INDEX TO
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Introduction- READ this FIRST What is an Apology INTRODUCTION TO ARTICLES - FOR WORKERS
For over a decade, we have attempted to determine the Biblical method of handling incidents of Child Sexual Molestation (CSA). Where there is Biblical instruction, command and/or precedent, these have been used in the recommended procedures that follow.
Workers' Guide (Preparation and Meeting with CSA Victim)
Apology Guidelines (to be used with offender)
Church Responsibility
Workers Responsibility
Notification Letter Models
Principles of Restitution
Conditions for Fellowship
For the Offenders:
Confession Model
Apology Model
Apology Fundamentals
Restrictions for Offenders
What is a Pedophile?
Our primary concern is the CSA victim, as well as justice, healing, restoration, restitution, etc. for them. We considers the actions recommended in these articles to be the minimum acceptable response. These actions represent a just and fair procedure that will encourage healing for the Victim and enable them to recover emotionally from this atrocity.
We firmly believes that an extremely important part in the healing process for a CSA victim is to receive a meaningful apology. Therefore, several articles are included in this section about the fundamental value of apologies, an explanation of the five basic aspects of apology, as well as a basic Apology Model. A Confession Model is also included.
We firmly believes the workers should strongly encourage the Offender to apologize and make a written Confession. We also firmly believes the Offender should be publicly disciplined by the church, and offer a verbal confession and apology to the congregation. Guidelines for The Responsibility as a Church are included here.
The workers can facilitate the Apology and Confession by providing the Offender with a copy of the Victim’s Account of the CSA, and an article on the Fundamentals of a Genuine Apology. Failure of the Offender to do so will result in the Offender’s excommunication from the church. However, if a meaningful apology is written and submitted, along with the public confession and apology, the Offender may remain within the church, with restrictions applying. A suggested list of Restrictions for Offenders are included in this section.
We firmly believes it is the workers’ responsibility to hold a meeting with any adult Victim (or their representative) and any other individuals the Victim desires to be present. A worker will present (1) an Apology from the Offender (if one is submitted) and (2) an Apology from the ministry/church. If the Victim is unable to understand the apology, their caretaker will hold the written apology in safe keeping until such time as they are able to comprehend it. Included in this section is a suggested outline for the order of this Meeting, titled Guide for Workers.
We firmly believes that the church members (friends and workers) have a right to be notified by the workers of any incidents of CSA by workers, elders or friends. The proper time for notification is: when the person has pled guilty; or has been formally charged, or a warrant for their arrest has been issued. A sample Notification Letter is included in this section.
This section is a work-in-progress and more articles will be added in the future. As various nuances arise in CSA situations, modifications will be made to these articles.
Biblical Principles to be followed in CSA incidents:
1. The Christian goal is to do God's will
2. The Bible is the standard for God's will
3. The Bible directs Christians to:
Peter wrote : Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 1 Pet 2:13-14
Paul wrote: … not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator...with such an one, no not to eat...Therefore, put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Cor 5:11-13
Four things the Council of Jerusalem retained from the Old Covenant in Acts 15:20: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
“Whosoever offends one of these little ones, it would be better to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths Of the sea.” Matthew 18:6