BishopAccountability.org
	Stacy Hanna: Take Care That We Not Excuse the Sin By Stacy Hanna The Enquirer July 31, 2007 http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070731/NEWS01/707310322/1002/NEWS01 As a loyal member of a local congregation, I understand and admire the members of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church for coming together in public support of their youth pastor, a man who recently was charged with using a computer to solicit a minor for sex. We are taught, as citizens of the United States, that every person charged with a crime is innocent until proved guilty. And many of us learn in church or at home that we should love the sinner, not the sin. While I agree with both of those sentiments, I think we should be careful that while forgiving the sinner we not excuse the sin. In Monday's Enquirer, a handful of Chapel Hill parishioners shared their reactions regarding youth pastor Troy Deal's alleged indiscretions and, frankly, I found some of them to be dismissive of the fact that Deal has been arraigned on 11 counts of soliciting a minor for sex via a computer and accosting a child for immoral purposes. One man said he hoped "everybody gets a chance to see the good Troy has done." More disturbing were comments from the man saying his "daughter attended a trip with him (Deal) recently, and I'd let her do it again." As a parent — and I'll bet I'm not alone — that statement makes my skin crawl and my stomach ache. I hope that while churchgoers are putting on a brave public face, praying for Deal and his family, they are taking care to talk with their kids about the situation. I hope parents are asking kids questions regarding any time alone they might have spent with the man who often was entrusted with their care and safety and, if he was doing his job, their spiritual and moral guidance. In a perfect world, we all have had this important talk with our children early on, but it's an uncomfortable conversation and one that's easily postponed. And if it's difficult for adults to talk about, imagine how tough it must be for a young person. None of us wants to believe that our child could be the victim of sexual abuse, but that is simply not our reality. According to research posted on www.goodtouchbadtouch.com, one of every four girls and one of seven boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18, and those projected rates climb much higher when they include incidents of non-contact sexual abuse. The same study found that approximately 90 percent of offenders are known to their young victims. These predators are not strangers, folks, and we know it. The situation at Chapel Hill is heartbreaking, and one I pray its members find their way through and come out stronger as a result. And one that serves as a reminder to us all: Talk to your kids. Let them know they have a voice, and that you're listening. Stacy Hanna can be reached at 966-0468 or sthanna@battlecr.gannett.com.
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