Covenant Presbyterian Members Address Child Abuse Arrest

By Lauren Bale
WTVM
December 17, 2015

http://www.wtvm.com/story/30780313/covenant-presbyterian-members-address-child-abuse-arrest

[with video]

Members of Covenant Presbyterian Church say religious leaders did everything right after learning one of their own was accused of sex abuse.

Police say Youth Minister Christopher Alfaro sent obscene material to children. Pastor Hal Oakley said as soon as he learned about the situation he went straight to police.

Member Sarah Savage said she has been going to Covenant Presbyterian for the last 12 years and both her daughters went to preschool there. While she and her whole family are obviously in shock she said she is pleased with how the church handled this difficult situation.

MORE: Youth minister accused of sending obscene material to child

She said the church has been up front from the beginning, letting parents and children know what was happening every step of the way.

“It's best to just be as truthful as possible and face it,” Savage said. “And if you have that love and that fellowship you can make it through these tough things.”

She said the congregation is one big family and they are helping each other process and grieve. She also said everyone has been rallying around the children impacted by this and she asked that everyone keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers. She said in this difficult time, the way the church handled the crisis really made a difference.

MORE: Discussion paramount to keeping kids safe from predators

“As a parent I appreciate the fact that the church communicated with us very quickly, they were very open with us, they answered our questions they handled really the grief that the students were feeling and that breach of trust,” Savage said.

The police stress this is an ongoing investigation and members of the church said if you are a victim you will certainly get help if you come forward.