Deep Thoughts: Pastor Ervin Witmer arrested

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Pastor Ervin Witmer arrested

I call this type of perpetrator a “double life” pastor. He has is day job as a Christian bookstore manager and pastor of Church of the Brethren in Stanley. By night he allegedly stalks young boys. I say an involuntary WTF every time I read a story like this one.

Pastor Ervin Witmer was arrested on three counts of sexual assault on a 15-year-old boy.

According to the complaint, the boy told police in August he met someone named "Sam" online and gave him his phone number after they had talked about sex.
Sam called the boy when he came to town and made arrangements to pick him up in Fitchburg.
They drove to the motel where they had sex, the complaint states, and Sam dropped the boy off at a library.
Source: Christian book store manager sought on charge of having sex with 15-year-old boy

Witmer’s church expressed shock at the allegations.

A church official says he is "shocked and surprised" at the allegations, saying he has known Witmer for a long time and prior to this, there seemed to be a lot of respect for him. He also points out Witmer was chosen by the congregation to be their pastor, and was not ordained or licensed by the main church
Source: Area preacher accused of sexually assaulting teen boy

Why did they feel it necessary to distance Witmer from the main church? Are they ashamed of their predator in the pulpit?

Technorati Tags: Clergy Sexual Abuse,Child Molestations

Comments (15)

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mikespeir · 723 weeks ago

"...was not ordained or licensed by the main church."

See? If he had been "ordained or licensed by the main church," it would have been all better. Likely, this is another case of a man with a religion induced guilt over his "homosexual tendencies" hoping that going into the ministry would cure him.

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deleted8470268 143p · 723 weeks ago

Once again we see how child molesters use the churches as cover,and to gain access to children. The sad fact is this young boy is more than likely not the only boy this man has raped.How many others are their that are just afraid ,or ashamed to come forward knowing that the sheep in the congregation will stand by they're Child molester Preacher claiming special knowledge of his innocence ?

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Rose · 723 weeks ago

He is my uncle and the story is a bunch of crap. the kid was someone he helped, and didn't get what he wanted so he lied

1 reply · active 723 weeks ago

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cindy · 723 weeks ago

There are people praying for your uncle and believe in him and your family. May the Lord of Truth reveal all truths.

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a friend · 723 weeks ago

Innocent until proven guilty.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Mojoey 107p · 723 weeks ago

You mean, in the eyes of the law. In the court of public opinion, Witmer is fair game.

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cindy · 723 weeks ago

This man is a friend of mine and I dont believe the allogations against him. He is one of the humblest men I know and loves his family. That being said While we were yet sinners Chris died for US! --- ye who are without guilt cast the first stone! And you who claim to be christians where is your brotherly love!

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Kim · 723 weeks ago

"The sad fact is this young boy is more than likely not the only boy this man has raped."

Since when is an allegation a "fact"? When is "more than likely" a "fact"?

And since when is everything a 15-year-old boy says, with NO proof offered, truth?

I personally know plenty of people who can vouch for the character of the adult accused in this case. I see NO ONE stepping forward to validate the character and trustworthiness of the young man.

Anyone??

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marvin · 722 weeks ago

I've known Ervin for a long time,and don't believe a word of it. IF this story has a shred of truth to it, there will be records from the supposed motel and surveilance photos. Until proven beyond reasonable doubt, it is evil speculation that has the "accuser of the brethren" dancing with glee!!!

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Tim · 722 weeks ago

Yep, Another religious Freek bites the dust. They go to church every Sunday and claim they can hear "God", speak to them. Ha Ha, What a load of CRAP!!! Just goes to show you that people who claim to be children of God, are just as evil as the Devil himself!!!

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Kim · 721 weeks ago

So, Tim, when the TRUTH comes out, and not just the allegations, will you get back online and post your disdain for spoiled, manipulative, evil 15-year-old kids who think they can run the world by crying "Wolf" to the police?

p.s. Why would it be possible to hear from the devil, but not from God?

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Atheist Mike · 721 weeks ago

As an atheist and a good friend of the former Pastor Witmer, I have to say this story is complete garbage. Ervin Witmer does outreach to the gay community and this includes online forums. Sometimes they meet and sometimes they don't. He has helped several people find direction and that direction doesn't always involve Christ. We've discussed religion and batted heads on nearly every issue, but never once has he ever engaged in unprofessional behavior. These allegations are absolutely ridiculous.

I have every bit of confidence that Ervin will be vindicated of all charges against him.

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Member · 710 weeks ago

I am a member of the Church that he was the Pastor of and at first I was completely on Ervins side, but now I am not. Do you think that it would have gotten this far in the legal system without some hard evidence? Why did he tell the boy his name was Sam? If he was just going to council the boy, why wouldn't he give his real name? They have the records of the text messages and they do not lie!!! He is a creepy, creepy man!

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americanatheism2011 4p · 703 weeks ago

What other occupation has so many pedophiles among their ranks? And do you want to know why?

Because the bible has no laws against Men being with boys! Or with underage girls for that matter.

In Matthew 5:17-18 Jesus states that he is not there to change the law of the old testament in even the smallest detail. According to the Talmud, a document Jesus studied, the recommended marriage age for boys was 13 and for girls was 12. It was also acceptable by talmudic law to betroth a girl at the age of 3 years and 1 day. This was because it was believed that this was the age at which the hymen had developed and would not grow back. It is also permissible in the talmud to formalize a betrothal with intercourse. The only real concern was that of preserving virginity until a betrothal could be effected, at which stage it was the property of the husband-to-be.

The only real restriction seemed to be against extramarital sex, whereas sexual activity at any age above three years and a day was acceptable so long as there was a marriage pending or realized. Betrothal and marriage appear to have been synonymous in the Talmud and the bible.

Enough Said!

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Michelle · 641 weeks ago

If this person was innocent , as some believe, I have two questions for you.

One - why call yourself Sam? Why disguise your identity?

Two - and this one is the clincher for me - why a motel?

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