From the Star-Trib:
The director of a youth organization in Cambridge, Minn., has been arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in the Christian group.When will we end the discipline of celibacy for Protestant youth group leaders?
Mark S. Holm, 54, of Stanchfield, Minn., who has led East Central Minnesota Young Life since 2004 and came aboard nearly 40 years ago, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and remains in the Isanti County jail pending charges and a court appearance late Friday morning.
Holm's accuser, who is 17 years old, and her parents came to the Police Department and gave a statement, police said. Young Life lists on its website a host of activities it offers for boys and girls, ranging from introducing "adolescents to Jesus Christ" to camp retreats to support through mentoring.
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2 comments:
I live in the area this story takes place. I know the people involved. This man is married and has children. Unfortunately we cannot blame this occurence on "celibacy rules". This man has chosen a path of predatory behavior on a young teen.
Incidentally, I am not sure what the blog writer means when he says there are celibacy rules for Protestants. I am Protestant, and have been all my life. There are no rules about leaders being single or celibate.
First, we must keep in mind that the person accused has a charitable and legal presumption of innocence.
Second, we must keep in mind that the accused is a person with family and friends who are affected by the publicity attached to these accusations.
Third, the blog writer is obviously playing on the popular trope that Catholic priests have engaged in child abuse because of their celibacy. The examples of child abuse by persons in occupations and traditions where there is no celibacy is evidence that the problem is sin and not celibacy.
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