Abusive Baptist Preacher Goes on Trial; SNAP Responds

SNAP
December 2, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_abusive_baptist_preacher_goes_on_trial_snap_responds

At least four girls say Rev. Travis Smith of Stover (near Jefferson City) molested them. Smith goes on trial today. We hope his victims get justice and we hope Smith is convicted and imprisoned so that kids will be safer.

[Connect Mid-Missouri]

[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]

Shame on the misguided and reckless members of First Baptist Church of Stover who are choosing, despite four alleged victims and six felony charges, to keep Rev. Smith on the job. This is stunningly callous behavior. It’s also a severe misreading of the notion of forgiveness. We can forgive wrongdoers without putting others at risk.

Forgiveness is a private decision. Paying a credibly accused serial child molesting cleric is a public act, and one that is inexcusable. The two should never be confused.