This is a very sticky and serious item for churches. A one-time, first-time offender can be more easily 'forgiven' and change. Repeat offenders have proven they cannot control themselves when tempted and need to be restricted. This story is especially serious since the offender was in a trusted position of leadership in ministry and was not just a single offense but, repeated offenses. That makes this person unacceptable for a leadership and acceptable into fellowship only on a supervises and restricted basis.

The article does not mention conditions of his release from prison which all convicted sex offenders have including contact with and proximity to children. In our town, we have a church who has allowed a man to join but, he cannot participate in any gathering where children are present.

While God certainly forgives a truly repentant heart, we people have to struggle with that sometimes and while we may forgive, it is the law of the land we much consider as well.