Prestonwood Baptist Church did not report known child molester to authorities?

http://bit.ly/qM8mxp

All credit for this story finally being broken goes to a lady named Amy Smith who in the face of great personal cost to herself, refused to remain silent about the cover up at Prestonwood Baptist Church and the lies of pastor Jack Graham. 

Picture Jack Graham posted of himself on Twitter

What Jack Graham really looks like

Jack Graham, Pastor Prestonwood Baptist,  April 2011

"In 2008 Graham, a former SBC president, said in 40 years of ministry “never have I had one moral problem with a staff member, until now.” But Smith says Graham, who began his ministry at Prestonwood in 1989, was head pastor when Langworthy was asked to leave. She says Langworthy admitted guilt and begged to stay on through the summer for a youth choir trip....." http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/6634/53/ (Quote from article by Bob Allen.)




Amy Smith
Houston SNAP
http://www.snapnetwork.org/
spacecitysnap@gmail.com

1. Abuse confession raises questions of cover-up by Baptist mega-church ‎ Associated Baptist Press - Bob Allen - 3 days ago The admission culminated a year-long campaign by a former close friend of Langworthy who was on staff as a college intern at Prestonwood Baptist Church in ...

1. Clinton minister quits over allegations ‎ Jackson Clarion Ledger - Dustin Barnes - 1 day ago John Langworthy, a Morris Heights Baptist Church member, ... Mississippi because of the sexual indiscretions at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. ...

   ►

2. Ex-music minister admits past sexual misconduct ‎ Hattiesburg American - 1 day ago John Langworthy of Clinton told the congregation the contact occurred before ... known as SNAP, said she attended the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, ...

3. No Criminal Complaints Filed Against Former Minister ‎ WAPT Jackson - 1 day ago Langworthy was fired from Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, after claims were made against him. No criminal charges were filed in Texas. ...

4. Ex-music minister admits past sexual misconduct ‎ Washington Examiner - 1 day ago John Langworthy of Clinton told the congregation the contact occurred before ... known as SNAP, said she attended the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, ...

5. Recently resigned music minister admits long-ago sexual misconduct ... ‎ The Republic - 2 days ago John Langworthy of Clinton told the congregation the contact occurred before ... known as SNAP, said she attended the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, ...

6. Clinton music minister makes eye-opening confession ‎ WLOX - Howard Ballou - 2 days ago Langworthy was immediately fired from Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas but no charges were ever filed. A representative from Morrison Heights told ...

7. Clinton minister quits over allegations ‎ Clinton News - Dustin Barnes - 2 days ago John Langworthy, who also had resigned as Clinton High School's choir teacher ... of the sexual indiscretions at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. ...

8. Clinton minister quits over allegations ‎ Jackson Clarion Ledger - Dustin Barnes - 2 days ago John Langworthy, who also had resigned as Clinton High School's choir teacher ... of the sexual indiscretions at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. ...

9. Clinton music minister makes eye-opening confession ‎ WLBT-TV - Howard Ballou - 2 days ago Langworthy was immediately fired from Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas but no charges were ever filed. A representative from Morrison Heights told ...

10. Former Youth Minister, Teacher Makes Startling Admission ‎ WAPT Jackson - 2 days ago Langworthy served at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, before moving to Clinton 21 years ago. A former staffer at that Texas church has worked to ...

11. Clinton music minister confesses to 'sexual indiscretions' ‎ Jackson Clarion Ledger - Dustin Barnes - 2 days ago After the 1989 discovery of an alleged inappropriate sexual contact with a music student atPrestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, Langworthy was fired ... ► Former Prestonwood minister admits to 'sexual indiscretions' with ... ‎ Dallas Morning News (subscription) (blog) - Tom Benning - 3 days ago A former youth minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church confessed this weekend ... JohnLangworthy, most recently a youth music minister at Morrison Heights ...

Your Catholic Church at work in the world - Priest Sex Abuse Scandal - EVERY DAY

If you were trying to keep up with the constant reports of Catholic Priests sexually abusing children it would be a full time job.

“Manifold Greatness: the Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible,”

Rockdale library to host national exhibit on King James Bible

Nancy Guinn Library expansion cited as plus in garnering exhibit

Nancy Guinn Memorial Library is selected as one of three sites in Georgia to host the exhibit, “Manifold Greatness: the Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible,”in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

Additional information on the Manifold Greatness exhibit can also be found at its Web site, www.manifoldgreatness.org.

Posted: 10:57 PM Aug 10, 2011
Reporter: Jay Jones, News Editor
Email Address: jay.jones@rockdalecitizen.com

Southern Baptist deacon stopped from taking church from congregation by judge

God’s Hope Builders Inc. must return the property and assets of Mt. Zion Baptist Church to church members.
Newton County Superior Court Judge Samuel Ozburn issued an order Wednesday in the case that pitted the pastor and more than 30 members of the church against the church’s sole deacon, his daughter and God’s Hope Builders.

The lawsuit was prompted when Clayton “Skeet” Dial and his daughter, Angela Ballard, conveyed in August all Mt. Zion’s property and assets to a nonprofit organization, God’s Hope Builders Inc., in Conyers. Dial served as the church’s only deacon and Ballard served in various functions at Mt. Zion, including church clerk and treasurer.

A schism between Dial and Ballard and the pastor became heated during a congregational meeting held last July when Dial accused several congregants, including the pastor, of not being true members of the church. The members and Pastor Chris Allen learned of the conveyance only after arriving to church as usual one day in August and found no trespassing signs on the property and the doors locked.

The church members then sued Dial, Ballard and God’s Hope Builders Inc., alleging the transaction was illegal. A three-day bench trial was held in May.

In his order, Ozburn answered two primary questions raised in the case: Was the transfer of the church property and assets “in the usual and regular course” of the church’s activities and did the members of the church approve the transfer of the property. To both, the judge answered, “No.”


“The unconditional transfer of all assets of the church for no consideration did not further any … activities or purposes for the existence of the church,” Ozburn wrote. “The reasons stated by defendant Clayton Dial for the transfer clearly show that this transfer was not in the ‘usual and regular course of the activities’ of the church.”


In his testimony in May, Dial, who has been a member of Mt. Zion for more than 50 years, said he gave away the historic church, property and assets in an effort to preserve its Southern Baptist heritage. Dial said he feared Pastor Allen was taking overt steps to move the church toward an Independent Baptist doctrine; so giving the church away would assure that did not happen.
http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/news/headlines/125119334.htmlHowever, Dial admitted that he gave the church away to Clarence Hall with God’s Hope Builders Inc. with no conditions or expectations of how the property would be used.

 By Aimee Jones, Staff Correspondent

Southern Baptist music & children's pastor arrested for soliciting a minor over the internet, Senior pastor expresses support for Jonathan Rose, none for victims

Edenton Children Minister Charged In Internet Sex Crimes Case, Congregation In Shock

Aug 3, 2011 - 

An Edenton children minister has been charged with internet sex crimes involving children.

Jonathan Rose was arrested Monday by the S.B.I. and the North Carolina Internet Crimes against Children Task Force.

Cumberland County deputies say the 35-year-old Rose engaged in illegal conversations with children via his computer.

Deputies say they had been looking for him for a couple of weeks, and on Monday went to his Dakota Trail home in Edenton and found out he was taking children from his church to a camp in Black Mountain, which is in the western part of the state. Rose was arrested as he stepped off the bus at the Ridgecrest Boys Camp.

Cumberland County deputies say Rose is a minister at Rocky Hock Baptist Church in Edenton. (More here: 

http://watchmansecurityconsulting.com/category/sex-crimes/ Rodney Pires.)

 From Senior Pastor Dr. James E. Horton:

"We further make it known that we will support, pray, and minister to Pastor Rose and his family to assist through this difficult time in his life and in the lives of the members of Rocky Hock Baptist Church.

 

Dr. James E. Horton

Senior Pastor

Rhttp://rockyhockbaptistchurch.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=50909&PID=878387

Southern Baptist pastor Dirk Jackson pleads guilty to sex abuse of former student

Dirk Jackson, formerly a pastor at First Baptist Church on Sidney Avenue, entered a guilty plea to two counts of indecent liberties without forceable compulsion for sexually abusing a student when he was a teacher in 2003 at the now-defunct Manchester Christian Academy.


Snip
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/poi/news/126771258.html

Minister of Music tazes pastor, another woman stabbed during fight at church

Mobile County Sheriff's officials have issued warrants for 2 people after a pastor was tazed and a woman stabbed during an altercation at New Welcome Baptist Church, officials said today in a news release. http://blog.al.com/live/2011/08/mobile_county_sheriffs_office_8.html

Music, is it for you? To make you feel all better and get a good feeling going? Or was it supposed to worship the Lord?

Biblical Guidelines for Christian Music.

Former Hephzibah House student publishes book: They Meant it for Evil

Some of my regular readers may remember Lucinda Pennington. She was a student at Hephzibah House and has spoken openly about how Dr.Ron Williams and Mrs. Patti Williams helped her during her stay at Hephzibah House. Lucinda also gave a beautiful and moving tribute at Patti Williams funeral.

Lucinda is now a pastor's wife, a Youth Specialist with the Department of Social Services and the mother of four daughters. The Pennington family is all set to welcome baby number 5 in just a few months!

I've become acquainted with Lucinda over the past few years and I can't wait to read her book. She loves the Lord Jesus and I believe her book would be a help to you if you're struggling with any abuse issues and healing.

You can order the book from the publisher here:  http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781613460931

The publisher also has downloads available.

If you'd like an autographed copy, you can order directly from Lucinda. The price is $11.99 and Lucinda is offering free shipping via media mail. http://theymeantitforevil.webs.com/shipping.htm

From the book cover:

They Meant It For Evil
by Lucinda Pennington

What do you do when the very people who are supposed to love and protect you are the ones who hurt you?

Lucinda Pennington suffered unimaginable abuse as a child. Left by her mother at the hospital at three days old, Lucinda became a ward of the state, entering Maine's foster care system. While in foster care, she was physically, mentally, and sexually abused by the very people who were meant to care for her. She was sexually abused at the hands of her foster brother; starved, beaten, and locked up by her foster parents; and ignored by her social worker. Unfortunately, she suffered the same fate at each foster home thereafter and even after she was adopted. But through it all, there was one who never hurt her: God, her heavenly Father. He gave her hope.

Now, as a grown woman, Lucinda's faith has helped her overcome her past, and in They Meant It for Evil, she encourages those who have suffered abuse to take a step toward healing. God can help you turn what was meant as evil in your life. Allow Him to use you and turn what was meant for evil into something good for Him. Show your abusers they did not ruin your life! Your abusers no longer have this power over you! Stand up and be proud you are a survivor!

136 pages - $11.99 (paperback)

*Editor's note and disclosure: This is a completely uncompensated recommendation and one I'm happy to make.

Rick Ousley, what are you up to now? If you are reading this, people still care about you

Dear Mr. Rick Ousley,

You don't know me and we only met once, which wasn't really even a proper meeting. You were eating lunch with a group of fellow pastors planning the launch of Riverside Baptist Church.  I was sitting nearby and overheard your conversation. You might remember that I approached your table in tears imploring your group of pastors to please re-think promoting rock music in your churches.

Your group's pleasure at being asked if you were all pastors quickly faded when your heard my plea, and it of course fell on deaf ears. If memory serves, that was about 12 years ago.

I still feel the same way about the tragic decline of sacred music in Southern Baptist Churches, but for the purposes of this blog post, that's neither here nor there. I only mention the event so that if you read this, you might have a frame of reference for who I am.

I know that we'd differ on a lot of things. I'm an unabashed independent Baptist, a fundamentalist and yes I believe that the King James Bible is the only one you or anyone else ought to be using. (Get a KJV Bible here, for free!)

But I'm writing this post to somehow try and get a message to you that people still care about you. Besides Ray Boltz, the majority of hits on this website come from searches asking about you. They want to know what you're doing now. They want to know how you are. They wonder if you are preaching anywhere.

And the searches come from all over the US. Mostly from the Southeast, but plenty from out West as well. There was one from Maryland a few days ago.

 I don't know where you are in life, but I wanted to tell you this, that people still care about you. And tell you that there is a balm in Gilead. 

God bless you.

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." 

Galatians 6:1-3

The Ministry of Rescue and Recovery

This is a free eight lesson study designed by ordained Baptist pastor Mike Althaus to help those who've fallen by the wayside and need restoration. You may e-mail Mike Althaus at: malt55 (AT) juno.com

Note: Yes comments are welcome, but I do moderate comments and if you'd like your comment to stay unpublished, just make a note of that.

Edited 7/20/11 to add: There is a video interview with Rick Ousley located at CBS 42.

Former Hephzibah House student writes book "They Meant it for Evil"

Former Hephzibah House student Lucinda Pennington pens book

Another Southern Baptist Pastor arrested for sexting a minor - Joseph Leal

Okla. Pastor Arrested, Accused Of 'Sexting' Teen

Joseph Leal Turns Self In To Authorities http://www.koco.com/r/28484951/detail.html

Briarwood Presbyterian Church radio station manager faces lewd conduct charges in Florida

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/06/briarwood_presbyterian_church.html

The general manager of Briarwood Presbyterian Church's radio station faces charges of lewd and lascivious behavior after Florida authorities said he propositioned a teen girl and another woman in Seagrove Beach Wednesday, all while he was naked from the waist down.

James Ashley Hulgan, 40, of Leeds, exposed himself to a 15-year-old girl and a 23-year-old woman, said Walton County sheriff's officials.

According to the arrest report, Hulgan was driving on County Road 30A about 12:30 p.m. when he called the females to his van and asked them if they knew where there was a nude beach. The victims, according to the report, saw his genitals. Sheriff's officials said he told the woman and the girl to get in the van with him. They did not.

Sheriff's deputies caught up with Hulgan about 2:15 p.m. at a nearby apartment. They asked him if he knew why they were there. "He stated he was driving around and decided to go to a nude beach," according to the sheriff's report. "He stated he loved being naked and had been to a nude beach before and loved it."

The report further said: "The defendant stated while he was in his vehicle he took his clothes off because he loved being naked. He stated he pulled up to a couple of girls and asked them where the nude beach was because he didn't know where it was."

Jail records show Hulgan is charged with one count of lewd and lascivious behavior, a second-degree felony, and one count of indecent exposure, a first-degree misdemeanor.

On jail records, Hulgan lists his occupation as manager of WLJR, which is located at Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

Hulgan also is president of Best View productions, a video company that has shot footage of high school sports and cheerleading, local pageants and competitive cheer and dance competitions throughout the Jefferson and Shelby county areas, according to his website. Hulgan's website also said he is the manager of Briarwood Church Video Ministry.

Efforts to reach Hulgan for comment were unsuccessful. Briarwood officials did not immediately return a call for comment.

Hulgan was released this morning from the Walton County Jail.

Southern Baptist deacon and daughter allegedly steal church

Judge ponders verdict in Mt. Zion Baptist Church case

COVINGTON — Closing arguments have been filed in the case involving members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church who accuse a fellow member of improperly giving away the church’s property and assets.

Posted: 9:59 PM Jun 16, 2011
Reporter: By Aimee Jones, Staff Correspondent


In August, Clayton “Skeet” Dial and his daughter, Angela Ballard, conveyed all Mt. Zion’s property and assets to a nonprofit organization, God’s Hope Builders Inc., in Conyers. Dial served as the church’s only deacon and Ballard served in various functions at Mt. Zion, including as church clerk.



The congregation of Mt. Zion, including its pastor, learned of the conveyance only after arriving to church as usual one day to find no trespassing signs on the property and the doors locked. The church members then sued Dial, Ballard and God’s Hope Builders Inc., alleging the transaction was illegal.
After three days of testimony in May, Newton County Superior Court Judge Samuel Ozburn permitted attorneys in the case to
submit their closing arguments in writing by June 10.

Defendants’ position
Robert Stansfield, the attorney representing the defendants, laid out in his closing arguments the reasons why Dial was legally permitted to give away the church’s assets. He further argued that most of the plaintiffs in the case — members of Mt. Zion, including Pastor Chris Allen and his family — are not, in fact, members, and, therefore, have no standing to bring the action against Dial and Ballard.

One of the claims made by Dial during testimony was that he feared Pastor Allen was attempting to move the historically Southern Baptist church toward an independent Baptist doctrine.

Stansfield stated Allen took several steps in this direction, such as recruiting only independent preachers for stewardship events and a revival; promoting a summer camp sponsored by an independent church; making no efforts to communicate with the Stone Mountain Baptist Association or Larry Cheek, its associational missionary; and failing to participate in any mission activities of the Georgia Baptist Convention or Stone Mountain Baptist Association.
Because of these actions, Stansfield stated, “the transfer of property was in the usual and regular course of the (church’s) activities.”

Indeed, the conveyance was made to Clarence Hall, principal in God’s Hope Builders, not as the ultimate act of control by Dial and Ballard, as the plaintiffs argue, but instead was made to ensure the Mt. Zion property be maintained as a Southern Baptist institution, Stansfield argued.

“The transfer was made to a trustee, God’s Hope Builders Inc. to ensure that the property was to be used by and for a Southern Baptist congregation consistent with (Mt. Zion’s) articles and the bylaws,” Stansfield stated.
Furthermore, Stansfield argued, many of the “members” in the church are not members at all, having been improperly admitted to the church by Allen.

Stansfield delineated several examples to show that Pastor Allen failed to properly admit new members to the church, and acted instead in contradiction to the church’s bylaws. For example, Stansfield asserts that no specially called meetings were held to admit new members. Indeed, Stansfield argues that this violation extends to Allen and his family, who were also not properly admitted as members of the church despite his being hired in March 2010 as pastor of Mt. Zion.

Stansfield also claims that Allen failed to ask for votes for membership on several occasions when people presented themselves for membership, negating the claims of many plaintiffs that they are indeed members of the church.
Stansfield said these actions were not merely oversights by Allen, but rather were calculated to take the church away from its Southern Baptist roots.

The attorney wrote that two witnesses associated with the Stone Mountain Baptist Association testified, “the strategy in insuring that a weak Southern Baptist church is transformed into (an) independent church is to add enough members who are of the independent Baptist tradition or enough new members who are not connected to the Southern Baptist tradition is to outvote the old members.”

Plaintiffs’ side
Michael Waldrop, who represents Mount Zion Baptist Church of Oxford, Georgia Inc., argued in his closing arguments brief that the claim by Dial that he gave away the church property and assets to protect its Southern Baptist tradition is a “red herring.”

Waldrop stated that Dial testified that he never heard the pastor say his plan was to take the church independent, and in fact, it was Dial who authored a letter in 2009 to the Stone Mountain Baptist Association stating that Mt. Zion was withdrawing from the association.

Even if Dial were concerned about the direction Pastor Allen was taking the church, Waldrop continued, he never asked Allen to become more involved with the Stone Mountain Baptist Association.

Dial also never raised a concern about the way new members were admitted to the church under Allen’s leadership nor did he ever voice an objection to an applicant becoming a member. Furthermore, Dial did not object to these new members’ participation in church meetings reserved for members.

“Any of those actions might have been reasonable,” Waldrop stated. “Defendant Dial acted far outside the usual and regular course of the church’s activities when the only course of action that he considered was to give away all the church’s assets.”
Waldrop countered Stansfield’s interpretation of Mt. Zion’s bylaws governing new members. Waldrop argued in his brief that “specially called business meetings” can be called by the chairman of the deacons or the pastor with no advance notice, including during a regular church service. Votes on membership are to be taken during regular church services.
Waldrop concluded that when Allen presented new applicants for membership at the end of worship services, that action satisfied both provisions.

“Defendant Dial cannot now, when it is convenient and strategically advantageous to do so, claim that the plaintiffs are not members of the church,” Waldrop stated.

With regard to the conveyance of the property to God’s Hope Builders, Waldrop challenges Dial’s assertion that he was protecting the church’s Southern Baptist heritage.

“Both Defendant Dial and Clarence Hall of Defendant GHB admitted that … Dial and Ballard gave all the church’s assets to Defendant GHB with no strings attached,” Waldrop wrote. “Defendant Dial admitted that he did not know any of the directors of Defendant GHB, and he did not even know of Defendant GHB until a few weeks before he transferred all of the church’s assets.”

Waldrop concluded his closing arguments by stating that the conveyance of the church’s land, buildings, contents and approximately $50,000 in the bank, “totally bankrupted” the church and “completely and totally disenfranchised each member of the church.”

“Likewise, the corporate church itself was not protected by Defendant Dial’s actions, but instead was divested of over half a million dollars in assets for which it received absolutely nothing in return,” Waldrop said.

What is Rick Ousley up to now?

What's Rick Ousley up to now?

To be honest with you, I don't know. I only met him once and that was extremely brief. I don't really move in those circles and his camp isn't my camp. (Speaking of Brookhills Baptist Church.) Do they still even use the name Baptist?

However, if the Google searches that bring people to my blog are any indication, lost of people still care about Rick Ousley and want to know how's he doing.

I think Ousley got a bum deal from The Birmingham News and religion writer Greg Garrison. They were happy to expose the fact that Rick Ousley had an affair with Donna Jones of Katy, Texas. But when Donna Jones was exposed  for  making post under false names accusing at Ousley of other affairs, the Birmingham News went silent.

That doesn't excuse what he did. But shouldn't the whole story be told?

Edited 7/20/11 to add: There is a video interview with Rick Ousley located at CBS 42.
Also, an open letter to Rick Ousley is located here: http://thefullcourt.blogspot.com/2011/07/rick-ousley-what-are-you-up-to-now-if.html

Baptist pastors react to 20/20, Elizabeth Vargas story calling them cults

by Jack Minor

 Local Baptist pastors took strong issue with a recent 20/20 broadcast claiming sexual abuse is widespread among the independent Baptist church movement and that their churches are cults. 

Last Friday 20/20 aired a show hosted by Elizabeth Vargas described as, "exploring whether IFB churches foster an atmosphere leading to sexual abuse of children and women." The premise of the broadcast indicated that Independent Fundamental Baptist churches as a whole promote the covering up of sexual abuse including statutory rape.

 The show centered around a woman, Tina Anderson, who says when she was 16 she was forced to confess the "sin" of being pregnant out of wedlock but was not allowed to say the father, who had raped her, was an adult member of the church.

 Anderson claimed the church covered up the incident, discouraged her from going to police, and relocated her to Denver to cover up the crime. She went on to say she was ostracized while the man who was twice her age was allowed to serve in the church as a respected member.

 Her pastor at the time, Chuck Phelps, released a statement to 20/20 producer, Alan Goldberg, in July, 2010 stating said that when he became aware of the incident he reported it to the Concord Police Department and New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families.

 Phelps also stated Anderson appeared before the church simply to inform members of the pregnancy and that the church responded "kindly, seeking to provide for their ongoing needs." He said at no time did the church ostracize or discipline her.

 Independent Baptist churches do not have a denominational hierarchy. The churches are self- governing with the pastor as head. While the pastor is in charge of the spiritual direction of the church, the congregations have the ultimate power to hire and fire their pastors at will by a simple vote. 

Vargas stated during the broadcast that she considered Independent Fundamental Baptist churches to be a cult.

 The Gazette contacted local independent Baptist pastors regarding the allegations that their churches promote a culture of sexual abuse and are a cult. They strongly denied 20/20's implication that all IFB churches including their own, foster a culture of abuse.

Pastor Greg Baker said years ago his church had an incident involving a teenage boy and another child. Once he became aware of it he contacted the parents and told them their son and all of them were going to talk to the police. Matt Walters, pastor of Faith Bible Baptist Church, said they have a similar policy. "We have made it very plain if there is ever an incident we will call the police immediately, even if it is in the middle of a service."

 20/20 featured video clips from Dr. Jack Schaap, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana. The college operated by the school has strong standards regarding sexual immorality. Students are not permitted to date without being chaperoned and members of the opposite sex are not permitted alone in cars, to hold hands, or be involved in any other touching. The segment did not explain how policies such as these contribute to a culture of sexual abuse.

 Other allegations are that IFB churches teach absolute loyalty to the pastor under all circumstances. This led to Vargas calling the entire movement a cult.

 Baptist historian, Dr. William Grady, stated this is an absolute falsehood and mischaracterization of independent fundamental Baptists. "Certainly people are taught to respect the office of pastor. The scriptures state we are to "obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves." However, that does not mean blind obedience."

 Grady went on to say that a historic Baptist position is what is known as soul liberty. He explains that that  means "every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Grady quoted historian John Locke who stated that, "The Baptists were the first and only propounders of absolute liberty."

 "In an IFB church, the bible is the final authority and all members are encouraged to read it." Grady then went on to say that, " Anytime a pastor teaches anything contrary to that Book the people have an obligation to disobey."

 The Greeley pastors both concurred with that statement. Baker said, "I always tell my congregation to question everything I say with the bible and to check it out for themselves." Walters echoed similar sentiments, "People here know they are free at anytime to come to me and ask me what is the scriptural basis for anything I say. We encourage that."

 Both also deny that women are considered to be second class citizens who are not allowed to speak. Walters said the church conducted a business meeting last Sunday evening where they voted on the budget for the year and church officers. "Every member is encouraged to ask questions, including the women, and everyone has a vote." Baker stated his church has a similar policy.

 Baker said while he does not deny crimes such as those mentioned in the 20/20 broadcast exist he challenges its prevalence. "It is foolish to blame the movement rather than the individual responsible for the crime." He went on to say, "I have several members in my church who were abused by leaders in several other denominations. However, I would never think of blaming the entire denomination for the actions of a few."

 Walters disputed the suggestion their churches are a cult, "we have never insisted our people blindly follow us but rather encourage them to read the scriptures and think for themselves."

[Acts 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

12  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.]

Ed. note: If you'd like to comment on this article by writer Jack Minor, here is the link. http://www.greeleygazette.com/press/?p=9122#

Catholic Church implicated in Spanish baby thefts

"Spain's Stolen Babies: A Nation Confronts Its Dark Past"

The headline is sort of misleading isn't it? As more facts come out regarding the long term practice of Spanish Catholic priest and nuns stealing and selling newborns, Time magazine skirts around the issue and ever so delicately tries to blame it on the government.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/08599205956300

That's your Catholic Church at work in the world.

Another comment from a former Hephzibah House student regarding Dr. Ron Williams

"Robena 08:55 PM on February 21, 2011 ill have to say that i was a student at hephzibah house a couple of years ago. i was there for 2 years and the whole two years there i wasnt abused. i wasnt mistreated. They took care of me. They all loved me. If i never went there, then i would still be the drug addict that i was all them years ago. Ill have you know that if it wasnt for hh all those girls would of found themselves in a lot more trouble then they already did. Nobody mistreated anybody over there... whoever put that has some serious issues with bitterness. Yea there was a lot who didnt want to go...i didnt want to at first but then they saved my life and i was able to leave wit a new one. Dont hate on Dr. Williams because your guardian only wanted to save your life. All they ever did was try and help you and they helped a LOT of kids thank you very much...including" 

"Answers in a Time of Miscarriage" by Christian writer and artist Bethany Kerr

"This is an amazing resource for families who have suffered the loss of a baby by miscarriage. The book provides factual answers to many common questions about miscarriage, as well as many poignant stories of loss that Bethany has collected, including her own. This beautiful book gives the reader help, hope, and encouragement, from a uniquely Christian and pro-life perspective.” -MARGARET DELLE


http://www.preciousinfants.com/miscarriage.htm

Received this in the comments regarding Hephzibah House, Ron Williams, Patti Williams and the testimony of former Hephzibah House students

Thought you may want to post the folowing from the former HH girls web site. http://formerhephzibahgirls.webs.com/apps/guestbook/
Reply anne 

08:37 AM on March 04, 2011 

I have read some of the comments on here and have also read my sister's entry. The assumption that I was so traumatized by my time at HH, that I would agree with what she said is a lie. I love my sister dearly, but she does not speak for me.

 Many posts mentioned the 3 sisters who went to HH. I am the oldest of those 3 and I thank God for the time that I was there. God used that time in my life to bring me to Himself and gave me time to grow. I truly love the Williams family and am grateful for their ministry in my life.

 It is obvious that one of my sisters does not feel the same way. Because love covers a multitude of sins, I will not expound on the differences between our 2 lives. I pray for the day that she would truly come to Christ and make Him the Lord of her life. However, I do not wish to be silent and let it be assumed that I have the same opinions as she. 

Thank you to all those who have posted on here in support of HH and the wonderful work they are doing on behalf of those who desperately need a ministry like theirs!! 

Reply liza 

03:04 PM on February 22, 2011 comparing this to the Holocust is just sick and actually kind of funny....sick cause u can twist this so much and funny that u actually believe it..i really feel srry for u! 

Reply liza
03:00 PM on February 22, 2011 i agree wit Robena 100%!!!!! i was at HH from september 2007 till december 2010 and i have NEVER been abused once!!! they never beat us they never even yelled at us! 

this site makes it out to be an abusive jail or asylum or something like that. funny thing is the people making most of the comments have never even been there! they have no idea wat they r talking about! if it wasnt for HH i wud be in jail today(and yes a REAL jail) or i wud be dead there are just no other options. 

HH and Dr. Williams have helped me soo much in life and i will forever be thankful! we had great times! we had parties and movie nights we had outside activities and went out to eat..we had fun in the school and during work duties! HH taught us to live to enjoy each moment even if it wasnt our favorite thing. 

Yes we were all mad to be there at first..and trust me i was one of the loud rebels but as time went on i realized these people trully loved and cared for me! they treated each girl with love and respect and like she was of a high value. they loved us and still do and jus to let the girls out there no that they still pray for there past students by name. even though u guys smear their name in the mud and try to destroy them they love you and pray for u and NEVER say anything bad about u...j

us thin k about that...ur still upset over being sent there..i think they shud be the ones more upset for putting up wit such fools that still many years later try to destroy them...shows you who has true character and love!

March 08, 2011 9:14 AM 

Terry Helms, pastor from Macedonia Baptist, pleaded not guilty to indecent exposure in sodomite sex sting at local children's park

Terry Clyde Helms, 32, Lineville, AL, was among four men who pleaded not guilty to indecent exposure, a misdemeanor, with the stipulation that the Gadsden Police Department will present evidence at a jury trial and Gadsden City Judge Tom King would find them guilty in Thursday's court proceedings. Helms was a youth minister at a church in Lineville at the time of his arrest and since has resigned.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110303/NEWS/110309936/0/news?tc=ar

Methodist pastor & school administrator arrested & charged in sodomite park sting

Alton Ed Rogers, a Gadsden minister who was one of the men arrested during a recent police sting operation at Gadsden's Moragne Park and other park properties, pleaded guilty to a public lewdness charge, the Gadsden Times reports.

After his arrest, the 59-year-old Rogers resigned as an administrator at the Marshall Christian Academy in Albertville, according to the Gadsden Times report. Rogers and all of the men arrested were ordered to stay out of Gadsden's parks. http://www.marshallchristianacademy.com/index.php

Another of the men arrested, Terry Clyde Helms of Lineville, was a youth minister at a church in Lineville at the time of his arrest. He also has resigned, according to the Gadsden Times.

The world just went to Hell

Christian couple lose High Court battle to foster children because they are against homosexuality

A Christian couple morally opposed to homosexuality today lost a High Court battle over the right to become foster carers.

Eunice and Owen Johns, aged 62 and 65, from Oakwood, Derby, went to court after a social worker expressed concerns when they said they could not tell a child a 'homosexual lifestyle' was acceptable.

The Pentecostal Christian couple had applied to Derby City Council to be respite carers but withdrew their application believing it was 'doomed to failure' because of the social worker's attitude to their religious beliefs.

The couple deny that they are homophobic and said they would love any child they were given. However, what they were 'not willing to do was to tell a small child that the practice of homosexuality was a good thing'.

High Court Judges Lord Justice Munby (left) and Mr Justice Beatson ruled that laws protecting people from discrimination because of their sexual orientation 'should take precedence' over the right not to be discriminated against on religious grounds

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361469/Anti-homosexuality-Christian-couple-opposed-foster-care-High-Court-battle.html#ixzz1FIJ0wsEr