Church Stands by Baptist Youth Pastor Accused of Molesting Minor

[Bluebear]

The arrest occurred three years ago, yet parents were only recently notified...when do parents have the right to know about things like this, only if there is a conviction? Thoughts?


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A youth pastor at Lakeridge Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, will stand trial next month for sexually assaulting a minor. Blaine Miller was arrested for the sexual assault of a child younger than 17 that occurred in Kirbyville, Texas, in 2004. He was indicted on the charge in May 2005.

Lakeridge Senior Pastor Merle Fulmer says he believes Miller is innocent, according to KAMC28 local news. "Nothing in his character would make me suspicious," said Fulmer, who has reportedly known about the arrest for some time.

Parents at Lakeridge Baptist only recently knew of Miller's arrest and Fulmer says they are okay with it. "We are comfortable with it, and have been all along" he said, according to the local news agency.

Fulmer says he's positive his youth pastor will come out clean and is keeping Miller on staff pending the trial outcome.


http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070423/27050_Church_Stands_by_Baptist_Youth_Pastor_Accused_of_Molesting_Minor.htm

[RB TexLa]

1. That's what the trial will be for. People have done this, and children have also lied about adults

doing this.

[Bluebear]

2. I realize...up in Boston the whole Fells Acres thing was ridiculous

Still, do parents have a right to notification when indictments are made, or only after conviction?

[54anickel]

3. Well, your are innocent until proven guilty - right? But in the interest of the kids

I would have thought the church would have gone the with the "suspended with pay" or moved to a position that doesn't involve kids route. It's one thing to stand with the accused, it's another to put children at risk if you're wrong about his innocence.

It's a tough call when kids are involved, but the law says innocent until proven otherwise. What's really sad is the time it's taken. Arrested 3 years ago, set free and the trial is just now coming up. Could have done lots of damage in 3 years.

[Bluebear]

4. And if innocent, 3 years of his life living under a cloud...

so I definitely agree, the length of time it has gone on is horrible. As you say, though, they could have quietly moved him to another position.

[Horse with no Name]

5. Especially when the churchmembers pay the salaries of

the ministers/youth ministers.