IF that is true, then let God reward the change on the other side of the veil. But for here, we have to be careful with our sweet children, and I am not willing to bet my children’s virtue on an imperfect perception of change on the altar of Christ’s atonement.

First of all, there seems to be a definite lynch mob mentality here… which is unfortunate. With few exceptions, most of you seem to lump all offenders into one category… “permanently damned.” Suggestions have ranged from the death penalty to full frontal lobotomies. Unfortunately, this shouts far more loudly about our failure to understand the power of the atonement of the Savior than it offers anything remotely intelligent, much less helpful, about the issue.

While repeat multiple offenders, charged and convicted, ought to be dealt with severely, what about a young man, struggling with profound depressions, fondles his 5-year-old daughter… once… and promptly confesses and seeks help? I know of just such an individual.

He was excommuncated for this isolated incident, even though he voluntarily went to DFS and confessed to them, who decided not to file charges, because of the minor nature of the offiense. He was never charged, and never convicted of any sex crime. He voluntarily spent 6 years in therapy, during which he learned from his mother that he himself had been sexually abused when approx. the same age as his daughter.

The individual recovered fully. No repeat offenses, and he successfully raised 15 children without any recurrance. Now, 25 years later, he seeks to have the annotation removed from his records. Should he?

I think so.

While we’re all clamoring to play God and exact the last pound of flesh, I think we would do well to remember mercy towards those who have committed minor offenses, and have proven themselves over the decades that follow. There ARE differing degrees of offenses. Not all offenders are pedophiles. Not all offenders are worthy of death. Or banishment for life.

I absolutely agree with the following comments:

“There is so much sexual deviance and perversion going on in our society in recent decades that even good people are becoming inured to it and accepting the unacceptable. We are losing our sense of outrage at behavior that is totally outrageous. ”

Comment by John W. Redelfs — September 23, 2005 @ 12:08 am

Having been a radio journalist for 20 years, and now working with civic and other organizations to fight child sex abuse and child abuse in general, I think 0 tolerance is the definate answer.

I have known people in the Church who have been sexually abused and I even know some men who are convicted abusers. Some of these men held positions such as the following: Tab Organist, Church Public Affairs Radio Director, Bishop, SP…..You know the stories I’m sure.

These men, most of whom I know and have worked with in some professional context over the years, are in excellent Church and state programs to deal with their compulsions and addictions. Some who have advanced in their “rehabilitation efforts” will tell you THEY do not trust themselves with children of young people.

One man, is rebaptized in the ward where the victim’s family and he and his wife reside.

It is a terrible indication of the latter-days we live in. The Brethren speak almost constantly about same-sex attraction,(homosexuality, but not “acting out”) pornography, child abuse, spouse abuse, and of course there are numerous resources for child sex abuse.

The Leaders are trying desperately to protect the women and children of the Church.

I liked Dr. Hart’s comments and suggestions. I would add that education and awareness, just like we educated our children against drug abuse, is the key. It must start in the home. Then go to all the Public Schools and Church. Firesides, meetings, whatever it takes. Certainly training parents like the Bishope and Stake Pres. are trained is an excellant idea.

Some of these men, in my opinion, should remain ex-communicated. I don’t know frankly what the answer is to what degree of repentance warrents these men being able to hold any calling etc.

Our twin girls are 12 years old. We have had numerous talks with them, not to frighten, but to inform and communicate. They have told us about “this neighbor” or that “teacher” etc. trying to get them to come over etc. They knew to not go with these people or to say “we need to go now.” and turn away and leave. Another person tried to seperate them by taking one to the store and the girls have a policy, like the missionaries:) to always stay together in the presence of adults. (or at least be in the same room with any adult male, together)

Well, thanks again for the discussion, it is very enlightning!

Kittywaymo