BishopAccountability.org
	Clergy Who Are Convicted Sex Offenders Will Now Be Posted on a Website KCEN [Texas] June 6, 2007 http://www.kcentv.com/news/c-article.php?cid=1&nid=13176 The Baptist church took a bold step to put an end to sexual misconduct Wednesday. The Baptist General Convention of Texas is posting the names of clergy who are convicted sex offenders, making the list available to anyone. So far, there are just eight names on the web site. The majority is from the Houston or Dallas area, but one local church affiliate said this is only the beginning step in the right direction. Doctor Raymond Bailey has been the pastor at the Seventh and James Baptist Church for eleven years. He said child safety is a top priority for the church. In fact, years ago they started a child protection policy. "Now we do background checks on everyone who works with our children," Bailey said. As the former director of the Waco Advocacy Center, Pastor Bailey's wife, Pat, has strong feelings about child safety. "When someone takes advantage of the powerless, the church should speak out in prophetic tone, loud and clear. That this is not right, and it should not be done," Pat Bailey said. Both support Baptist General Convention of Texas' decision to crack down on sexual misconduct in the church. However, they said it's only a baby step in the right direction. "Well, I think it's long overdue. The churches have an obligation to protect children," Raymond said. Parents agree. "If there was someone on staff and that information was not disclosed that would be troubling and concerning," Parent Dr. Wade Rowatt said. BGCT said the move is to give churches a tool when making new hires. However, Pat is concerned predators may go unnoticed. "That list will have some holes in it, in terms of people slipping through the cracks," Pat added. According to Pat, if a person is charged of the crime, but not convicted their name won't appear on the list. The eight people on the list now, have all been convicted of a sexual crime. Pastor Bailey said this decision isn't in response to the sexual assault cases within the Catholic Church, he said it happens in all religions. For that list, click on Newslinks.
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