“This doesn’t involve our church, and we don’t have anything to say…”
“This doesn’t involve our church, and we don’t have anything to say…”
Yes, that was the response the attorney for River of Life Church in Lutz, FL had for the press when asked about their youth pastor, Justin Ray Peterson, and his recent arrest for child molestation.
The man has been a pastor at their church for five years, a representative and steward of their congregation, and a role-model to their youth; and the church claims his actions have nothing to do with their church. Niiice.
Peterson is now 31, but allegedly when he is was 18, he used to baby-sit a girl who was 7 and 8 at the time. She charges that he fondled here and forced her to perform oral sex on him. He has been charged with two counts of sexual battery on a person younger than 12 and is in Orient Road Jail with no bail set.
The victim now lives out of state and is 18 at this time. Back in September, she contacted local authorities about the issue and has recent recorded phone conversations between Peterson and herself. In these conversations he tells her he had been addicted to pornography and that she was an “easy target”.
“This doesn’t involve our church, and we don’t have anything to say.”
There you have it. This is what the typical American church can offer you in the way of taking responsibility for the actions of the individuals they choose to lead their people. I’m a Christian and I know not all churches would take such a “cop-out” stand on such an issue. Sadly, though, a lot will.
Peterson may have performed these acts before he was affiliated with their church, but it remains that to have not been open about his past actions with a minor when he leading the CHILDREN of the congregation, is beyond irresponsible. Some may say that what is in the past should remain in the past, but when it comes to adults who use children for sexual reasons, it is NOT that simple. Studies show that it is nearly impossible to rehabilitate someone who has sexual urges toward children. For this man to be in a trusted position with this church’s children is shocking.
“This doesn’t involve our church, and we don’t have anything to say.”
I’d say that is does indeed involve your church. If you employ this man as a pastor, then it is your responsibility to make sure he is fit to lead, especially in light of the accusations that have surfaced. There are children and their parents in your congregation who are probably scared and confused right now. This most certainly involves your church.
When the leaders of a church cannot even take responsibility in our society, why would we expect anyone else to?
EDIT:
I have received messages from people who claim to know this guy, telling me I should forgive him. I’m pretty sure I never wrote that he should not be forgiven. That is another issue. What I AM saying is that you do NOT allow anyone without a spotless background in relation to children to work with children, ever. Use some wisdom. Think of the kids and the parents who trusted the guy and remember what they Bible tell us about “even a hint of sexual immorality. ”
Who in their right mind does not understand that those in leadership will be under harsher scrutiny. It’s a fact of life.
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