“Perplexed and disappointed” was my response to the Feb. 13 article “Outraged and shocked” (Highland Park children’s minister charged with sexual abuse).
The information that was shared by The Alabama Baptist was simply a “regurgitation” of news that had been adequately reported by secular media. According to the publication’s website, “The Alabama Baptist, Inc. will provide information, inspiration, interpretation and involvement for Baptists of Alabama and others to help encourage and equip them to live out the principles of Christian discipleship.”
I found this article to be neither “encouraging nor equipping” for that purpose. No doubt the actions that were reported in the article are some of the most horrific and devastating to so many people on so many levels. However, I believe an educational approach would have been much more useful and effective.
Perhaps an article that focuses on the many safeguards and security measures a church should implement, talking points dealing with a subject such as this that parents can use as conversation starters with their children or lists of resources that are available in the aftermath of such a tragedy?
Debra Simmons
Leighton, Ala.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Alabama Baptist regularly publishes educational articles about safeguards churches can take to prevent or limit scandalous activities such as those reported in this story. In addition the state Baptist paper takes seriously its responsibility to provide accurate, balanced and trustworthy news stories about events in Baptist life. Even when the news is disappointing, we must stand by the commitment expressed in the adage to “tell the truth and trust the people.”
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