BishopAccountability.org
	Church Volunteer Charged with Sex Abuse By Dan Bewley WOOD October 23, 2006 http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5575813&nav=0Rcd Holland - A volunteer at the Calvary Reformed Church on East 8th Street has been charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct against a 9-year-old girl. The man, 50, has not been formally charged, so his name has not been released. He has posted bond and will be charged on October 31 with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He teaches computer classes part-time at the church, and last Thursday volunteered at their monthly food giveaway. The girl and her family were waiting their turn when, according to Pastor Blaine Newhouse, the man broke church policy and was seen alone with the girl in a computer lab. "It should not have happened," Newhouse said, "and when it was discovered that it did happen there was an immediate reprimand and an underscoring again of our abuse policy that this will not be tolerated." Newhouse said no one noticed anything unusual at the time the man was reprimanded. What happened later is what is under investigation. This incident has rocked the church, but Newhouse said it will not keep the church from serving the community. "We're hoping that in the midst of something that's very unfortunate and is creating a lot of questions and concerns that we will be in prayer that the truth be uncovered," he said, "and if there are hurting people that we will be able to extend ministry and compassion to them." The state's child protection law requires anyone working with children under the age of 18 to go through a background check. But there's nothing in the law about church volunteers. Despite that, Newhouse said his church routinely performs background checks, and this man was no exception. "This person went through a criminal background check in May of this year and was cleared." Holland police say a background check is not fool-proof. Newhouse said the church will be looking for ways to prevent this in the future. "Certainly if there are ways that we can tighten things up and protect kids we will do everything we can."
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