CAM Molestation Issue

[Ken]

If recommitment ceremonies is something this church does for all married couples every 10 or 20 years that is one thing. If it is only something they whip up when one of their members is facing criminal prosecution for crimes related to marital infidelity that is another thing entirely.

So you're saying its all a dog & pony show? That's an different angle, for sure.

Convince me that it wasn't. Show me that this is something that they do for all married couples who may be struggling with their marriages, and not just those facing charges of pedophilia or sexual abuse. And I may be more inclined to give them the benefit of doubt.

[Somebody]

How would you ever trust letting him near any children, including his own after something like this? When he has repeatedly offended?

[steve-in-kville]

Convince me that it wasn't. Show me that this is something that they do for all married couples who may be struggling with their marriages, and not just those facing charges of pedophilia or sexual abuse. And I may be more inclined to give them the benefit of doubt.

You may be right. I was coming from the angle that they did it so she wouldn't be so quick to leave him while he's locked up. Almost like they're holding her accountable in a way.

Could be both reasons.

[temporal1]

How would you ever trust letting him near any children, including his own after something like this? When he has repeatedly offended?

An encouraging sign of authentic, sincere repentance is when the guilty “own” their sins/crimes, and PERSONALLY REFUSE to be returned to situations they have exploited/betrayed.

Not unlike an embezzler refusing to take an accounting job.
It may be legally possible; the choice needs to be to go beyond legal, to observe moral choices that would prevent further undo harm, even worry, of former victims and potential victims.

There is more than “what is allowed.” It’s best when moral ethics and responsibility lead. This prevents exploitation and manipulation of language (evil loves these things.)

[steve-in-kville]

I think what T1 is implying is... there's a line between what is legally allowed, and what is practical, safe and reasonable.

[temporal1]

So a guy goes to prison for a couple years then gets out. The natural separation officially ends when he gets out? He goes back home?

Is the prison God?

[Josh]

I find comparing Hosea and Gomer to this situation quite offensive.

[ABC 123]

To my knowledge their "recommitment" was the only one that ever happened in that church.

[ABC 123]

So a guy goes to prison for a couple years then gets out. The natural separation officially ends when he gets out? He goes back home?

Is the prison God?

No.

I am not understanding your points.

[Josh]

To my knowledge their "recommitment" was the only one that ever happened in that church.

Which makes it even more suspicious. There is already plenty of pressure to not get divorced in our culture and that was not even something that was at risk here.

The obsession with trying to paint a picture of perfect marriages is absurd against a backdrop of protecting and shielding notorious abusers.