An Indiana youth pastor named William Lee Porter was arrested for the sexual assault a teen girl from his youth group. Porter was the youth pastor at Elmwood Church of Christ when the assaults allegedly took place.
The victims tells a horrible story:
…the victim said that on an occasion in July 2009, Porter shoved her onto a couch and performed oral sex on her against her will.
Porter’s former church has a statement on it’s website. I’ve reprinted it here to recognize the Elmwood Church of Christ’s good behavior. It is rare for a church to acknowledge an incident let alone make a public statement about it.
We are saddened by the charges facing Lee Porter, who served the Elmwood church of Christ as youth minister for almost 12 years.
Lee submitted his resignation the day after his initial arrest in November of last year. We accepted this resignation with regret, recognizing Lee’s need to work through his personal challenges and his desire to prevent the consequences of his problems from affecting the youth at Elmwood.
In the week following the initial arrest, we met with the parents of youth group members to discuss the situation. In addition, professional counseling was made available to the parties involved, and church members were informed of Lee’s resignation by announcement and by letter.
Two of our members are serving as interim youth leaders while a search committee is being formed for a new youth minister. Youth activities such as Bible classes, Winterfest in Gatlinburg, Leadership Training for Christ, involvement with Cincinnati Urban Ministry, and summer church camp will continue. One positive outcome of this situation is that new people have been able to use their gifts in serving our young people.
We are confident that God can bring good even out of awful circumstances.
We continue to pray for the Porter family and everyone involved in this case.
The Shepherds of the Elmwood church of Christ
July 1, 2010
July 5, 2010 – corrected. Porter is alleged to have molested one girl, not two. Also, added a picture of Porter.
Logging you in...
Concerned · 773 weeks ago
Mojoey 107p · 773 weeks ago
As for minding my own business, this is my business. It's my calling.
Open Minded · 772 weeks ago
In regards to the real issue here. Do you not understand that there is a family involved in this issue? How do you think his family feels having his name thrown all over the place. Yes the man made a huge mistake. But where I come from a Sin is a Sin, so I feel any sin can be forgiven. His punishment through the legal system will be drastic enough. He has no career, no job, no home, and probably no wife. Do you as a human being feel it's your "Calling" to drag people out like this? If this was an Atheist would you be so public about this? Or do you just exploit the things you do not understand? Before you run your mouth take a moment and realize there are innocent people that are being impacted by your need to expose an issue that is already being resolved.
Serena · 764 weeks ago
J.D. · 740 weeks ago
Very typical churchachrister behavior to blame everyone else but the minister though.
hendy59 1p · 737 weeks ago
Sickened · 731 weeks ago
What did surprise me was the support that Porter received from the members of the church (not the church itself- but members who are no longer there, namely). People that knew Porter rallied around this child molester and that disgusts me. I lost a few friends over this-- to clarify, I quit being friends with those who condoned his actions.
Glad you are spreading the word because it is everyone's business. And maybe ythis information will help the next 16 year old girl who feels uncomfortable around her youth pastor to get out of the situation... like I did.
truth hurts · 711 weeks ago