Accused Child Molesting Minister Wins Delay

SNAP
May 22, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_accused_child_molesting_minister_wins_delay

We are very disappointed that an accused child molesting Missouri pastor has won another delay in his criminal trial and we are outraged that his flock lets him stay on the job despite multiple child sex abuse charges.

Every mid-Missouri clergyman and woman should use their pulpits to denounce the recklessness of the members of First Baptist Church in Moniteau County.

Rev. Travis Ray Smith continues to head his congregation even though he is accused of forcible rape, sexual abuse and two counts of statutory rape involving two girls.

[lakenewsonline.com]

This isn't the internal business of an isolated church. It's a public safety matter. If Rev. Smith molests again, it won't necessarily be a child in his congregation.

So we beg this judge to allow no further delays. We beg First Baptist officials to oust Smith. We beg religious figures in central Missouri to speak out against this callous and irresponsible move by church members to keep Rev. Smith in the pulpit. And we beg every single person who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes to call law enforcement immediately. It's our civic and moral duty to help police and prosecutors convict child molesters so kids will be safe.