Do you think there should be background checks done on religious leaders and teachers?

Question

Like for criminal activity, drugs, alcohol, abuse, other innapropriate activity?

Answer 1

yeah too bloody right i wouldn't want my children in class with a person with no CBR might as well stick are kids a jail filled with pervs and unsafe people. just because they believe in god blah blah DOES NOT MAKE THEM GOOD PEOPLE. CHURCH HAS TRYED TO COVER MANY CHILD ABUSE CASES!

Answer 2

That is a very good question.
First, you'd have to define "inappropriate activity"...some folks have much higher standards than others.
I think it goes without saying that any pedophilia in the background would definitely make the person ineligible to hold any office in any church, and the parents who are members of that church ought to be warned about that person.
Then, you'd have to define your background check. How far back would you go? Suppose you found an offense (not child-related) that happened 20 years ago, but the person has been a fine example of Christianity ever since? Should he still get the job?
What if it were only ten years ago?
Yes?
Surely, if Jesus can forgive, so can we...yes?
OK, what if it were only five years ago?
Suppose, Lord, that there be only five good years...oh, wait a minute...I'm getting confused here...
But, if I remember right, ten good men could not be found...

Answer 3

I'm a teacher, and I think for sure that teachers ought to be checked. You might have a problem about the vague "inappropriate activity" deal, though. What's inappropriate for some might not be considered inappropriate for others.
Some people may think living with your boyfriend is inappropriate and cause to fire a teacher. Others may disagree. Some people may thimk that a teacher who is unwed and becomes pregnant ought to be fired. Others may disagree.

Some people think that no teacher ought to drink any alcohol or smoke cigarettes. Others think smoking and drinking is ok.

Answer 4

There are

I'm sure these days SOME church SOMEWHERE hands the Pastor applying for the job a jar and says if you pass THIS test you get the job!

Send the Deacon into the church with a jar and get a ON THE SPOT specime!

MAYBE we should do this for PARENTS TOO!

HEY, they are FORMING OUR FUTURE, maybe we need to send SOCIAL WORKERS or POLICE into EVERY HOUSE HOLD with children and get a specime from MOM AND DAD and see what THEY ARE TAKING AT BEDTIME!

Answer 5

I dont know about other churches but the Catholic Church does back ground checks on all who are involved with the ministry of the church and children and has done so for about 4 years now.

Answer 6

Maybe for teachers - there have been far too many reports about teachers messing around with their students sexually of late.

Religious leaders.... well, if their pasts were known, I wonder how many would actually follow them. Ted Haggard springs to mind...

Answer 7

I believe there are already, but some get through.

Also most civilized countries have freedom of religion, which means anyone can start their own church at any time, regardless of their background.

Answer 8

Absolutely their past should be evaluated and they should be judged accordingly. If an immigrant will not help a country they should be denied access.

Violent criminals, sex offenders and radical preachers/imams of any "faith" should be rejected.

Answer 9

Yes! Most deffinitely! I'm sure things would change if this were to happen in the near future.

Answer 10

Of course, what does this question have to do with religion?
Anyone who becomes a responsible guardian for groups
of people should have their competence evaluated.