Millions haven't been sent to death row. If you want to include all that are incarcerated, there are WAAAAYYYYY more than 200 that have been set free.
I used death row for an example because, in order to get sentenced to death, the evidence has to be SO completely overwhelming, that there can be zero room for any doubt.
Okay.
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Master of Science in Applied Disgruntled Religious Theorist Wrangling
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Dean of the School of Hard Knocks
200 out of how many millions? That still constitutes as once-in-a-while. Sad that it happens - you betcha. And many times it's our messed up legal system that sends them there.
I have my doubts about Mr. Eddie. And, I have that right just as you have the right to believe he's innocent. I can eat crow too if I have to.
There are 3,261 inmates on death row in the US, currently.
Quote:
Since 1973, over 130 people have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence. (Staff Report, House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil & Constitutional Rights, Oct. 1993, with updates from DPIC).
From 1973-1999, there was an average of 3.1 exonerations per year. From 2000-2007, there has been an average of 5 exonerations per year.
I don't expect Eddie Long to be guilty. I see him as a man of God. If evidence is revealed that proves him guilty of the accusations against him, I'll be pummeled and told to eat crow. But I'll be glad I stood by him.
The greater loyalty will be to stand beside him with the knowledge that he is guilty as charged.
Mr. Smith, Bishop Long is probably guilty of what he's been accused of and more. At this point, I'm pretty sure he is. I am terribly saddened by this, but there are hundreds more who have been and will be not only saddened, but seriously hurt by his actions.
Do you realize that there are young men who will one day be old men that, without a sovereign MIRACLE from God Almighty, will be affected by this man's terrible, terrible actions?
If he ever needed your prayer and your support, it would be now-- the sheets are removed, the facade is broken, he is a man guilty of sin.
He doesn't need you or anyone who loves him to act like nothing happened.
We don't do him any favors in turning a blind eye to his sin.
We don't do him any favors in devouring him because of his sin.
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"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
Last edited by Jermyn Davidson; 09-30-2010 at 12:32 PM.
But some are. Maybe one day, you'll be one of the "Some" and you'll be thankful for people like me that rush to your side to support you and believe in you.
Thanks for the well wishes. Already been there, done that and I still have no problem saying what I say. I hope it never happens to you.
BTW, I know the "case" in Ohio (not the sex abuse case) better than probably anyone here. It was the church I was saved in. Verdict is supposed to come out today. I DO know the facts and what happened. I sincerely hope for mercy, but I can tell you that the church folks' dream of a new facility was spent on something (many things) else w/o their consent. However, I'm not going to get into details since many of those folks are still close to me. What happened was NOT in the best interest of the church or it's members.
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"Those who go after the "Sauls" among us often slay the Davids among us." Gene Edwards
Does victim support automatically equivocate the guilt of the accused? When cases are presented to the DA, in criminal matters, the DA needs to go find the evidence first. Even a prosecutor is not going to assume guilt until he finds evidence to support the accusations. In fact, even a lawyer in a civil case is not going to "support the victim" with representation unless he believe he can prove his case.
Since none of us have any of that evidence in this case, we're not in a position to really assume anything.
And for those that would help an alleged victim come forward, I can't imagine how someone would support that person in doing so without some kind of reasonable indication the alleged victim is telling the truth.
If I were a part of your spiritual support circle, and someone came to me with accusations against you, I wouldn't immediately jump to their aid. I don't think it would be right to do so. I would need to know, that in order for us to turn Maxi's life into a living hell, that the accusations have absolute validity. The American system of justice calls for it and I believe the bible does, as well. Solomon said we shouldn't reach a conclusion until we've heard the whole matter.
And in Eddie Long's case, none of us have heard anywhere near the whole matter.
I'm just asking the question, Smithy.
When friends and family encounter this situation in a church setting, we aren't a District Attorney, nor prosecuting someone to death row. My question is finding ways to not make it difficult for people to come forward. The fact is, most sexual crimes end up going unreported. What's the best way to support those who have been victimized? Does doubting them until they can prove beyond a reasonable doubt serve them at all? Sure, that should be the measuring stick for a court room, but what about a family?
So if your daughter told you the pastor molested her, you'd just leave it alone since she obviously couldn't prove it?
I'm asking these questions because these are real situations I'm privy too that have happened. That fear of high-profile people (aka pastors) has scared many away from coming forward.
At the same time, I agree an allegation does not an indictment make. But it's definitely a situation where both parties should be respected.
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