Thou shalt not solicit undercover cops

Not to pick on church folks, but this story already appears eight times in Nexis:

• OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An executive committee member of the Southern Baptist Convention was arrested on a lewdness charge for propositioning a plainclothes policeman outside a hotel, police said.
• Lonnie Latham, 59, senior pastor at South Tulsa Baptist Church, was booked into Oklahoma County Jail Tuesday night on a misdemeanor charge of offering to engage in an act of lewdness, police Capt. Jeffrey Becker said. Latham was released on $500 bail Wednesday afternoon.
• Latham, who has spoken out against homosexuality, asked the officer to join him in his hotel room for oral sex. Latham was arrested and his 2005 Mercedes automobile was impounded, Becker said.

Any number of parables, aphorisms, verses and sayings apply. The church's Website doesn't attack homosexuals, from what I can tell. There is, however, lots about following the Bible and real estate acquisitions.

AP story: DOC PDF

Comments

Usually I say that a man's moral failures outside of his profession are irrelevant to his ability to perform his job. However, when your profession is moral teaching and guidance I think it's probably fair game. One thing I have learned about many Christian followers is that they are quick to ask for mercy, but slow to give it to a weak target in their own congregation. Let's see if that holds true here.

Yeah, the sexual hypocrisy is an issue, but I really wonder what a preacher is doing with a 2005 Mercedes. Is that what Christianity is about these days?

[bob ramsey]

I am sure there is a satisfactory explanation for the good pastor's behavior. The devil made him do it.

All Christians are not slow to show mercy as implied by an earlier blogger. People are not perfect so there will always be hypocrites who profess to be Christians when in all reality are far from it. But, lumping all Christians together and calling them merciless hypocrites (as the media has branded Christians as of late) is very ignorant. It's not ok to say all Muslims are terrorists according to the media (which they are not), but apparently it's ok to say all Christians are hypocrites (which they are not). I see no difference.

This pastor should absolutely be removed from his position. He is to be, as a pastor, a moral leader and spiritual example for his congregation. He should be stripped of his leadership position. However, he should absolutely be forgiven. And, if he wishes, be allowed to remain in the congregation and treated with love, just like any other person who has made a mistake and is sorry for it.

[tomcat]

I believe that unethical behavior is equal opportunity regardless of profession or status within the community. Look at all the corrupt politicians (especially as of late), law enforcement officials, adjudicators, and teachers that succumb to various urges.

I wouldn't have a problem if this dude was gay and in a monogamous relationship, but the solicitation and "propositioning" allegation is creepy in my opinion. I would also find it really interesting if he was from one of those gay-bashing churches, but like the other entry mentioned, there didn’t seem to be anything overt on that. The AP article did mention that his organization tries to convert gays to straights, and that had me wondering what kind of double-life some trusted people must lead.

I am not very educated about Christianity, so I don't know how a rather new Mercedes plays into the picture. It will certainly be interesting to follow this case.

Also, this blog kicks you know what, as I enjoy reading about law and crime and commend Greg and the Star!

[JJ]

The funny thing is that the sex this dork was soliciting was oral from a male prostitute. Hilarious.

Wasn't there an old joke about Southern Baptist not having sex standing up since it looked like dancing.

Baby have they come a long way. Now the minister is driving a new Benz. Unreal.

[JJ]

The funny thing is that the sex this dork was soliciting was oral from a male prostitute. Hilarious.

Wasn't there an old joke about Southern Baptist not having sex standing up since it looked like dancing.

Baby have they come a long way. Now the minister is driving a new Benz. Unreal.

By the way, to err is human, to forgive is divine.

The dork is still stupid.

[MK]

We all fall short and we're all human but what's so funny is the fact that some men don't believe they are homosexual when they engage in oral sex with another man. That really, really cracks me up.