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	Baptist Churches Crack down on Sex Offenders By Jhen Kordela KTEN June 7, 2007 http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=6622952&nav=menu410_3 Law enforcement agencies are constantly trying to track sex offenders. Now, some Texas churches are joining the effort. KTEN's Jhen Kordela has more. The Baptist General Convention of Texas has started posting the names of convicted sex offenders who have worked in its churches on a Web site. Although names of sex offenders are already considered public information, church officials say listing offenders on a central Web site will help keep them out of places where children are present. That way, church members seeking to hire within the church can use the web site as a safety tool. There are eight offenders listed on the site so far currently serving sentences for indecency with a child and sexual assault of a child. The convention has stated it does not have information on those who are free and it can't guarantee they're not working at a church. Dr. Lash Banks, director of missions for the Grayson County Baptist Association, says, "I think we have to face the reality of our times, that as adults, we have to protect our children." The state of Texas does have two conventions, and churches can choose which one it would like to affiliate with. There are currently 5,6oo congregations affiliated with the Baptist general convention of Texas. The group is also trying to make it easier to report misconduct by a pastor and is considering starting up a hotline. - Jhen Kordela. KTEN News.
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