Father Manning waives preliminary hearing on abuse charges

Colorado Catholic Herald
August 3, 2012

http://www.fox54.com/story/19194185/prayer-service-for-sheffield-congregation-amid-sex-abuse-scandal

A special prayer service will be held Friday night after a music minister accused of child sex abuse was fired from First United Methodist Church in Sheffield.

"Words can not describe the pain and sorrow that comes with something like this. It's impossible," said church spokesman Billy Don Anderson.

Last Friday, Anderson along with other church leaders confronted 78 year old Oliver Brazelle about rumors of sexual misconduct between Brazelle and youth in the church over the years. Shortly after, church leaders said that he confessed.

"After hearing of the admission, he was told immediately under the circumstances he couldn't continue to be an employee of the church," said Anderson.

The information was then immediately released to the Sheffield Police Department where an official investigation began.

Anderson said that as the news traveled, the church and community was devastated. He said that's the reason why a special prayer service was organized for Friday, August 3.

"I hope that we can accomplish a big step in the healing process," said Anderson. "That's necessary to start and continue through our church, which I referred to as our faithful community."

"I hope that we can accomplish a big step in the healing process," said Anderson. "That's necessary to start and continue through our church, which I referred to as our faithful community."

Anderson said that Friday's prayer meeting isn't just for members but for all in the community and that he hopes it's the first step in the healing process.

"I'm convinced, I am thoroughly convinced that this will be a stronger church when we get over this," he said.

The service is set to start at 6 p.m. August 3 at First United Methodist Church in Sheffield.

The investigation is still ongoing and no charges have been made at this time.