A Chg of Plea to Guilty by Former UPC PastorHuling

[MissBrattified]

Sis. Alvear, this is already public knowledge. The Joplin, MO newspaper published articles when he was first charged. I've been following the docket entries on Missouri Case Net, as have others. Further, he will be added to the sex offender's list in MO which is accessible to the public, details the charges, and usually includes a picture of the perpetrator.

There are many situations the church can deal with internally, without involving the general public, and "saving the face" of the church, so to speak. However, molestation of a child isn't one of those occasions IMO, anymore than murder, rape, or any other crime that injures a second party.

Unlike with simple immoral behavior, crimes such as molestation, murder, rape, assault, etc., need to be made known to the public so they can protect themselves--and their children.

If a pastor commits adultery, I agree, he can be quietly removed from his post as pastor, and he can resolve the matter with his family without informing the general public of his failure, thus bringing shame to the church as a whole. Other situations warrant the same discreet approach. (Although, IMO, it is NOT wrong to apprise the local congregation of the situation, and in fact they probably should know what is going on.)

Child molestation isn't one of those situations, IMO.

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Sis. Alvear, this is already public knowledge. The Joplin, MO newspaper published articles when he was first charged. I've been following the docket entries on Missouri Case Net, as have others. Further, he will be added to the sex offender's list in MO which is accessible to the public, details the charges, and usually includes a picture of the perpetrator.

There are many situations the church can deal with internally, without involving the general public, and "saving the face" of the church, so to speak. However, molestation of a child isn't one of those occasions IMO, anymore than murder, rape, or any other crime that injures a second party.

Unlike with simple immoral behavior, crimes such as molestation, murder, rape, assault, etc., need to be made known to the public so they can protect themselves--and their children.

If a pastor commits adultery, I agree, he can be quietly removed from his post as pastor, and he can resolve the matter with his family without informing the general public of his failure, thus bringing shame to the church as a whole. Other situations warrant the same discreet approach. (Although, IMO, it is NOT wrong to apprise the local congregation of the situation, and in fact they probably should know what is going on.)

Child molestation isn't one of those situations, IMO.

in no way am I for covering up such a horrible thing...I personally have never heard of the man...I guess it was just my thinking I just hate for things like this to be discussed as many hurt people are on this forum...
sorry....

[jaxfam6]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Dear Sis. ALvear,

You know I love and respect you immensely, but this is a reason why many sex offenders are not prosecuted. I once asked a prominent UPCI minister why a pedophile was not prosecuted as the offense was done in their church. He told me:
1. They didn't want to bring a reproach upon the church [I believe it to be a reproach when it isn't prosecuted],
2. The young girl involved had reached 18 and was marrying and they did not want her to be dragged into it [she was 14-16 when the molestation occurred].
3. The girl was a PK and they didn't want it to affect the ministry [how dare that parent to protect their ministry from embarrassment at the expense of their daughter].

This is why we are no better than the Catholics who hide behind priestly garments all the while molesting our children. Many times we are not in a place of control when someone we know or a family member is molested, but if we know it has happened and do nothing then we are as guilty as the person who did the molesting.

Respectfully, Rhoni

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

Rhoni, I love and respect you too and I a not in any way for hiding things like this I just don´t feel this is the place to do it..
I may be wong I sure am not always rght but it seems so many people read here that we could use this place to build up and not tear down. In no way am I saying this man whoever he is should be protected...God forbid...I just think somewhere else would be proper...

Sorry Rhoni I am on Sis A's side on this one. You do have valid points to make but I have to agree with missionary this time. =)