Missouri Molestation Case

[Amos]

Originally Posted by Newman

Scripture also says to render onto Ceasar what is Ceasars. If a child makes an accuasation against an elder; you best consult an attorney PRONTO. There are various mandatory reporting laws and liability issues inherent to each state. This is all I am going to say about it.

This should not be construed as legal advice but rather the attempt rightly divide Scripture.

I don't disagree about calling the authorities.

I have done so twice in the last three years.

I am talking about the way the church relates to accusations.

[FRINGE_NUTTER]

Originally Posted by Amos

Incidentally, the testimony of the accuser would not qualify as a witness.

An attorney can call both the accuser/alleged victim and the accused to the WITNESS stand. They are both considered witnesses.

A prosecutor cannot call the defendant to the witness stand in a criminal trial; but can cross examine him if his own attorney puts him on the WITNESS stand.

The above is how I view this.

So, if someone is a victim of rape, then are you saying she has to find two or three witnesses to verify that it occurred? If she says it and the forensic evidence says it, that's two witnesses. If she says it and he says it, that's two witnesses. I admit that there might not be any forensic evidence in this MO case, but we don't know that. He might be confessing because he knows that the evidence exists (pure speculation, but it's possible). Moving on.

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by whollyHis

My God....his poor wife.

And his church...what a horrible valley to have to walk through.

Sad.

Yes, many are affected....but the first to come to mind are the direct victims...the others come later.

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by myhaloisintheshop

This man was my presbyter last year. I am in total shock after hearing of this.

My mom goes to another church in that section---her pastor made mention of a pastor that was "being attacked wrongfully"

From all I have seen and heard--he confessed. He certainly isn't the victim and is not being attacked.

Maybe it's another matter altogether.

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by ILG

The man who molested was a presbyter?? God help us!!

Not all that glitters is gold...don't always believe the hype.

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

This is true, but like Newman said most of these cases involve adults who were abused themselves as children

Newman did not say it was the majority (most)....she just said there were many. oloroid

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by FRINGE_NUTTER

This is absolutely no surprise to me!

Presbyters are people who have abilities or ministry that puts them in a position of leadership - but they're still "men" (or women) and that makes them human and fallible. All humans are.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by FRINGE_NUTTER

SHHHH. I'm not initiating a post on this thread with the GOBN mentioned here again but I will comment on a post if the GOBN is meentioned. Most of the time the GOBN works incognito or behind the scenes where the truly sincere and "good" know nothing about it. The guy confessed, so there should be no need for the GOBN. If he had not confessed, I cannot help but wonder what would have happened. Confession is good for the soul for ALL, but you won't see it if others do not see their sins.

It is absolutely no surprise to me, or anyone, that "Good old boy" networks exist. They exist in politics, business, clubs, neighborhood associations, churches, law enforcement, everywhere. To automatically assume that this man will be protected by the "good old boy" network before ever hearing the story and knowing the facts, and to continually assert such allegations, is in my mind, cynical and reveals a root of bitterness.

Hence, my comment to Fringe Nutter, it seemed that his obsession was with the alleged protection that would be afforded this pastor, regardless of the verdict.

Now, IF in fact, the GOBN is truly covering up this sick pervert's confessed sins, then I'll jump on the bandwagon with everyone else to denounce the enablers who have assisted in the propogation of this travesty. In a situation like this, to have knowledge of a trespass like this, and not only refuse to reveal it, but take proactive steps to conceal it, the GOBN should suffer the same fate as the offender.

[Sam]

anybody remember what happened with this case from a few years ago?
--------------------
nternational Church Named in Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Case No. 31,691-98, is set for trial 04/23/01 in the 12th judicial district of Angelina County, Lufkin Texas. Defendants in this case are e)United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) in Saint Louis MO, k)Texas District of the United Pentecostal Church, g)United Pentecostal Church of Eastland Texas, n)Bobby Hart and Jonathan Mark Hart. Jonathan Mark Hart was convicted in Eastland, TX, Feb. 1999, on 3 counts of sexual assault of a minor child. The female children were 15 and 16 years of age and members of the Youth Group at Eastland United Pentecostal Church. Jonathan Hart attended Bible College at o)Gateway College of Evangelism and was acting Assistant Pastor at the Eastland United Pentecostal Church. He and his wife were the designated Youth Directors as well. Assaults on these young girls occurred on Church property and on Church related trips supervised by Jonathan Hart. Bobby Hart is the Father of Jonathan Hart and was also the Pastor of the Eastland Church at the time of the assaults. Bobby Hart appointed Jonathan Hart to both leadership positions.

Bobby Hart and wife Debbie became aware of their Son's activities some months before the parents of the victims learned of the crimes on 6/15/98. Bobby Hart allowed Jonathan to continue working with children and to retain his position as Assistant Pastor, even after learning of his crimes.

Bobby Hart is a licensed minister with UPCI and the local church in Eastland is affiliated with UPCI. A certified letter detailing the assaults was sent to k)James Kilgore and received by him on 7/09/98. UPCI sent three representatives to investigate the situation. Representatives for UPCI were h)Wendell Elms, i)Kerry Sharp and j)David Bernard. Victims were told that there was evidence of Ministerial misconduct but the investigative team took no immediate action. Bobby Hart refused to resign and was allowed to continue as Pastor. He finally resigned in late November 1998. Bobby and Son, Jonathan Hart, along with their families, have since moved to Athens Texas and are involved in the m)United Pentecostal Church there. Bobby Hart still holds a license with the UPCI and has never been reprimanded in any way.

The Plaintiffs in this case maintain that UPCI either knew or should have known the risks associated with leadership roles involving children. An aggressive campaign by UPCI to recognize and minimize these risks would have afforded substantial protection to the victims in this case and potential victims in other UPCI churches. However, UPCI's top man, f)Nathaniel Urshan, insists that UPCI has no duty to protect children in their more than 21,000 churches. The lack of adequate safeguards places thousands of children at risk of similar assaults. The fact that no disciplinary action has yet been taken in this case, gives rise to grave concern that UPCI will continue to ignore its duty in this area and responsible ministers will go unpunished. UPCI has substantial resources to implement and maintain programs to minimize known risks to children attending Sunday school and Youth oriented events endorsed by its Churches. Plaintiffs' goal is to see that UPCI recognizes this responsibility and begins a policy of prevention to be implemented at the Local Church level.

Defendants in this case deny any responsibility. UPCI claims that local churches are autonomous. However, the UPCI manual and constitution provide for a substantial level of control over affiliated churches. For example, the Pastor of any affiliated church must be licensed by UPCI. Licensed ministers pay $303 per year to maintain their license. The f)General Superintendent for UPCI must approve and sign all licenses issued to ministers. Affiliated churches must follow a form of government approved by UPCI. Affiliated churches may only disaffiliate through a formal process requiring the presence and approval of UPCI. Members of UPCI affiliated churches are forbidden to swim with persons of the opposite sex and there are strict rules against owning a television. Affiliated churches participate in soliciting donations to UPCI sponsored fundraisers. These include Sheaves for Christ, Home Missions and Foreign Missions, to name a few. The "Sheaves for Christ" fundraiser boasts over 57 million dollars in donations since its inception. It is frightening to think that this International organization, with this kind of resources and power to influence millions of people, has not recognized its responsibility to protect the children in its local churches.

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) in North America lists 3,876 churches, reports a Sunday school attendance of more than 400,000 and has an estimated constituency of at least 600,000. UPCI is headquartered in St. Louis MO. And has district offices located in every state. UPCI also has a presence in 136 other nations. With 15,882 licensed ministers, 21,407 churches and meeting places, and a foreign constituency of over 1.9 million, the total worldwide constituency is more than 2.6 million. UPCI website: http://www.upci.org/

Attorney for Plaintiffs: John David Hart - 201 Main Street - Suite 1720 - Fort Worth, TX 76102 - phone: 817-870-2102 - 1-800-247-1623

Attorney for UPCI: Lynn Fielder - 2710 N. Stemmons Freeway - 400 Stemmons Tower North - Dallas, TX 75207 - phone: 214-638-3744

Attorney for Texas District of UPCI: Thomas W. Deaton - Flournoy & Deaton - PO Box 1546 - 118 South Second Street - Lufkin, TX 75901 - phone: 936-639-4466

Attorney for Eastland United Pentecostal Church: Gregory L. Longino - 101 South First Street - Lufkin, TX 75901 - phone: 936-639-5999

United Pentecostal Church International: 8855 Dunn Road - Hazelwood, MO 63042-2299 - phone: 314-837-7300 / FAX: 314-837-4503.

Nathaniel A. Urshan: General Superintendent for UPCI - Board of General Presbyters - Minister?s Retirement Fund Administrative Committee - Church School Executive Committee - President of Pentecostal Publishing House - Harvestime Director and Speaker - 8821 Dunn Rd. - Hazelwood, MO 63042 - phone: 314-839-2516

Eastland United Pentecostal Church: 206 N. Dixie - Eastland, TX 76448 - phone: 254-629-2410 - Current Pastor: Windell Chance
phone: 254-629-1823

Wendell P. Elms: Presbyter for Texas District of UPCI - 4353 Chelsea - Wichita Falls, TX 76309 - phone: 817-696-5673

Kerry Sharp: 3706 Woodcrest Dr. - Temple, TX 76502
phone: 817-778-0689

David K. Bernard: Presbyter for Texas District of UPCI - Associate Editor and Executive Publication Committee for The Pentecostal Herald (this magazine is recommended reading for every member of any United Pentecostal Church) - 4405 Andalusia Dr. - Austin, TX 78759 - phone: 512-795-0505

James L. Kilgore: District General Presbyter for State of Texas - Superintendent for Texas District of UPCI - PO Box 15175 - Houston, TX 77020 - phone: 281-996-5630

Danny R. Russo: Secretary/Treasurer for Texas District of UPCI - Rt. 4 Box 1947 - Lufkin, TX 75901 - phone: 409-632-4764

First United Pentecostal Church of Athens Texas: 101 McArthur - PO Box 431 - Athens, TX 75751 - phone: 903-675-5089
Pastor: O. E. Davis - 206 S. Wofford Street - Athens, TX 75751

Bobby Hart: 10600 F.M. 753 - Athens, TX 75751 - phone: 903-675-6765

Gateway College of Evangelism: PO Box C - Florissant, Missouri 63031 - phone: 314-838-8858 - website: http://www.gatewaycollege.net/

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

It is absolutely no surprise to me, or anyone, that "Good old boy" networks exist. They exist in politics, business, clubs, neighborhood associations, churches, law enforcement, everywhere. To automatically assume that this man will be protected by the "good old boy" network before ever hearing the story and knowing the facts, and to continually assert such allegations, is in my mind, cynical and reveals a root of bitterness.

Hence, my comment to Fringe Nutter, it seemed that his obsession was with the alleged protection that would be afforded this pastor, regardless of the verdict.

Now, IF in fact, the GOBN is truly covering up this sick pervert's confessed sins, then I'll jump on the bandwagon with everyone else to denounce the enablers who have assisted in the propogation of this travesty. In a situation like this, to have knowledge of a trespass like this, and not only refuse to reveal it, but take proactive steps to conceal it, the GOBN should suffer the same fate as the offender.

Apparently this protection from the GOBN does happen:

http://www.reformation.com/CSA/Hart1.htm

Originally Posted by The GOBN evidence

Church Named in Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Case No. 31,691-98, is set for trial 04/23/01 in the 12th judicial district of Angelina County, Lufkin Texas. Defendants in this case are e)United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) in Saint Louis MO, k)Texas District of the United Pentecostal Church, g)United Pentecostal Church of Eastland Texas, n)Bobby Hart and Jonathan Mark Hart. Jonathan Mark Hart was convicted in Eastland, TX, Feb. 1999, on 3 counts of sexual assault of a minor child. The female children were 15 and 16 years of age and members of the Youth Group at Eastland United Pentecostal Church. Jonathan Hart attended Bible College at o)Gateway College of Evangelism and was acting Assistant Pastor at the Eastland United Pentecostal Church. He and his wife were the designated Youth Directors as well. Assaults on these young girls occurred on Church property and on Church related trips supervised by Jonathan Hart. Bobby Hart is the Father of Jonathan Hart and was also the Pastor of the Eastland Church at the time of the assaults. Bobby Hart appointed Jonathan Hart to both leadership positions.

Bobby Hart and wife Debbie became aware of their Son?s activities some months before the parents of the victims learned of the crimes on 6/15/98. Bobby Hart allowed Jonathan to continue working with children and to retain his position as Assistant Pastor, even after learning of his crimes.

Bobby Hart is a licensed minister with UPCI and the local church in Eastland is affiliated with UPCI. A certified letter detailing the assaults was sent to k)James Kilgore and received by him on 7/09/98. UPCI sent three representatives to investigate the situation. Representatives for UPCI were h)Wendell Elms, i)Kerry Sharp and j)David Bernard. Victims were told that there was evidence of Ministerial misconduct but the investigative team took no immediate action. Bobby Hart refused to resign and was allowed to continue as Pastor. He finally resigned in late November 1998. Bobby and Son, Jonathan Hart, along with their families, have since moved to Athens Texas and are involved in the m)United Pentecostal Church there. Bobby Hart still holds a license with the UPCI and has never been reprimanded in any way.

The Plaintiffs in this case maintain that UPCI either knew or should have known the risks associated with leadership roles involving children. An aggressive campaign by UPCI to recognize and minimize these risks would have afforded substantial protection to the victims in this case and potential victims in other UPCI churches. However, UPCI?s top man, f)Nathaniel Urshan, insists that UPCI has no duty to protect children in their more than 21,000 churches. The lack of adequate safeguards places thousands of children at risk of similar assaults. The fact that no disciplinary action has yet been taken in this case, gives rise to grave concern that UPCI will continue to ignore its duty in this area and responsible ministers will go unpunished. UPCI has substantial resources to implement and maintain programs to minimize known risks to children attending Sunday school and Youth oriented events endorsed by its Churches. Plaintiffs? goal is to see that UPCI recognizes this responsibility and begins a policy of prevention to be implemented at the Local Church level.

Defendants in this case deny any responsibility. UPCI claims that local churches are autonomous. However, the UPCI manual and constitution provide for a substantial level of control over affiliated churches. For example, the Pastor of any affiliated church must be licensed by UPCI. Licensed ministers pay $303 per year to maintain their license. The f)General Superintendent for UPCI must approve and sign all licenses issued to ministers. Affiliated churches must follow a form of government approved by UPCI. Affiliated churches may only disaffiliate through a formal process requiring the presence and approval of UPCI. Members of UPCI affiliated churches are forbidden to swim with persons of the opposite sex and there are strict rules against owning a television. Affiliated churches participate in soliciting donations to UPCI sponsored fundraisers. These include Sheaves for Christ, Home Missions and Foreign Missions, to name a few. The "Sheaves for Christ" fundraiser boasts over 57 million dollars in donations since its inception. It is frightening to think that this International organization, with this kind of resources and power to influence millions of people, has not recognized its responsibility to protect the children in its local churches.

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) in North America lists 3,876 churches, reports a Sunday school attendance of more than 400,000 and has an estimated constituency of at least 600,000. UPCI is headquartered in St. Louis MO. And has district offices located in every state. UPCI also has a presence in 136 other nations. With 15,882 licensed ministers, 21,407 churches and meeting places, and a foreign constituency of over 1.9 million, the total worldwide constituency is more than 2.6 million. UPCI website: http://www.upci.org/

Attorney for Plaintiffs: John David Hart - 201 Main Street - Suite 1720 - Fort Worth, TX 76102 - phone: 817-870-2102 - 1-800-247-1623

Attorney for UPCI: Lynn Fielder - 2710 N. Stemmons Freeway - 400 Stemmons Tower North - Dallas, TX 75207 - phone: 214-638-3744

Attorney for Texas District of UPCI: Thomas W. Deaton - Flournoy & Deaton - PO Box 1546 - 118 South Second Street - Lufkin, TX 75901 - phone: 936-639-4466

Attorney for Eastland United Pentecostal Church: Gregory L. Longino - 101 South First Street - Lufkin, TX 75901 - phone: 936-639-5999

United Pentecostal Church International: 8855 Dunn Road - Hazelwood, MO 63042-2299 - phone: 314-837-7300 / FAX: 314-837-4503.

Nathaniel A. Urshan: General Superintendent for UPCI - Board of General Presbyters - Minister?s Retirement Fund Administrative Committee - Church School Executive Committee - President of Pentecostal Publishing House - Harvestime Director and Speaker - 8821 Dunn Rd. - Hazelwood, MO 63042 - phone: 314-839-2516

Eastland United Pentecostal Church: 206 N. Dixie - Eastland, TX 76448 - phone: 254-629-2410 - Current Pastor: Windell Chance
phone: 254-629-1823

Wendell P. Elms: Presbyter for Texas District of UPCI - 4353 Chelsea - Wichita Falls, TX 76309 - phone: 817-696-5673

Kerry Sharp: 3706 Woodcrest Dr. - Temple, TX 76502
phone: 817-778-0689

David K. Bernard: Presbyter for Texas District of UPCI - Associate Editor and Executive Publication Committee for The Pentecostal Herald (this magazine is recommended reading for every member of any United Pentecostal Church) - 4405 Andalusia Dr. - Austin, TX 78759 - phone: 512-795-0505

James L. Kilgore: District General Presbyter for State of Texas - Superintendent for Texas District of UPCI - PO Box 15175 - Houston, TX 77020 - phone: 281-996-5630

Danny R. Russo: Secretary/Treasurer for Texas District of UPCI - Rt. 4 Box 1947 - Lufkin, TX 75901 - phone: 409-632-4764

First United Pentecostal Church of Athens Texas: 101 McArthur - PO Box 431 - Athens, TX 75751 - phone: 903-675-5089
Pastor: O. E. Davis - 206 S. Wofford Street - Athens, TX 75751

Bobby Hart: 10600 F.M. 753 - Athens, TX 75751 - phone: 903-675-6765

Gateway College of Evangelism: PO Box C - Florissant, Missouri 63031 - phone: 314-838-8858 - website: http://www.gatewaycollege.net/