Sex offenders in church?

I came across this article today.  This has always been a difficult topic for me - so bear with me while I work some things out.

I know there are sex offenders in our churches today.  Some have been caught - most have not.  Statistics show that 1 out of 5 girls and 1 out of 10 boys are sexually abused.  That statistic is both inside and outside of the church.  It's deceptive because most sexual abuse is not reported - so realistically speaking, the statistic is higher than that.

Obviously I'm going to be overly sensitive.  You can't have a childhood like mine and not, at least at some point, think that sex offenders don't belong in church and in fact, deserve to burn in hell.  Sorry - maybe that sounds harsh - but it's something you have to work through.  At one time in my life, I would have told you the last place a sex offender belonged was in church.  I would have told you they didn't deserve the grace and mercy Jesus offers us and heaven was not a place they belonged.  I guess I thought I was God :)

I have changed my viewpoint - but it's still a touchy subject.  Church is my safe place.  It's my kids safe place.  To think I could be sitting anywhere near a sex offender makes me want to hurl or hurl something.  Church is where I let down my guard - be myself.  It is a place where my walls are not built as high as in other parts of my life.  It's a place where I feel I should be able to trust those around me to have my best interests and the best interests of my family at heart.

Yet - at the same time - I have to admit something else.  I am no better than a sex offender.  That's right - you heard me correctly.  I'm a firm believer in the verse in the bible where it says if you harm a child, it's better to tie a rock around your neck and throw yourself as fast and as far as possible into the deepest, coldest, darkest, shark infested waters you can find.  Okay, okay - that's not exactly what it says :-)  But it does imply that Jesus does not take too kindly to people who harm children - and in that - I find great comfort.

Having said that - I also understand a greater truth.  Most sex offenders - were victims at one time in their lives.  All sex offenders are devil driven and demon possessed.  No, I have no biblical backing for that statement - but I believe in order to  do something so horrific to a child - you've got to be one messed up soul.  The devil takes great delight in harming children.  The only way a sex offender is going to change  is by the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  A true transformation - not just words to get themselves out of prison or whatever - but a sincere gut wrenching change because of a relationship with Jesus Christ.  A complete and total turn around - a 180 in another direction.

So - back to the original statement.  Sex offenders in church.  Read the article - I believe it has a lot of truth to it.  I still don't know entirely how I feel about this.  On one hand, I feel they need to be in church more than most of us - and on the other - I have to admit - it's a tough pill for me to swallow.  Real tough.  All I know is I'm glad I'm not a Pastor in a position to have to make this decision.  The responsibility to protect the flock, the children - is great.  The last thing a church needs is to have something horrific happen especially knowing a sex offender was in attendance.

Like I said though in the beginning-  the reality is - even if we don't have any "known" offenders in our church - our churches still have offenders.  It is always our responsibility as parents to be aware, to follow our gut instincts, and to check up/check in on our children.  Be wise, be smart and talk to your kids.  If they ever tell you someone touched them or made them uncomfortable - listen - and respond.  Don't ignore, don't blow it off, don't wait for another day - listen - believe - and act.  In or out of the church.

How do you feel about this?