UNITED STATES
Christian Post
by Yvonne Perkins
The Washington (AP) reported on 10-17-12 three female plaintiffs claim in a lawsuit that Sovereign Grace Ministries, covered up allegations of sexual abuse against children. The lawsuit involving Sovereign Grace alleges that: 1) The Church failed to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of children under its care, such as requiring that pastors be licensed or ordained.2) The Church failed to alert law enforcement authorities, and failed to take any steps whatsoever to protect the children from sexual predation….
How can churches prevent sexual abuse in their churches? What is the common theme in churches where the abuse has taken place? We have heard many similar stories of cover up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, this situation occurs in churches of all sizes and all denominations. The common thread between churches where sexual abuse was reported to the church and cover us occurred is simple to see. They fail to protect the child, failed to warn parents of the threat thus allowing more children to be victimized and did not make a report to the police and state agency monitoring these situations. Clergy are mandated reporters which mean that the law requires them to report suspected child/sexual abuse. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandated_reporter
How can churches prevent sexual abuse in their church? We are living in a time when churches must take steps to prevent sexual abuse from taking place in the church. There are many resources online to help provide guidance in this matter. The same guidelines that apply to day care homes, groups, camp settings and centers should also apply to children church programs and churches in general.
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