgiving and we should also. But I am a parent too and I am not sure if I would want my children around someone like that. What if he back slides. I wouldn't want that for safety of my kids.