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[Murcielago]

The following are quotes from the Lake Union Herald. The first was written by Barbara Livesay
http://luc.adventist.org/Herald%20Site%20PDFs/Vol102-08.pdf Starting on page 20

A Safe Place
Is your church a safe place? Is your church a place where people feel really safe—spiritually, emotionally, physically?
Are our churches and schools safe havens for children, where they are free and secure to experience the
pure love of Jesus and learn to be His disciples?
It is the desire of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to
make its worship and education environments just that way.
At this time the disturbing and traumatic increase in recognition
of physical and sexual abuse of children has claimed
the attention of our nation, the world and our church. It is
very sad, but Adventist churches and schools which conduct
programs for children and youth are not immune from these
statistics.
“It is essential that care should be taken when placing men
and women in positions of trust. You should know something
in regard to their past life, and the character that has been
developed. You would better double your classes under Godfearing
workers than to multiply teachers whose influence is
not in accordance with the holy character of truth which we
profess, for their influence will be demoralizing. Let every
true, honest-hearted worker be encouraged to work on ....
work with an eye single to the glory of God. Do not refuse to
bear responsibilities because you have a sense of your weakness
and inefficiency. God can give you strength and wisdom,
if you are consecrated to him and keep humble....”1
Why all the fuss? Why go to the trouble of doing background
checks and instituting sometimes inconvenient procedures
for our volunteers and employees who work with
our children in our churches and schools? If you have ever
cared for the heart of a crushed and broken child/adult who
has been preyed upon by the most unsuspected adult, you
would feel the pain as I have. Offenders are masterful at their
deception and skilled at developing trust. So when they are
discovered, it is nearly always a complete shock to the unsuspecting
congregation or school constituency. Even those
who work with sex offenders professionally admit their accuracy
at identifying when a possible sex offender is lying, is
about 50/50. The only way to protect our children/families
is to require everyone to follow procedures/guidelines that
make it difficult for anyone to take advantage of anyone else.
We want to minimize the opportunity for anyone—child or
adult—to be hurt, especially in our churches or schools.
Education is the key. An understanding of the problem
leads to an acceptance of sensible procedures that help create
a safe environment by minimizing potential risks. Once people
understand, they are so much more likely to support the
guidelines. We don’t want people to sign up; we want people
to sign on—to understand their role in ministry.
Each one can, by using common sense and intentionally
following the North American Division’s guidelines, improve
their environment for ministry.
Put light on what you are doing by making yourself accountable
to another trusted adult. Keep them informed as
to what you are doing and why. Ask them to give you input
regarding your ministry and cue you to areas where you may
be vulnerable. Encourage others to better and safer behaviors.
Report what comes to light. Some fear that reporting will
damage the career of an adult. We, of course, do not want this
to happen. False accusations are extremely rare, and those
who put sensible procedures into place have an even lower
risk of a false accusation. Good procedures and guidelines
protect everyone. But we must also think of the life of the
child and others in the future. Our children must come first.
The data indicates that it takes a child at least ten attempts
to tell of abuse before someone listens, and often they will
give up before it ever gets reported. Perpetrators and predators
use this to their advantage and continue their practice
with bold confidence. Most of the abuses we know of have
occurred with trusted individuals. They earn that trust purposefully,
and then they hurt people by that trust.
Some may be reluctant to report, fearing that it may hurt
the reputation of the church. The church that goes public
and addresses the issue legally and morally is held in higher
regard than one that seeks to take care of the issue internally
or not deal with it at all. It takes courage to stand up and let
your voice be heard for those that need a voice. We need to
honor and recognize how difficult that is. We should facilitate
rather than hinder “doing the right thing.”
We are here to support our churches and schools in their
efforts to be safe and encourage procedures to be put into
place so that trust in all areas of leadership is warranted and
undamaged. For when trust is broken, it not only damages
individual lives but ministry as well.
Proverbs 2 provides an excellent foundation for the wisdom
that is needed for spiritually safe individuals, churches
and schools: “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth
come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in
store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is
blameless for he guards the course of the just and protects
the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what
is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will
enter your heart. ... Discretion will protect you, and understanding
will guard you...” (Proverbs 2:6–11 NIV).
Our churches and schools need to have a positive, joyous
and safe atmosphere. Without a surrounding influence of
trust, the emotional effect of all other attributes will be hindered.
This cannot be compromised. The study of the spiritual
embodiment of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ
will provide what is necessary to obtain this holy effect.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not
hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as
these” (Matthew 19:14 NIV).

[Murcielago]

From the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists...

Statement on the Nurture and Protection of Children

This statement was approved and voted by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee (ADCOM) and was released
by the Office of the President, Ted N. C. Wilson, at the 59th General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, June 23–July 3, 2010.

Seventh-day Adventists place a high value on children. In the light of the Bible they are seen as precious gifts
from God entrusted to the care of parents, family, community of faith and society-at-large. Children possess
enormous potential for making positive contributions to the Church and to society. Attention to their care,
protection and development is extremely important.

Seventh-day Adventist Church reaffirms and extends
its longstanding efforts to nurture and safe-guard children
and youth from persons—known and unknown—whose
actions perpetrate any form of abuse and violence against
them and/or sexually exploit them. Jesus modeled the kind
of respect, nurture, and protection children should be able
to expect from adults entrusted with their care. Some of His
strongest words of reproof were directed toward those who
would harm them. Because of the trusting nature and dependence
of children upon older and wiser adults and the lifechanging
consequences when this trust is breached, children
require vigilant protection.
Redemptive Corr ection
The Seventh-day Adventist Church places a priority on
church-based parent education that helps parents develop
the skills necessary for a redemptive approach to correction.
Many children experience harsh punishment in the name of
a biblical approach to discipline. Correction characterized
by severe, punitive, dictatorial control often leads to resentment
and rebellion. Such harsh discipline is also associated
with heightened risk for physical and psychological harm to
children as well as increased likelihood the youth will resort
to coercion and violence in resolving their differences with
others. By contrast, examples from Scripture as well as a large
body of research confirm the effectiveness of more gentle
forms of discipline that allow children to learn through reasoning
and experiencing the consequences of their choices.
Such milder measures have been demonstrated to increase
the likelihood children will make life-affirming choices and
espouse parental values as they mature.
Making Churc h a Safe Place for
Children
The Church also takes seriously its responsibility to minimize
the risk for child sexual abuse and violence against
children in the congregational setting. First and foremost,
church leaders and members must themselves live by a strict
code of ethics that precludes even the appearance of evil
as regards the exploitation of minors for the gratification
of adult desires. Other practical measures toward making
church a safe place for children include attention to the safety
of the church facility and its surroundings and the careful
supervision and monitoring of children and their environment
during all church-related activities. Education regarding
what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate interaction
between adults and children, the warning signs of abuse
and violence, and the specific steps to be followed should
inappropriate behavior be reported or suspected are vitally
important. Pastors and church leaders who are visible and
approachable play an important role in prevention as well as
in responding well to the needs of children whose safety may
have been jeopardized. Regular updates are needed regarding
their moral and legal responsibility to report child abuse
to appropriate civil authorities. The designation of trained
personnel and specific protocols at wider levels of Church
organization will help to ensure appropriate action and followthrough
when abuse is reported within the church setting.
Because of the complex nature of the problem of child
sexual abuse and violence against children, intervention and
treatment of perpetrators requires resources beyond the
scope of ministry provided by the local church. However,
the presence of a known perpetrator in a congregation calls
for the highest levels of vigilance. While perpetrators should
be held fully responsible for their own behavior, the supervision
of persons with a history of inappropriate behavior is
necessary to ensure that such persons maintain appropriate
distance and refrain from all contact with children during
church-related activities. Provision for alternative opportunities
for perpetrators to grow spiritually in settings where
children are not present greatly enhances child protection.
Fostering Emotional and
Spiritual Healing
Children who have been personally victimized or who
have witnessed disturbing events need the care of adults
who treat them with sensitivity and understanding. Practical
support that helps children and families maintain stability
in the midst of turmoil empowers victims and their families
and promotes healing. The Church’s commitment to breaking
the silence frequently associated with child sexual abuse
and violence, its efforts toward advocacy and justice for all
victims, and deliberate action to safeguard children from all
forms of abuse and violence will contribute much toward
the emotional and spiritual recovery of all concerned. The
Church regards the nurture and protection of children as a
sacred trust.
(This statement has been informed by the principles expressed
in the following biblical passages: Lev. 18:6; 2 Sam.
13:1–11; 1 Kings 17:17–23; Ps. 9:9, 12, 16-18; 11:5–7; 22:24;
34:18; 127:3–5; 128:3–4; Prov. 31:8–9; Is. 1:16–17; Jer. 22:3;
Matt. 18:1–6; 21:9, 15–16; Mark 9:37; 10:13–16; Eph. 6:4; Col.
3:21; 1 Tim. 5:8; Heb.13:3.) (See also “Statement on Ending
Violence Against Women and Children,” http://adventist.
org/beliefs/statements/violence.html.)

[Artiste]

From the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists...

The Church’s commitment to breaking
the silence frequently associated with child sexual abuse
and violence, its efforts toward advocacy and justice for all
victims, and deliberate action to safeguard children from all
forms of abuse and violence will contribute much toward
the emotional and spiritual recovery of all concerned.

Then why is the church not speaking out against the Shelton cover-up problem at 3ABN?

Instead of eulogizing Danny Shelton and 3ABN at the General Conference?

[mrst53]

Has anyone asked the General Conference POINT BLANK  about Tommy? Like reporters? or a letter sent to someone regestered mail?

[princessdi]

Actually, the only thing GC needs to make sure of is that 3ABN no longer allows TS to work there.  What was done in the past, is done.  NOW that he will be a registered sex offender, GC will have to have assurances from 3ABN that TS will not be there. 

Seeing as TS is not SDA, and 3ABN is an independent ministry with a contract with the SDA church, there is really nothing GC can do unless they get some back bone and cancel the contract...... 

[Johann]

I find it interesting reading how the lawyer questioned the Cardinal. I understand it cost the Roman Catholic Church millions what they had neglected to do in the past and where they had placed known offenders in the past. No discount because they were going to do better in the future.

[Artiste]

No discount because they were going to do better in the future.

[princessdi]

RCC placed known offenders?  How about SDAs placed known offenders.   I have already mentioned the case of the teacher, registered sex offender, who came to NCC from Idaho, abused two girls at the local academy, was allowed relatocate to nevada to another academy where he was once again jailed for having sex with a 15 year old.  It also cost NCC some millions just last year...............let's bring this thing closer to home, so we can have some real, and valid reason to stop it.

I find it interesting reading how the lawyer questioned the Cardinal. I understand it cost the Roman Catholic Church millions what they had neglected to do in the past and where they had placed known offenders in the past. No discount because they were going to do better in the future.

[Johann]

Here is a link to an article in the Lake Union Herald about protecting children - look on pages 21-22. The actual article ends about halfway down page 22 and is immediately followed by the official "Statement on the Nurture and Protection of Children" that was approved and voted on at the GC session in Atlanta:

http://luc.adventist.org/Herald%20Site%20PDFs/Vol102-08.pdf

[mrst53]

Has Tommy worked at 3abn since The Church of God in Dunn Loring notified Walt about the alleged pedophia? I can't remember. My brain seems to be mush tonite.

[Bob Pickle]

Has Tommy worked at 3abn since The Church of God in Dunn Loring notified Walt about the alleged pedophia? I can't remember. My brain seems to be mush tonite.

Dryden notified Walt Thompson in 2003 while Dryden was still pastoring at Ezra. Tommy worked at 3ABN from 2001 to 2006 or so, getting paid as an independent contractor at least in 2008.

But the 3ABN Board got rid of Tommy in 1991 after allegations arose, before Tommy ever moved to Dunn Loring. Prior to that 1991 firing or resignation, Danny allegedly told someone at 3ABN not to let Tommy eat lunch with a young man. So Danny has been in the know a long time, which only makes sense, since Tommy was beside himself in Danny's house about 1985 when the parents of one of Tommy's alleged victims was bringing back the car Tommy had given him.

Another fellow told me that Tommy was grooming him by giving him shoes and such. So it wasn't always a car.

At any rate, admitted pedophile Tommy Shelton worked at 3ABN long after officers, board members, and employees knew that there were serious allegations. 2006 is 21 years after 1985. That's a long, long time.

[mrst53]

So I guess I am back to Artisti''s question about why 3abn has not been called to task about why Tommy was allowed to work there? Why hasn't reporters has these questions? Newspapers, tv reporters, and not local reporters?

[Johann]

Who knows what will happen in the future?

[Artiste]

Has anyone asked the General Conference POINT BLANK  about Tommy? Like reporters? or a letter sent to someone regestered mail?

Any further thoughts on this?

[Gailon Arthur Joy]

The "church" does not believe that 3ABN is a problem for them as it is an "independent" ministry. And the "church" is anxious to wield serious influence over the future of 3ABN and would like to either get control of it's board or simply merge it's assets into the church to have full control of the rogue broadcaster.

On the other hand the 3ABN board is far more independent than you would think and shrinks from church domination in the same sense any business owner would resist a takeover by a governmental entity. Many of the directors view the "church" as corrupted by Laodicean theology and unable to maintain a purity of the message. They view 3ABN as the only true messenger and look past the hypocrisy of leadership and founders to sustain the belief they are the entity to "counter-act the counterfeit" and they view many SDA broadcasters as "counterfeits".

The current leadership will fall into the same pattern as "Neil, Sr"...live and let live and use it as you can at arms length...and seek to steadily advance it's influence until they have complete control. It would be political suicide with large parts of the SDA right to take on 3ABN directly. Better to let surrogates deal with it at little or no cost to the SDA Heirarchy.

Gailon Arthur Joy
AUReporter

Has anyone asked the General Conference POINT BLANK  about Tommy? Like reporters? or a letter sent to someone regestered mail?

Any further thoughts on this?