I read an article in the San Diego newspaper a while back about a local church that was struggling with the decision whether or not to allow a convicted sex offender to be part of its congregation. What do you think?
2007-06-30 02:18:38 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Link and Soul Shaper: I didn't say child molesters, I just said sex offenders. They're not necessarily the same thing.
2007-06-30 02:37:17 · update #1
It would have to be under very, very strict controls. Even then, the over all well being of the entire congregation would have to be taken into consideration. There may be unknown victims of sex abuse in the congregation who would be traumatized by this person's presence. In theory, I can see a case for allowing it. In practice, it would be very difficult indeed to accommodate this person.
If the issue were to ever be raised at my home church, I would have to support allowing him/her to attend, but ONLY with full disclosure to the congregation of what the person's background is. The danger factor would be too great.
I agree with my fellow Christians that forgiveness should be offered if asked for, and the person allowed to seek repentance. But we are not called to be fools! The sex offender would simply have to accept that.
2007-06-30 02:26:47 · answer #1 · answered by Graham 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Everyone who wants to should be allowed to attend church, but the leadership does have a responsibility to keep its parishioners safe. They would probably not put the person into any kind of leadership role, any situation where they may be alone with a victim of their type.
I know that nursery / child care workers already have to have a background check, so they wouldn't be working with kids.
If church can offer a chance for healing from their sin, let them come. If you know they are an offender, just be safe and do whatever you can to keep them from having the opportunity o fall into their personal temptation. We can be forgiven and desire to live right, but our flesh is weak and we still must face temptation, and sometimes we fail. A church can offer grace and support, helping someone with their struggles.
2007-06-30 04:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most convicted sex offenders will molest again. It's sad, but true. If the church has children, then no, they shouldn't be allowed. The are prohibited by law to be anywhere near children.
People need to protect their children first. All decisions should be made with this in mind.
2007-06-30 02:29:09 · answer #3 · answered by Soul Shaper 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That's a really good question..because on one hand, we are told to forgive, as God does. So allowing an offender to attend church, if he has stopped committing offences would be the right thing to do. However, the other side of it is, that statistically, sex offenders keep on doing what they do! They hardly ever change.
I think the real test for whether a person with this kind of crime, has really and truly changed, is whether they have been sorry, and have allowed Christ to let them see their sins, and whether they have let Christ into their hearts, and are now able to let God guide them, and give them strength to quit this perversion.
2007-06-30 02:28:13 · answer #4 · answered by JoJoCieCie 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If they went to ask for forgiveness then yes, because a church is supposed to accept sinners and forgive them but they should be kept far away from kids, never allowed to be alone with kids or have any authorities that'll involve taking care of kids.
2007-06-30 02:22:36 · answer #5 · answered by Annie 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Of course they should be allowed to attend church. That is the first place they should be on their knees asking for forgiveness. For we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. One sin is no better than another. Sin can only be overcome with the help of God. If the person seriously wants to revert from the error of his ways and receive Christ, who are we to try and change Gods plan for their lives. Afterall, Jesus died for all our sins.
2007-06-30 02:31:01 · answer #6 · answered by curious? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the church does not allow a former sex offender to attend services, the church is not abiding by the Bible. Last I knew, Jesus died on the cross for our sins.
Many, many sex offenders are teenagers that engaged in consensual sex with younger teens. (Such is the case with my son.)
"Judge not, lest ye be judged."
2007-06-30 10:06:06 · answer #7 · answered by zip05488 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I find the fact that so many people seem to think they should be allowed disturbing, are you really putting the spread of your religion above the safety of any children who might attend.
I think it would be unfair to the women members who may understandably feel uncomfortable about the situation after all this all about one guy right, why should the church go out of their way for one person, it sounds a bit like finding out your new next door neighbor has done time for theft I imagine it will unsettle a lot of people and maybe even make some decide to move church.
2007-06-30 02:24:35 · answer #8 · answered by Closed 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I think that they should be but I would probably feel uncomfortable knowing so. Each sex offender has a different case and who am I to judge them!...but would I want them to sit next to me and my child I'm not so sure. Overall I think church should be a place of worship and trust...God wouldn't turn his back on anyone so neither should the place where we praise him.
2007-06-30 02:24:59 · answer #9 · answered by chelelovesyou81 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why not? The church needs to love everyone regardless of what they have done. Just as God loves everyone. ^_^
Believe that God could change a person, as long as the person is forgiven by Him, then no need to worry over safety...
It's sad to hear any church struggling about something like that though... Not a good Christian-like role model...
2007-06-30 02:21:55 · answer #10 · answered by FloralLover 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋