Source: New York Times. "Sex Offenders Test Churces' Core Beliefs" http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/us/10pilgrim.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogi
What would you do if a member of your church's congregation made an announcement one day that he was a convicted sex offender who had done time for molesting children?
Some churches are finding out the hard way. This is definately a true test of fate. According to this article congregations are split in half, many threatening to leave the church if the sex offender is permitted to stay.
I say "only true christians need apply". If they want to leave the church because someone is trying to overcome their past by joining in the present then let those unfaithful people leave. What good is a church if the membership is selective. "Only those without sin may enter". That church would be empty every Sunday because no one is sinless.
I understand parents concern for their children, but I suggest the congregation request that the sex offender not volunteer for anything involving children (ex. no directing the christmas program or leading the children's sunday school, etc), but otherwise they have no reason not to allow the offender to sit in the church service with the adults.
If you are going to pledge yourself to a religion that supposedly teaches tolerance and love for you neighbor, then here is these people's chance to prove their loyalty.
