Clarification and History

It has been a while since I posted, and this is because I have been doing research into information about the Catholic Church that I ran across in my findings about LifeTeen. That information will be posted after I put it together.

However, it seems that there could be a question as to whether I am applying these ideas to all youth ministry. Indeed, I am not. I am only familiar with LifeTeen and their principles, which corrospond to the modus operandi of pedophiles as they groom their victims. I spent a year working in the prison where John Geoghan and other criminally prosecuted (mostly non- clergy) pedophiles and ephebophiles were housed, and each one of them had the same mode of operation as to how they went about choosing and grooming their victims. The suggestions outlined in the earlier blog entry are exactly the same.

In addition to this, Dale Fushek, as of this post, still has 7 counts against him. As the founder and designer of the program, he obviously used what he knew.

As for modern youth ministry, if done well and stripped of the 'grooming' principles that at best will attract and tempt those with pedophile and ephebophile tendencies into positions of leadership, can be beneficial. More beneficial would be ministering to FAMILIES, instead of just youth. Many of the problems could be avoided if the parent(s) of the children were involved as well. This would be a beneficial step in the progression of ministry to the underserved and disinfranchised.

After spending 7 years in Boston (1997-2004) at the height of the Boston Priest Scandal, I saw a number of men I knew (rightfully) accused. I saw the pain of the victims and counseled some myself. My hope, prayer and, yes, mission, is to do what I can to make sure that children are never harmed again in the name of Jesus Chrst. That is my heart, and if that means being too careful, then so be it, but it is out of love for the souls of all that I am.

I hope that this helps to clarify any confusion.