I know the Bible says that God is the ultimate judge and we must forgive all sins. I have no problem with the forgiveness part. However, I believe we as Christians should not put a person who is convicted of a crime, whether that is of sexual nature, financial nature, etc., in a position that may tempt him or her to commit the same crime. In other words, we wouldn't allow a member with a criminal history of embezzlement to become our treasurer, correct? What is the WELS stance on this? I am trying to find biblical information on this subject.

My answer is not the “official WELS position.” I believe that I am reflecting how we would apply scriptural principles to your situation. I do not believe that we can give you any specifc biblical information on this subject. You have described what the Bible says about forgiveness very well. The Bible does not talk about any specific way that we should deal with child molesters and their future contact with children. This comes into the area of common sense and putting people into temptation situations in which they have previously shown gross failure to address in a God-pleasing way.

I agree with you that it is unwise to put a person in the path of temptation as you describe this person would be put if he or she began working with children in a congregation. Not only is it unwise, it is opening up the congregation to all kinds of lawsuits and legal problems. Currently news reports tell us that the Roman Catholic Church is facing these legal problems for allowing people it knew had molested children to continue to work with children.

We trust in God. We believe in his forgiveness. We know that he gives us wisdom and common sense. When we do not use our God-given common sense we put ourselves or others into situations in which the devil can work even stronger than he normally works. When Jesus was tempted by Satan he said: Luke 4:13 “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Neither should we. Neither should we encourage others to do that. Nor should we knowingly put others into situations in which they will be severely tempted.

On the question, "should they be allowed to supervise or participate in activities involving children of the congregation?" my response would be that a parent may participate in a public activity that involves his/her son or daughter, but not in a supervisory position over other children. They would not be allowed to serve as a volunteer for the church or school in areas that involves activities with children.

Please contact Mr. Crawford at 414-256-3268 for more information and more encouragement to make wise decisions in this area.

God’s blessings!