Assemblies of God: ‘zero tolerance’

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Assemblies of God, a prominent Pentecostal denomination, has reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy concerning ministers found guilty of sexual contact with a minor.

The statement, released Monday, May 6, follows a May 3 declaration by the bishops of the United Methodist Church that addressed the sex abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church and said that sexual abusers “will not be knowingly shielded or protected” in their church.

The Assemblies of God statement said that officials of the denomination have historically removed the credentials of any minister found guilty of pedophilia, incest or homosexuality.

“While Assemblies of God disciplinary measures provide for a minister’s rehabilitation and restoration to the ministry for other causes, the church has never restored credentials to those guilty of these offenses,” the church’s Office of Public Relations stated.

The statement differentiated rehabilitation and spiritual forgiveness. “All Christianity knows that God’s forgiveness is extended to any who sincerely repent of their sin and turn to Him. However, the Assemblies of God believe that a minister who is guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, homosexuality or incest should never be restored to a place of leadership and ministry in the church.”