Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2007 17:20:17 GMT -5
While I don't want to diminish the good developments coming out of this sordid crime, our church still has plenty of work to do. I'll just mention a few things that could be done better, there are no doubt other things.
1.Parents should not hesitate
For parents witnessing a crime like this, there should be no hesitation to bring in the authorities, not even an instant of time. There is no need for discussion with anyone, especially the colleagues of the offender. The police should have been there in this case before the offender could get away. If I were the father, the offender would have been begging me to call the police and while that seems unChristian and may not be a good recommendation, I somehow think God would not despise such a reaction under such horrific circumstances. The point is that we need to have perfect clarity that this is abominably wrong and immediate action is essential.
For parents who receive an accusation by a child, there should be no significant investigation by parents except to determine that there is at least some credibility to the accusation such as time frames and opportunities. There are skilled interviewers who can do a much better job and perhaps a criminal can be taken off the streets and prevented from ruining the lives of other children.
2.Workers should not get involved prior to the authorities.
In this case, Lyle advised the father that he had a "right" to call the authorities. While that is true, it is not ideal advice. Lyle should have "advised strongly" or even "insisted" they call the authorities and if that did not happen, call them himself. It sounds as though Lyle insisted to Tim that he turn himself in and that was exactly right.
Workers can play a good godly part in this for both sides, but should never get into the justice business on criminal matters.
3. A roadmap to redemption.
The offender should receive a roadmap to redemption, and early on. While there are several components in the journey to redemption, I doubt that redemption is possible if the offender does not detail all his offenses against victims over the years. If the offender is promptly explained the way to getting right with God and his fellow man, there is a better chance that unknown victims will become known and their lives may have a chance to heal with professional help.
4. Worries about false accusations
This is a problem in our area. Workers will try to apply discretion to accusations to protect people from false accusations and this is wrong. All innocent friends and workers should encourage, even demand, a full investigation by authorities if falsely accused. Our church does not need false accusers, nor should the falsely accused have to live under the shadow of harmful gossip and whispers. At the same time, we cannot afford to let one criminal go because we think he/she is being falsely accused.
1.Parents should not hesitate
For parents witnessing a crime like this, there should be no hesitation to bring in the authorities, not even an instant of time. There is no need for discussion with anyone, especially the colleagues of the offender. The police should have been there in this case before the offender could get away. If I were the father, the offender would have been begging me to call the police and while that seems unChristian and may not be a good recommendation, I somehow think God would not despise such a reaction under such horrific circumstances. The point is that we need to have perfect clarity that this is abominably wrong and immediate action is essential.
For parents who receive an accusation by a child, there should be no significant investigation by parents except to determine that there is at least some credibility to the accusation such as time frames and opportunities. There are skilled interviewers who can do a much better job and perhaps a criminal can be taken off the streets and prevented from ruining the lives of other children.
2.Workers should not get involved prior to the authorities.
In this case, Lyle advised the father that he had a "right" to call the authorities. While that is true, it is not ideal advice. Lyle should have "advised strongly" or even "insisted" they call the authorities and if that did not happen, call them himself. It sounds as though Lyle insisted to Tim that he turn himself in and that was exactly right.
Workers can play a good godly part in this for both sides, but should never get into the justice business on criminal matters.
3. A roadmap to redemption.
The offender should receive a roadmap to redemption, and early on. While there are several components in the journey to redemption, I doubt that redemption is possible if the offender does not detail all his offenses against victims over the years. If the offender is promptly explained the way to getting right with God and his fellow man, there is a better chance that unknown victims will become known and their lives may have a chance to heal with professional help.
4. Worries about false accusations
This is a problem in our area. Workers will try to apply discretion to accusations to protect people from false accusations and this is wrong. All innocent friends and workers should encourage, even demand, a full investigation by authorities if falsely accused. Our church does not need false accusers, nor should the falsely accused have to live under the shadow of harmful gossip and whispers. At the same time, we cannot afford to let one criminal go because we think he/she is being falsely accused.