After one of its elders was accused of molesting a 3-year-old girl, an Indiana church gave money to the girl's family, but has also offered assistance to the elder. He's still allowed in the building, but only with an escort.
The girl's family is furious. From the Indianapolis Star: "It's a disgrace that the church would embrace a criminal and turn its back on the victim, especially one that's a young child," the father said.
Church leaders say they're just doing their religious duty:
Doug Pabody, counseling director at College Park, said officials of the nondenominational Christian church would be shirking their duties if they didn't attempt to help "both the crime victim and the victimizer." "I've been in churches where things like this would happen and no attempt would be made to minister (to the accused), which is a shame," Pabody said. "They're pushed out the door and made to go away, and I, for one, am very proud to be part of a church family that isn't afraid to go into the trenches."
Hat Tip: Thanks, Jewwells P!
