Posted on 01/12/2011 4:52:19 AM PST by Cronos
Parishioners at the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco yesterday were coming to grips with revelations that their former pastor was charged by the presbytery with sexually abusing eight boys
Richard Farrell, 69, a church member, couldn't miss the headlines in newspapers or the stories on television over allegations against Jack Miller that the Hudson River Presbytery announced Tuesday.
"I can't comment on them because they're allegations," said Farrell, a former chairman of the church's board of trustees. "I do not condone the alleged actions, but I'm not about to turn my back on an individual, no matter who he or she is, who has been a friend."
The eight charges, unveiled at the presbytery's regional meeting at Webb Horton Memorial Presbyterian Church in Middletown, outline abuse of boys under 18. Among the allegations are that Miller invited a child into the shower with him, that he had oral sex with a minor on numerous occasions over two years and that he made inappropriate sexual remarks and propositions.
Miller resigned last month amid the allegations. Some of the former pastor's supporters, including Edward Manley, said they had thought that once Miller stepped down, the charges would have been kept under wraps.
"This whole thing is so upsetting," said Manley, 64, of Chappaqua. "I thought this whole thing would go to rest, and it hasn't."
Miller was removed as pastor in August over the allegations, the first of which was filed in March, according to the presbytery.
He wrote in a Nov. 9 resignation letter to his former flock that he decided he would step down to avoid a divisive church trial.
He also acknowledged his homosexuality in the letter.
That’s horrible. Prayers for all concerned.
True, it seems like the relaxation of “gay” rights has caused untold damages to Churches everywhere.
Cronos, is the reference in your title to this being a PCA church your own?
I have searched the website for this church and see no mention that they are a PCA church. I do find that they are associated with the radical Covenant Network of Presbyterians which okays homosexual behavior and is associated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) which is indeed the liberal organization and the reason the PCA church left and formed it’s own evangelical movement back in the 60’s.
I am requesting that you show us your proof that this church is PCA and if you cannot, then I request that a moderator remove the PCA reference from your title as it terribly misleads people.
If indeed you can show that this church is a PCA church then please accept my apologies. I just feel obligated as a PCA member to point this out.
MOUNT KISCO, NY. Parishioners at the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco yesterday were coming to grips with revelations that their former pastor was charged by the presbytery with sexually abusing eight boys. The eight charges, unveiled at the presbytery's regional meeting at Webb Horton Memorial Presbyterian Church in Middletown, outline abuse of boys under 18. Among the allegations are that Miller invited a child into the shower with him, that he had oral sex with a minor on numerous occasions over two years and that he made inappropriate sexual remarks and propositions. (THE JOURNAL NEWS, December 5, 2002)
Thank you Cronos. Hopefully a moderator will respond shortly to this.
There is such a world of difference between the PCA Presbyterian church and the other Presbyterian branches, both in beliefs and liberal vs conservative attitudes. My parents were involved in the movement back in the 60’s when their Presbyterian church (Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham) left to form the PCA. “It separated from the Presbyterian Church in the United States (Southern) in opposition to the long-developing theological liberalism which denied the deity of Jesus Christ and the inerrancy and authority of Scripture.” Briarwood Presbyterian had a major influence in my life as a teenager, in forming strong conservative values.
I feel it important to point this out in case any FReepers out there are looking for a Presbyterian church that is evangelical and conservative.
Surprise, surprise.
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
-- Proverbs 26:27
Hey, it’s difficult to differentiate between the PCUSA and the PCA in acronyms
You are right there, it is confusing. I have often wished that they would have named it something different enough to set them apart more.
OK, where are all those who decry Catholicism and the scandal that overtook the Catholic Church? Why aren’t they speaking out against this abuse and homosexuality?
Question of the Day!
You mean there’s coverup in a protestant church? Oh, my!
If these pastors didn’t have to be celibate then there would be no abuse ——sarcasm off......not a Catholic priest....my mistake!
Queers infiltrating ministry and raping boys?
I'm shocked. SHOCKED, I tell you!!!
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