Court says kids not allowed in church where sex offender preaches

[JSellenger]

Children will continue to be barred from the Jacksonville worship services sex-offender Darrell Gilyard has been leading Sunday mornings since the end of January.

That was determined in court Friday when Gilyard’s attorney withdrew a motion seeking a change in the preacher’s probation status to allow minors in the sanctuary when Gilyard preaches.

The withdrawal came during a hearing in which Circuit Judge Kevin Blazs declared the motion “premature” because a licensed therapist has yet to determine if the request is appropriate. Until then, the court is unable to make an informed decision, Blazs said from the bench.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-10/story/duval-court-hearing-no-kids-now-church-where-sex-offender-preaches#.UKImoEOMXwo.reddit#ixzz2CsV0aFyN

[JSellenger]

Sick that he is allowed to continue to preach.

[Micah]

Sick that he is allowed to continue to preach.

Um.... There are brothers that are offenders, yet they are allowed to preach. They just can't hold a position. They can't be alone with children. And I believe they can't be in the same car group with kids. They can't go to the door by themselves either. Yet, they still preach!!

[rocket]

Sick that he is allowed to continue to preach.

Um.... There are brothers that are offenders, yet they are allowed to preach. They just can't hold a position. They can't be alone with children. And I believe they can't be in the same car group with kids. They can't go to the door by themselves either. Yet, they still preach!!

The point is that for the rest of their lives they are never allowed to hold a position of authority that can be abused. They have to show repentance over a long period of time before they qualify to be a publisher again. Those with that history are constantly watched by the elders whether others realize it or not, even if those accusations are 40 years old. Only Jehovah knows if they are truly repentant but the commission for his Witnesses is to preach, so all in good standing preach the "Good News of the Kingdom." In order to be forgiven me must forgive others of their trespasses but it is hard to forget and leave it in Jehovah's hands.

[Qapla]

A few years back we were working on a new house doing the irrigation and landscaping. The builder had originally built it for himself. It was a really nice home with one of the neatest garages I have ever seen in a residential house. The house was located in a very expensive gated community. The builder sold the house before he finished it ... and before we worked there.

One day, while we were working away, the new owner come to look at the house and we were introduced to him. He asked about the landscaping and some additional questions about the irrigation system. He was there with his wife.

I was working for another brother and there was a non-witness that also worked for this brother. All of us, including the non-witness were not impressed with this man. We felt he was a bit "slick" and had a rather distorted sense of right ... especially since he was a "minister".

His name was Darrell Gilyard

That's right, the same Darrell Gilyard this story is about. Suffice it to say, none of us, including the non-witness, were surprised when the news hit about how degenerate this man was ... and his arrest and conviction for his actions.

It still amazes us that when he was let out he was able to go back to being the "Pastor" of a church.

There is a difference between "preaching" and being a "Pastor". All of us preach, we are not all Elders. The Pastor of a church is the "guy in charge" and directs the way "his" congregation goes. That is the way Darrell Gilyard think, talks and acts.

They should definitely keep kids out of "his" church, not only because he does not teach the Truth, but also for the kids welfare ... the man is still sleazy

[JSellenger]

There is a difference between "preaching" and being a "Pastor". All of us preach, we are not all Elders. The Pastor of a church is the "guy in charge" and directs the way "his" congregation goes. That is the way Darrell Gilyard think, talks and acts.

Yes, that more accurately conveys what I meant.

[Shitaku]

I think that is not application here. The priest in question preaches in church, perhaps giving talks as it were, like an elder or ministerial servant would. Very sick I would say. Why not put the offender on restrictions as opposed to the victims-(potential).

[Qapla]

To clarify, here (in the US) the term "Priest" refers to some type of Catholic style religion that has that kind of hierarchy. This man is a "Pastor". He is NOT Catholic. He is a so-called Christian Baptist-like person. He is not hired by a church or part of a religious organization that sent him there.

It is HIS church. He started it. He runs it. He controls it and HE preaches to the people who attend. There is no one to restrict him or reassign him or control him in any way.

He is their Pastor, leader and adviser - or so he views himself. That is why it is so dangerous for young girls and families that have younger ones. He is a user and a defiler who has full control over the people who blindly submit to HIS teachings.

He had a rather large following in his old church and, for some reason, many have again flocked to him . even the non-witness that I work with does not understand how people can be so stupid.

[rbrown1205]

And people criticize us because we disfellowship unrepentant wrongdoers.

[vjohzon]

The restrictions put on sex offenders aren't necessarily for them as it is put place for the children's protection as they are easier prey. They also have proven that pedophilia has no cure. That is why the Brothers at bethel keep files on anyone that is a pedophile, whether their a J.W. or not, if they have hurt one of our children.

[Elijahsmama]

In the States we have Megan's law, a sex offender is required by law to register and inform the community. Sadly in our area there are several people's on this list. One is disfellowshipped the others are not. The one brother who was in prison for a long time and since his release and reinstatement has had many restrictions given to him by the legal department they not only protect the children but the brother as well. The brother knows at anytime his parole officer could show up at a meeting so everything has to be above board at all times, it makes it difficult for the congregation but only Jehovah his heart.

Also,with Megan's law you can go on their website and search for sex offenders in your area. Just be careful it has every type of offender not just the ones that hurt children. Even in really nice communities they have many registered people.