Eight in 10 churchgoers think sex offenders belong in church

Nearly 80 per cent of churchgoers surveyed by Christianity Today International (CTI) said they believe sex offenders belong in the church under appropriate supervision.

When asked, however, how they would respond if a known offender expressed a desire to serve in a ministry at church, almost half of the survey’s 2,500 respondents said they would be opposed.

“One-fourth (26 per cent) of respondents think a known ex-offender should be allowed to serve in a leadership position in church. One and a half times more respondents (38 per cent) think they should not be allowed to lead,” added Cynia Solver of Solver Solutions, who crafted the report on the "Sex Offenders in the Church" survey.

The 28-page report was compiled from the responses of subscribers to 11 of CTI's e-newsletters, including the newsletters for Leadership Journal, CT Connection, and Church Office Today Update.

It revealed, among other things, the opinion of churchgoers about the issue of sex offenders in the church, the realities in the church with regard to sex offenders, and the response of churches when it comes to offenders in the church.

The survey found, for example, that only 29 per cent of respondents think church leaders should talk with the police when becoming aware that someone in their church is a former sex offender.

Most said church leaders should pray about it (82 per cent), talk to elders (76 per cent), and/or talk to staff (76 per cent). Churchgoers where divided on whether or not the offender’s probation officer should be contacted or a conditional attendance agreement should be drafted – for both responses, 57 per cent of respondents agreed.

The survey also found that nearly 4 in 10 respondents (37 per cent) think sex offenders can be completely rehabilitated to the point where they no longer pose a threat to others. A nearly equal number (38 per cent) are not sure whether an offender can be rehabilitated or they are not sure about it. One-fourth, meanwhile, said they do not believe offenders can be completely rehabilitated.

Another notable finding of the survey was that more than half of respondents said they are aware that their church actively attempts to determine if there are sex offenders in the church. However, 39 per cent said they are aware of these attempts occurring only when an individual is being considered for a position of leadership, teaching or working with children or other vulnerable individuals.

The survey also found that 18 per cent of respondents are aware of someone who attends their church that is a spouse or family member of a known sex offender.