How to Treat Church Member Accused of Molestation



FAQ - How should I treat a member who has been accused of molestation?

Answer: Don’t play lawyer, judge, or jury. If a parent comes to you with an allegation, immediately refer him or her to the civil authorities. You can’t afford to put the church in the middle. The church is not an investigative arm of the state and has neither the resources nor the skills to make a determination as to the validity of such charges. You might approach the accused in some circumstances and confront him with the accusations. However, if he confesses, it may present a problem for you, depending on the laws of your state or nation. The confession might be one that cannot be used against him in a court of law, and you have a confession that you can’t even bring before the congregation (see appendix G.: “Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect.”) Page 23

These are direct quotes from the book by Attorney Voyle A. Glover, Protecting Your Church Against Sexual Predators: Legal FAQs for Church Leaders




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