By: GARY WARTH - Staff Writer | ∞
Mark Pliska, a convicted sex offender, wants to attend Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad. He has told the congregation about his offenses, and they are trying to determine a policy to deal with his request.
SAN MARCOS ---- In the past week, Mark Pliska has been revealed in the press as a convicted child molester, lost his job, been evicted from his home and become the center of a debate about how much forgiveness can be expected from society.
In the midst of the controversy, Pliska said he has no intention of moving away or abandoning his desire to attend the church of his choice.
"At some point, you have to make a stand," Pliska said, sitting down at a San Marcos restaurant for an interview. "You can't keep moving on forever. I put my faith in the Lord right now and hope things will turn around for me."
Pliska, 53, was convicted of molesting two boys in 1983 and convicted of indecent exposure in 1998.
"I deeply regret my past behavior," Pliska said. "I have changed."
After moving to Escondido from Santa Cruz in December, he attended four services at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, which operates the preschool Pilgrim Children's Center next door on weekdays.
He has not attended services at Pilgrim church since the Rev. Madison Shockley introduced him to the congregation Jan. 28. Shockley said the church has since formed a committee to create a policy on what to do when a known sex offender wants to attend.
The matter was an internal church issue until Shockley mailed a letter to parents of children in the preschool about three weeks ago, informing them that a convicted child molester wanted to attend the church. Most of those parents do not attend Pilgrim church.
The letter prompted one of those parents, Vista resident Jessica Muehlhausen, who has two children in the preschool, to launch a petition drive March 7 asking the church to bar Pliska from attending services.
Pliska was living at an Escondido home for people attending 12-step programs when news crews covering the petition drive showed up to interview his neighbors March 8. He said he was evicted that night and since has moved to San Marcos.
"They didn't want the publicity," Pliska said about his eviction.
The next day, Pliska said, he went to work and found people were looking at him differently and were not as friendly.
"One of my co-workers said, 'You really are famous,' " he said. "Shortly after, I got called into the office and was told they were letting me go because of poor job performance. I asked the manager if it had to do with what was on TV. He said no, but I didn't believe him."
Early issues
Pliska was born in Sacramento into a military family that moved several times as he was growing up.
"I was raised by a family with an alcoholic parent, and saw quite a bit of dysfunction," he said.
By his teen years, Pliska was dealing with his own problems. He sometimes exposed himself in public.
Other personal issues emerged in his 20s, and in 1983, Pliska was convicted of molesting two neighborhood boys in Mendocino County. He served six months in prison, he said.
Pliska estimated he spent half his income on personal and group therapy in the five years after his release, and he said the analysis revealed his crimes were rooted to unresolved problems in his life. Fear of abandonment had led him to act out by exposing himself, he said the analyst told him, and his psychological denial of his homosexuality had led him to molest children, he said.
While therapy helped him deal with these issues, Pliska said he had a setback after a relationship ended. When the feelings of abandonment re-emerged, so did the compulsion to expose himself, and he did. He was convicted a second time in Monterey County in 1998. This time, he said, he served seven months in prison.
Pliska said that his urge to molest children did not resurface, which he sees as a sign that his therapy was effective in that regard.
Punishment of child molesters had grown more severe by then, and Pliska's past conviction resulted in his being designated as a sexually violent predator. Following his prison stay, he spent four years at Atascadero State Hospital. He was released last May.
"The real healing came from dedicated social workers I worked with at the hospital," he said. "They sensed I really wanted to change and took the time to help me do so."
A free man
As a sexually violent predator, Pliska must register with local authorities every three months, unlike other sexual predators who register once a year.
The registration process keeps track of where sexual predators are living, and Pliska's move to Santa Cruz upon his release did not go unnoticed.
Media coverage of his arrival led him to being asked to leave a homeless shelter and made it difficult for him to find work, he said. He did not, however, have problems joining a United Church of Christ congregation in Santa Cruz, where he agreed to a covenant that required him to be escorted at all times while at the church.
After a friend he was staying with died, Pliska moved from Santa Cruz to Escondido, which he said he picked because the county offered many recovery programs. He attends five 12-step programs, including ones for sex addiction, co-dependency and adult children of alcoholics.
Clergy at the Santa Cruz church referred Pliska to Pilgrim United Church of Christ, which is accepting of gay people, and also contacted Shockley. Pliska met with Shockley after attending one service. Pliska agreed to be escorted while at the church and to abide by other conditions the congregation might require in the future, he said.
Because he is not on probation or parole, Pliska said he has no legal restrictions regarding where he can live or work.
While Pliska has not attended any church since Jan. 28, he said he reads the Bible daily and has a support group of church members. He said he looks forward to someday returning to Pilgrim.
"It's an open and affirming church, and it's a place to experience the Lord," he said. "I like the spirit that comes from Pilgrim Church."
Pliska said he did not know there was a school next to the church until his first visit.
"I knew that could be a potential problem when I went there," he said. "That's why I went to Madison."
Pliska said he knew he ran a risk in telling the congregation about his past, but he wanted to be upfront with the minister and his congregation. If he has to go to another church, Pliska said he again will tell people about his past convictions.
"I feel that I'm not a threat," he said. "That's the reason I came forth. For people to know about me."
Pliska said he has spent years working on the personal demons that led to his convictions, and he sees the work continuing for the rest of his life. But he also said he wants people to give him a chance to show that he has changed.
"I'd like to show that I'm not the monster the media has portrayed me as," he said. "People think that once you're convicted that you're always going to be that way. That's not necessarily true. There are people who do change, and I'm one of them. I want to be an acceptable member of society."
-- Contact staff writer Gary Warth at (760) 740-5410 or gwarth@nctimes.com.
March 9 -- Pilgrim Church weighs whether to allow sex offender to attend services
Sorry wrote on Mar 15, 2007 10:40 PM:but this guy can't change. Anyone with his record should be completely away from children. I can't believe he has no conditions on his release as a registered sex offender. Yes,he's entitled to work and worship- don't you wonder why he is broadcasting his past? None of the rest of us do, do we?
Josh wrote on Mar 15, 2007 11:25 PM:So much for forgiveness. WWJD indeed.
Bill wrote on Mar 15, 2007 11:33 PM:The problem with sex offenders is that many are repeat offenders. Most never outgrow the psychological need to dominate a child. Also, the idea of having someone around who needs constant reinforcement, as if they were in AA, so as not to "fall off the wagon," is a little bit scary.
Changed wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:31 AM:The bible says when you become a Christian you are "a new creature in Christ the old has gone and the new has come." Either we believe that or we don't call ourselves Christians. That isn't to say we don't hold this man accountable and watch him to ensure he isn't another con man posing as a believer. Give a chance. Isn't it better to see someone change from a monster to a man forgiven by Christ then just another sad statistic?
Randy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:59 AM:I agree with society that child molestation is the unthinkable crime. I agree that most are repeat offenders. This guy just wants to go to church on Sunday. The preschool is open during the week. What is wrong with attending adult services on Sunday morning? Now as far as his eveiction and his firing. Is this even legal? Where are his civil rights? I don't condone his past. But lets be forgiving. WWJD?
Randy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 2:47 AM:A church is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. I thought that if a church discriminated against anyone by forbidding them to attend worship services, the church would lose its tax-exempt status.
ZMan wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:09 AM:I find it appalling that they claim to be a Church of Christ. I believe they do not practice the Bible of God, or you'd see that ALL HUMANS are Gods children. Just because they believe all the media hype, doesn't make it right. Please open your eyes and you will see, and quit believing the hype. Please see my comments about sex offender laws, and I urge you to read them, and also visit my web sites, and the SOCLEAR web site which helps explain these draconian laws. Please educate yourself and STOP believing the hype the politicians are spewing from their mouths. Do your own homework ... There is millions of lives at stake, and I pray Churches would make a stand for human rights and help dis-spell the myths which harm the offenders, family and CHILDREN of offenders. Not all sex offenders are molesters, predators or pedophiles like everyone seems to believe. God Bless You All and please practice the TRUE bible doctrine... ...
ZMan wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:10 AM:You all who posted here have been brainwashed by the media and politicians, and you yourself do NOT practice the bible, apparently. See my previous post.
NIMBY wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:37 AM:Why is this North County's problem? The dude has only been here since December, and I am pretty sure he was not invited by anybody except for the dead guy. Pliska made a lot of bad decisions in the past, now it is time to make one good one: Go back to Santa Cruz or better yet... go out of the state far far away. The Megan system works and violent repeat offenders like Pliska is why we need it.
rosehill wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:56 AM:People like Pliska are never cured and he is only fooling himself if he thinks so. The next time he hits a bump in the road of his life he will be up to the same kind of behaviour and will once again use excuses to get himself out of the mess. Sadly with his history a child could end up dead because he refuses to accept the fact that he molests children and is violent but insists on being near children.
Parent wrote on Mar 16, 2007 5:45 AM:As a parent, I must do EVERYTHING possible to protect my child. It only takes one incident to change their life forever. That is a chance I am NOT willing to take. If it means that Mr. Pliska must worship at home, so be it. I was raised with some of the same dysfunctions in my family and it has made me extremly protective of my children. Therefore, I have no sympathy for sexual predators. Our children must be protected first and foremost! No exceptions.
To Sorry & Bill wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:20 AM:Is it Pliska who can not change or you who will not, choose not to, accept that he can change? As far as your attitude about needing AA and the church goes, why do you think hospitals don't just send you home as soon as you wake up from major surgery? Why do you think that crutches are needed for some things? To let the person's bones heal. How long they are needed is variable, according to the severity of the problem. Whether he has changed, or is in process, or has not, only time will tell. Bill, life is scary. Every time I use a chainsaw, it could kill me, it has that potential, but it also has the potential to do it's job without hurting me. It's my job to understand how to use that chainsaw without getting hurt. It's the chainsaw maker's job to warn me of what not do do.
Croix wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:32 AM:Unbelievable .... if you are a sex offender you should never be able to mingle with those who you violate. This is the reason our country is full of repeaters.....if this was Singapore he would be dead.
Bad Bob wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:37 AM:Very hypocritical indeed! We won't forgive this man yet we have made it legal to murder a baby in their mother's womb under the guise of family planning. Very hypocritical indeed!
Scott wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:44 AM:IS the the beginning of his lawsuit against this church for discrimination? I also like the way the report say's he is working on his personal demons that lead to his convictions. How about you work on your demons that make you want to have sex with males and little boys. P.S. Thanks for the photo, I will be watching out for him and keeping my children away this particular pervert.
Wife and Mom wrote on Mar 16, 2007 6:48 AM:People need to be aware of the difference between a CHILD sex offender and sex offender. This man is a CHILD sex offender. I wish him the best in recovery. I appreciate the honesty of the church, they put the responsibility on the parents of the pre-school now. Although everyone has the right to go where they want when they want who is to say he has deserved that right? Frankly he revoked that right when he started manipulating children.
People can change... wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:16 AM:But most of these people don't. Are we supposed to gamble on our children's safety for the small chance that these deviants will change?
harold wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:16 AM:I believe a person can change his ways. However, when a small percentage of registered sex offenders committ a crime it makes it harder for those who are truly reformed. My brother who is 71 years old and fighting advanced prostate cancer has been off parole since 1976 and has not been in trouble once. However, it seems some people say that once a sex offender always a sex offender, however, as a aborn again christain I know in my heart that prayer and God can and does change things. The vast majority of registered sex offenders like my brother who bother no one and just want to be left alone to live their lives like other people-are threatened when this small percentage go bad. I just don't feel it is fair to treat someone like dirt when they have shown they have changed their ways. His picture name and address are on the internet and he is in constant fear for not only his safety but for mine as well. You never know who might be at the door when you answer it. I have been physically attacked by "Law abiding" concerned parents who say they don't want sex offeners living in their neighborhood-even though I have never done any of these crimes myself.
Who better than the church... wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:24 AM:To help w/ rehabilitation... I'm sure this is quite trying for those attending this church. My heart goes out to all of the members of this church. WWJD indeed... Jesus would love the offender but hate the offense. He would defend the offender but forbid the offense. This is about love and forgiveness - and yes, safety for the children. All of these things can be achieved... WWJD.
To Parent wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:34 AM:Do you ever take your child out in a car? Does your car have all the latest safety equipment- side airbags, etc? A man, escorted by others who know what he has done, poses less danger than driving, yet you probably drive. I would agree completely with you IF he were not escorted, IF he did not reveal what he had done and IF, given the knowledge of what he has done, people allowed their children to be alone with him.
Recovered_Child wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:37 AM:I was molested scratch that raped as an 8 year old child. I have to live with that every day of my life. I am very protective of where my child goes and what she does. I know all of her friends and their parents. With that being said, I do not stop her from play dates and sleep overs because I am paranoid of what might happen to her. This man will ALWAYS have the urge to offend just as an Alcoholic has the urge to drink. The fact that he is open with the church tells me that he does not want to offend again. He should be allowed at church. If the people know who he is, they can then protect thier children. He should not be at church gatherings and should NEVER be allowed to volunteer. We are taught that we should forgive but the Bible says nothing about forgetting. If the man wants to find God then let him and it is your responsibility to protect your children. Either way this is going ot be a hard desicion for everyone involved. The church, the parents and the offender,
Vista Granny wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:06 AM:Thank God we don't live in Singapore. Perhaps Croix should move there. Sex offenders seem to be an unsolvable problem. But, what does going to church on Sunday morning, with an escort, have to do with children in a day care center on week days? It seems more likely that the parents of some of the children just found out about the church's liberal beliefs and actions and are offended by that more than they fear for their children. I don't know what this man or the church should do, but making someone destitute, friendless and homeless doesn't seem like a good way to solve any problem.
Information wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:16 AM:Do we really want this sort of witch hunt? How many of you have a neighbor that willingly walked over and said "Hi, I'm a sex offender"? How many have found that the neighbor who you have known for 5 or 10 years as a decent, hard-working, likable person, has a past with horrible things in it like molesting a child? Do you suddenly look at their every move as being suspicious when the same thing yesterday did not even rate a second thought? My bet is that your neighbor has made sure that his actions, his words and his whole life is about not committing such a horrible thing ever again. My bet is that, while you are looking back at the way he behaved around children, his actions seemed stand-off-ish. And that now that you think about it, something clicks and his behavior makes sense, he was making sure of 3 things: First, do no harm. Second, do not ever do anything that might even come close to hurting a child. Third, try to live a "normal" life after the law's punishment. How many of you, with a past, greet a new neighbor by saying "Hi, my name is John Doe and I sold drugs to middleschool children 20 years ago."? If not, why not? There is no "Megan's Law" that posts convicted drug sellers on-line, is one possible reason.
Give Me A Break wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:18 AM:To those who think the church is the answer for Pliska, Dream on. They will not cure this predator. I am sure the Pilgrim Church is considered as a hunting ground for his next prey.
Missing the Point wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:28 AM:If the Ex-offender hasn't RE-Offended, those claiming to be protecting their children, can do so, by watching over them. However, those who don't believe anyone changes, shouldn't bother quoting the Bible, either. The reality is, some people change and some don't. The guy has straight-forward, (no pun intended) and he could still be in denial. Perhaps this happening might inspire a lawyer to advise him of his rights both in suddenly losing his job and his home, in one fell swoop. I don't want him a pew next to me, but it does seem like he's handling a bunch of negativity in his life pretty well.
Randy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:28 AM:There is no one who is without sin. No one can throw the first stone. Go and sin no more.
Rev Ike wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:32 AM:Seems like the message of Christ has largely been lost here. Welcome the brother with open arms.
Who cares what jesus would do. wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:33 AM:Use your brains and good common sense. In his teens he was already exposing himself???? So it has happened more times than he was actually convicted of. Lots of people come from broken homes and have troubled pasts. Most of them don't molest children and expose ourselves to deal with it. It's a bigger picture than the kids at the preschool...it's the kids in the congregation, the kids playing rec sports 1/2 a block away ALL weekend long and the kids at the community swimming pool that is located on the same block and opened on weekends. This man doesn't need to familiarize himself with a community that on any given day has 100's-1000's of children walking around. If the church wants to save this violent sexual predator they should form an outreach to minister to him. Given that all it takes for him is a failed relationship or some rocky times...it's just a matter of time. Image how all the people that Pliska has exposed himself to and the two children that he molested feel. Image what kind of dysfunctional life they have had. How would you explain to your children that the reason they were molested or worse was b/c you were busy protecting the rights of a repeat offender, a sexual violent predator as opposed to protecting your own children? It's vicious cycle that will only end when society doesn't give these predators a chance to re offend. Lets protect our children not sexual violent predators. Especially the repeat offenders.
Concerned-1 wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:44 AM:Seems like this guy is trying to break some new ground by coming out in the public like he's done. Okay, so why not really make a statement like volunteering himself for some elective surgery. Or just getting the .... out of the country.
citizen wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:45 AM:The church in Santa Cruz that is so accepting has a jail ministry.
concerned citizen wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:47 AM:I think this story was probably put out there to help clear this man's tarnished name but for me it just shows how completely unstable he is. Why take the risk.
WOW wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:47 AM:Unstable is right. Very unstable.
Ron wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:05 AM:This church needs to post on the entrance "Repeat Sexual Offender worships here." Enough said. Then all the parents can make an informed decision as to whether they want to attend the same church, and expose their children to a known sexual predator.
Lorren wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:15 AM:If this man was truly sorry for his vicious and sick crimes then he would live in isolation and shame the rest of his life voluntarily. Part of the child rapists mentality is extreme selfishness. HE wants to go to church, HE wants this, HE wants that.. Wah wah wah... If you can't do the time don't do the crime. And as far as I'm concerned raping a child deserves the death penalty or at the very least life in prison. I would believe his story of conversion more if he was not so demanding of HIS rights and HIS desires, and instead put others first. What was Jesus' idea of what to do with child abusers? Oh yeah... It involved a millstone around the neck. Sounds fair to me.
Sumyunguy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:22 AM:The pastor of that church has a responsibility to look out for the well being of his congregation - kids included. The best thing that pastor can do for Pliska is to find for him another church that caters to an older crowd, where young people won't be a temptation for him. If my memory is correct, pastor is latin for "shepherd"; this shepherd needs to look out for the well-being of the flock - this has nothing to do with forgiveness, rather, it has everything to do with putting Pliska in a situation that helps him recover and succeed in the future.
Ask wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:23 AM:Does this mean [some of] the PRIESTS wont be allowed to attend churches because they are known sex offenders?
Rick wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:48 AM:Croix raises a good point "if this was Singapore he would be dead". This is NOT Singapore, though. I have been to Singapore. Virtually everyone follows the law there, because the law is very harsh. There is also little freedom in Singapore that we American's so dearly treasure. With freedom comes an element of risk. Our founding fathers believed that it was better to live with some danger as the cost of freedom. Those who would rather give up that freedom should go live in Singapore, where you can feel safe. Please leave America free for the rest of us. Doesn't the bible say forgive as we are forgiven? I don't know if Pliska will repeat his past crimes, but I do know that if he is ever to be completely healed, a church might be just the place to help him get there. to those who seek revenge, I would remind them that God said vengeance is his.
Amazing Hypocrisy wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:55 AM:If there was ever a good cause the church could get behind it would be this man who is obviously very sincere in his efforts to change. Bible thumpers who are rejecting this man have a special place in Gods world, and it isn't heaven. Gotta love those thumpers that only go to church to present an image, or to network to get more real estate clients. The irony is that he was obviously deeply affected by events in his life when he was a minor, now the thumpers are going to punish him for those crimes. The GET THE HELL OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD" is having an unintended, and bad consequence. The state is seeing more and more sex offenders registering as homeless, address listed as living in the riverbed or under a bridge. This makes the offenders more isolated, harder to watch and more likely to offend. Wake up to reality people!!!! OUr violent and dysfunctional society creates more violent criminals than any other developed nation in the world. We have to deal with it rather than brush it under the rug.
Interesting Comments wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:57 AM:God Vs Parents: I am a novice in the bible study but I just got one (a bible) and I am trying to figure out some things. I bought one of those easy to read, today's English ones. So far I have only read Matthews and some of the Proverbs but guess what? I find this book the best self-help book I have found so far. This tells me to that God is our father and as a father he punishes us when we make bad choices just like our earth dads do. This man was absolutely punished by God. He did his time and registers for the town to see and is trying to live the life of forgiveness and second chance that even the bible says God gives to killers. Is he lying? Any of you who think you know the answers "Google" a man named Jake Goldenflame. if you really care read his book on-line. My son was molested at age 5 so don't think I don't know this subject well. The bible as I understand it (I haven't gotten this far in my reading) says that we should worship in groups. If this is the case would a christian determine who can and cannot worship in a group. I am over 50 so I know that when I was a kid my Grandmother's church (I am white) thought that blacks could not go to the same church. We now all know now that this thinking is wrong. Should we decide adulterer's can't go, gay people can't go, killer's can't go after they do the time? What about alcoholics? This is a good one. Why do they get a pass if they drink and kill your kid? Give me something I can control and fix with my kid over death any day. Parents read this book!
LLD wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:02 AM:Praise the Lord for Reverend Shockley at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad for giving Mark Pliska a chance to worship. We must remember that growing churches are not always filled with well scrubbed saints, but rather with a motley collection of sinners being saved by grace. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" II Cor. 5:17
LLD wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:17 AM:Praise the Lord for Reverend Shockley and the Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad for giving Mark Pliska a place to worship and grow. We must remember that growing churches are not always filled with well scrubbed saints, but rather with a motley collection of sinners being saved. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" II Cor. 5:17
MRWEK wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:25 AM:Once a sexually violent predator.... always a sexually violent predator. It's been proven time and time again. They can't change! Just like a man can't stop being attracted to a woman.
DW wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:38 AM:Have you considered becoming a Catholic monk?
Wes wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:55 AM:How did we ever get so far away from the "perfect justice" that I like to reference; as dipicted in Clint Eastwood's movie, Hang 'Em High? Perhaps a well-meaning vocal minority has too much say in determining society's future. This scroundrel is a victim too. In fact, the real criminal here is the parents. Shoot the drunk and slap his momma. Oh, and if you drive by Michael Jackson's parents' house, slap them too.
Truthspitter wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:56 AM:I am not for child molestors, but it is pretty comical to hear church people saying they don't want a child molestor in their midst with all the problems of pedophile priests over the years. This guy is probably less of a threat at this point then some of the people the parents don't even suspect like your local priest.
steve wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:59 AM:1) The church is on the cutting edge of REAL liberal churches. 2) This is just a FREE MEDIA Public Relations story for the church to find more bleeding hearts.
Sean wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:17 AM:Quick question? How swiftly can this guy be removed from North County? This freak molested two boys. There's no acceptance here. The answer is not five 12-step programs. Who needs 60 steps to recover from anything other than a debilitating accident?
Mark wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:28 AM:I agree with Give Me A Break. Once a child molester always a child molester. Please leave North County!
Jake wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:34 AM:Randy- no church has ever lost their 501C3 in the history of America. Ask the IRS I did, I agree with Jesus discription of churches. So I don't attend one.
Why Let Him Out Of Prison... wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:36 AM:in the First Place?!
A Molester wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:38 AM:I have not repeated molesting a child or doing anything sexually inappropriate or illegal to or with anyone since 1988. Now, whether I am "cured" or whether I live each day waking up with the determination that I won't hurt someone, today, makes no difference. The fact is that for almost 20 years I have lived an honorable life. It's the MRWEK's of this world who don't know what the hell they are talking about. 'Give Me A Break' would have you believe that everyone who commits a sexual crime, from flashing (streakers, mooners are committing a sex crime), to child molestation is always lurking on the lookout for the next victim, that person is wrong. Most molesters never re-offend. I am proof of the fact that a clean, decent, honorable, moral life can happen even after committing such a bad crime.
To Why Let Him Out Of Prison wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:00 PM:We have this stupid thing called a Constitution. It forbids "cruel and unusual" punishment. It forbids punishing someone more than once for the same crime. It does not forbid changing the sentencing guidelines for longer sentences as the Governor did a few weeks before the November election. It also provides the right for someone like you or me to say what we want, no matter how smart or not. God bless America!
To "Changed" wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:00 PM:If the man had active TB or Hepetitis, would his conversion to Christianity make him less of a public health concern? He has a condition that puts others at risk. That doesn't mean to persecute him, but it does mean to take the steps necessary to mitigate the danger. He is currently acting in a manner that indicates his treatment has failed. He is a high risk. He is in pattern to re-offend. The consequence of Christian negligence will be the sexual abuse of a little child. The consequence of due diligence is that he be prevented from relapse. To me it seems like a no-brainer.
To A Molester wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:18 PM:Then you are an exception. Why take a chance though. HOW MANY LAWS NAMED AFTER DEAD CHILDREN DO WE HAVE TO ENACT BEFORE PEOPLE STAND UP AND TAKE ACTION. This guy wants a chance to proof he's better. He's already a repeat offender. How many chances does he get. How many children does he hurt before we draw the line? I agree.....GET OUT OF NORTH COUNTY!
To To changed wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:21 PM:VERY WELL PUT!"He is a high risk. He is in pattern to re-offend. The consequence of Christian negligence will be the sexual abuse of a little child. The consequence of due diligence is that he be prevented from relapse. To me it seems like a no-brainer. "
Lorren wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:57 PM:My former neighbor's grandfather molested a child in the 1960's. Nothing since then that anyone knew about, and he lived a good life. Then last year she catches him molesting her 6 year old daughter (he died while still on trial). He was in his 80's. A leopard may change its spots, but it's still a leopard.
Sandy K wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:03 PM:I personally would rather know who the sex offender is as it's easier to protect children from the devil you know than from the many you don't. I would also feel very uncomfortable professing to be a Christian and at the same time telling another sinner that he or she is not allowed to worship in the same church because that person's sins are greater than mine. I also wonder when churches got so high and mighty as Catholics have moved and promoted child molesters as a matter of policy for years. I wonder who Jesus looks upon more kindly, a repentant sinner or the hypocrites who praise God and pour out their vengeance on another of God's children. I'm only wondering. Believe me, I don't care. I became disillusioned with churches, their leaders, and members years ago. I stay home on Sundays so I would love it if all the child molesters were in church.
Realist wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:09 PM:What if the bible turns out to just be a bunch of mumbo jumbo? Who cares what the bible says...it has nothing to do with any of this. A man molested children. Of course he sounds sincere...he's being interviewed by a newspaper reporter...I'm sure you can really judge the guy based on that! My god, how do some of you people live through an entire day I wonder...having to consult a book every day to see how you are supposed to act or think. I'm not sure how this guy has time to even go to church what with all the 12-step programs he has to keep himself in just to function. What would Jesus do? Nothing...he's dead.
Concerned-1 wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:23 PM:Once again, I vote for (not so) elective surgery. It beats making him someone else's problem.
Jesup wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:48 PM:One mans salvation should not put others in danger. This is the price he must pay for his actions. His rights were taken away when those children were violated.
Great Christians wrote on Mar 16, 2007 1:50 PM:These posts proof without a doubt that church goers are the biggest hypocrites in our society. Yes, I will continue to pray to god in my own way, the real mystery is - WHICH GOD will I pray to?
To Lorren wrote on Mar 16, 2007 2:12 PM: It is not at all uncommon for elderly grandfathers, who molested their children years ago, and who hadn't had a relapse once their kids were older than their "target age" to re-offend grandchildren of that age--even though they had been incident free for years and years.
Tina wrote on Mar 16, 2007 2:37 PM:Just becuase he can be forgiven by God doesn't mean he should be put in a position to sin again. I haven't yet seen a post from a parent at the preschool the church runs, except the parent who started the petition. I wouldn't worship there, or send my child to preschool if I thought there was any chance at all there might be contact with my child.
A Molester wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:02 PM:I can, unfortunately, believe what I am reading. Not the opinions thrown out as "facts", but the sheer lack of thinking that is exhibited by some. Anyone convicted after November 2006 will be subject to greater prison time, ankle bracelets if and when they get out and more. To a Molester - The man who filed suit the day after the Nov. election is another like me. What you do not want to know is exactly how many there are like me, one heckuva lot more than you think and would believe. As for (not so) elective surgery - look at the Constitution and see if you can punish someone twice. Beware, sympathetic or not, you just might join another molester in prison should you try vigilantism, remember that. Jesup- his rights were restored when he finished his sentence. To Loren - what studies are you referencing and what are your credentials? Realist - With almost every person in the area fully aware of him and what he has done, even if he was "on the prowl", he sure made it harder for himself to do it again, didn't he? And To "Changed" - Are you trying to say that being a child molester is transmitted by air or what?
To To Lorren at 2:12 PM. wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:05 PM:Where on earth did you come up with that one? Your certitude is incredible.
Yeah Realist wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:16 PM:I agree, the bible is mumbo jumbo. So does that give you the right to dictate what the church should do? Hell no, your opinion is worth just as much as the bible, ZIPPO
Greg wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:17 PM:Churches can keep kids safe and meet the spiritual needs of registered offenders at the same time. The problem is not registered sexual offenders, it is the church members who have not been caught are the ones that are molesting children at churches. Research on sex crimes in the community show that non-convicted sexual offenders are the cuprit for most sex crimes. Registered sexual offenders rarely account (single dgits)for sex crimes in the community.
Oh brother wrote on Mar 16, 2007 3:33 PM:Ok, this guy has been a sex addict and abuser since he was a young man. Now he blames it on his background and being gay. Question: why isn't he going to a church that advertises its acceptance of gays and caters to them rather than a mainstream church with families? Something is really wrong here. Thanks NC Times for exposing this guy!
Spindle beeper wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:14 PM:I admire Pliska for coming forward and telling the Pastor and congregation of his past. At least he isn't trying to hide it. Unfortunately, he is classified as a VIOLENT sexual predator. He has repeated his offenses and obviously has very deep problems. The better part of caution is for Pliska to be kept away from anyone under 21. Although small children may not attend the services, what about teens? Anyway, it would be better to help the man spiritually by an outreach conducted say by the Pastor and a few of the adult male church members. It's hard, but probably people like Pliska should be isolated for life from society. Once they have served their time in prison, it's too bad we don't have an isolated and supervised place for such offenders, where they could do something productive and for the good of society. Perhaps they could have their own room, living somewhat like monks do.
PilgrimDad wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:35 PM:To A Molestor: not only are you a molester, you're an .... No, he didn't make it harder for himself to do it again...if he wants to do it again I'm sure he will have no problem whatsoever. To Tina: I am a parent of a child at Pilgrim and I can guarantee you that if he is allowed to be at the church my child will immediately be withdrawn from the preschool. And there are many other parents who are just waiting to hear the decision and will do the same. What's hard to understand is why is it taking so long to decide? It's not easy to get your child into a good preschool and the longer they wait the harder it will be to find a good school that is not booked for next year. It's just one more part of the equation that shows that the church has no regard for the needs of the preschool and the parents who support it. If they did, they would make this decision quickly and let us all move on with things one way or the other. It's a real shame...it's a really great preschool with amazing teachers. It's too bad the leader of the church just craves the spotlight and can't see what's actually best for the overall situation.
Kate wrote on Mar 16, 2007 4:59 PM:I have no problem worshiping next to a sex offender. Living, working, commuting, shopping near a sex offender - no, thanks. Those are all opportunities to succumb to his fetishes at the expense of the community. He can commute into San Marcos for service. He will have a lifetime to accommodate his past, luckily his neighbors do not have to. He's lucky he's free to move on.
Amazing wrote on Mar 16, 2007 5:01 PM:Why don't you without sin,(or "forgiveably sinful") form your own church and have people fill out questionnaires and do background checks on everyone who joins so you can make sure no "undesirable" sinners like molesters or drunk drivers or murderers get in. You could call it "Church Without Sin ~ No Salvation Here, 'Cause We Don't Need It!"
Your Decision wrote on Mar 16, 2007 5:07 PM:Preschools of Pilgrim's caliber don't grow on trees. I am a former Pilgrim Parent and I know. If you read the information carefully, you will see he has agreed to an escort at all times, and your child won't even be in Preschool when he attends. If you want to remove your child from one of the best preschools in the area on principle, you have that right, but you may regret it later so think on it carefully.
Jane wrote on Mar 16, 2007 5:13 PM:This is POLITICAL, people.
Fox wrote on Mar 16, 2007 5:42 PM:Attending many 12 step programs is admirable. It also shows the vulnerability and weakness of the person. Seeking help this way is healthy, although one might question the decision-making that has come to this. Here is a man in recovery, making headlines for his own spiritual gain...amends to the children he raped might be a more fitting action than tipping over the tables at Pilgrim Church. Fitting into the community, be it Escondido or a church, is not accomplished by this peculiar, passive behavior. Is his spiritual healing more important than the children in the congregation who might now be vulnerable if his cravings are not under control? This needs the wisdom of Solomon at best, and at minimum, the man needs to reexamine his own 12 step healing, and discuss this with his sponsor. Pilgrim isn't the only church, and dumping his baggage there isn't thinking of others, particularly the congregation of children, and he has severly injured children in the past.
To Jane wrote on Mar 16, 2007 7:44 PM:This is not political. This is a church and it's membership deciding how their scriptures, the foundation of their belief, apply to a situation that causes fear and uncertainty. Their spiritual leader is to be commended for bringing it before the congregation and together they will examine their challenge and come to a decision that will honor their path. I send the family of Pilgrim many blessings.
Shame on JESSICA! wrote on Mar 16, 2007 8:09 PM:Jessica Muehlhausen, the woman who stirred the media flame, should be ashamed of herself. What a bunch of hypocrits these pseudo-christians are! So typical...obviously they attend church themselves only to be seen in their nice Sunday best clothes. I wonder if they are concerned that some of their neighbors and other church members may also be child sex predators, just not caught yet! Who knows what lurks amoungst them. What about other forms of child abuse? I bet there are a lot of them in your church!!
JESSICA wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:16 PM:To Shame on Jessica: Funny you should call me a hypocrite and a pseudo-christian. I never claimed to be Christian. In fact... I am agnostic and base by decisions on common sense as opposed to what some guy that may or may not have existed forever ago thinks I should do. As to being a hypocrite...I'm not that either. I have an opinion (which I'm entitle to) and I stand by it 100%. My actions speak to that. I'm not ashamed of myself and if I had it to do over I'd do it the exact same way. So enough with everyone's WWJD? BS and "Christian Behavior" nonsense. I don't care what he would do or what the "Christian" thing to do is. I have the sound judgment to make decisions that protect children as opposed to violent sexual predators.
Agree with Oh Brother wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:19 PM:GO and find a church/place of worship with those of "your kind". There are some without children. SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND. Leave other people alone!!
ChristianGay12stepper wrote on Mar 16, 2007 10:26 PM:These comments are a trip. PilgrimDad hit one nail on the head, though. "if he wants to do it again I'm sure he will have no problem whatsoever." That is the entire problem with politicians and "looking good" with legislation -- NONE of these laws (registry, residency restrictions, safety zones, etc.) will do one thing to keep a predator from offending (or reoffending). I say offending first, because the liklihood of reoffending is among the lowest of all types of offender recidivism statistically. The money being poured into politics should be directed to treatment AND THAT IS WHAT THIS CHURCH IS DOING! Kudos to the clergy at Pilgrim Church! Kudos to Pliska for working to recover and seeking the church (in addition to 12 Steps) to accomplish this in a bigger plan. Those that seem against this should join that "Church Without Sin ~ No Salvation Here, 'Cause We Don't Need It!'" that Amazing alluded to in jest (or was it?).
Get a life Jessica! wrote on Mar 16, 2007 11:10 PM:Jessica gets to feel superior and stir up a witch hunt against a man who wants to attend a service on Sunday mornings. Her kids attend school M-F. It is morally offensive to me that she has led this modern day media lynching against a man who had the integrity to come forward and reveal his past sins. Let the man pray on Sundays, with his escort. Let the children go to school M-F. Most of these children do not attend the church on Sundays anyway. So why should the parents (who are lucky to have their kids in a highly regarded preschool) have a say about the members of the Sunday congregration? Jessica, it is you that I really find to be scary!!!
Panacia wrote on Mar 17, 2007 1:13 AM:Let's just lower the consent age to 12.
Karma wrote on Mar 17, 2007 3:20 AM:As usual the focus and expected sympathy in these cases is on the perp. The victims and their families are all but forgotten. But we should not forget that there is a tendency for these victims to later become perps themselves. The pain has to go somewhere. Who are we to break the cycle? And the big question for me is 'how many of these crimes go unreported?' The guy who fesses up might be sitting on a pew next to another who is wiley enough to stay under the radar.
Oneandonly wrote on Mar 17, 2007 7:15 AM:I am ashamed of all of the hysteria and paranoid being displayed by what is supposed to be people who follow a peaceful religion. Open your bibles and read 'Remember vengeance is mine; cast the first stone; as you do unto the least of me, you do unto me and love your neighbor as you do yourself'. Once again, people are screaming for blood but never once do they want to actually do anything for the man who admits he has a problem and wants to live as someone who needs this help. Couey BEGGED for help for years before he snapped. He was isolated, ignored and passed around by those who had the ability to help. If this man snaps, all of you who want him to just 'go away' will be responsible. As far as recidivism goes? Go to CSOM.org and search for 'recidivism'. Those who are supported, receive treatment and are allowed to live in peace have around a 8% chance of reoffending. Those who do not receive that support and help have a 40% of hurting someone else. You say even one child is too many, I agree. But if we can save that 32% from ever having to go through such pain, why not work to give THOSE kids a chance? I would rather save as many as possible than to just ignore the problem and let even more people be hurt.
dt wrote on Mar 17, 2007 8:38 AM:Yeah, the last place we would want a sinner is in a church.
citizen wrote on Mar 17, 2007 9:41 AM:A person can be forgiven, but that doesn't change the fact that they must suffer the earthly consequences of their crimes. Did Jesus save the sorrowful thief on the cross? No. The man paid for stealing with his life and because he was forgiven he accepted his punishement. The unrepentant thief just wanted to get away with his crime. We need to keep child rapists locked up for life. When did child rapists become more important than their victims?
mike wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:16 AM:Maybe the guy should convert and become Muslim and ask Alqueda for a job. People in America need to wake up real quick. We are creating an atmosphere with offenders that will have severe consequences. No practicing religion,no work, no shelter, what do they do? Get very angry and vent it on society. We are creating a lot of Tim Mc Vie's out there and if it continues we wont have to worry about troops overseas we will need them here to protect us from our own people.Wit close to 1 million offenders that will be out of work and a home because of these laws where do you think they are going to get what they need to survive? Sell drugs, rob your home or possible commit a terroristic attack on us who made them all angry. Where does this all end. Those who think this is a joke be aware it is not. When a member of your family becomes entangled in the sex offender laws you will then understand the severity of it all.NIMBY is not a soloution.
Alf wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:33 AM:Saint or sinner, it makes no difference. It all boils down to one thing - a conflict between those people who choose not to accept that a sentence was imposed, weighing all factors, and was served with all it's terms and conditions AND those people who choose to accept that fact. Reality, what a concept.
Scrimshaw wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:46 AM:It's a good idea to let folks know of convicted sex predators in their midst, but why not expand that to include anybody convicted of a felony violent crime. I'd sure like to know if a neighbor has been convicted of murder or assault with a deadly weapon, for example. Or burglary for that matter. As for Mr Pliska, his situation sure brings on conflicting feelings. On the one hand is his good side wanting forgiveness and redemption and on the other is this fear that he may repeat his past behavior. He says he is cured and a different man now. I hope he is. I really do. He's not going to be living in exile. Whether he is allowed in a church or not misses the point. He still circulates in the population. So I hope he is reformed is about all I can say.
John wrote on Mar 18, 2007 5:18 PM:To that GET A LIFE person up there. The linching should have happened when he was caught. Plain and simple.Christ probably would have said to forgive him, Than bring him to justice.DAM,Now im starting to sound like you Talaban folks.
If you think it's NOT political... wrote on Mar 18, 2007 11:31 PM:then I have a story to tell. A few years ago I remarried a very kind man who is a LOT more religious than me. What attracted me to him was that he not only talked the talk, as so many "Christians" do, but he walked the walk. Anyway, I chose to keep my last name since it was the same as my daughter's (and I thought his was very common and boring). About a year ago, all of the sudden several neighborhood kids were not allowed to come over to our home to play with our 8-year-old daughter. I was very worried that my daughter had somehow misbehaved and offended people. Next my husband and I started getting dirty looks from some of the neighbors. I could not figure out what was going on - until one of the neighborhood kids tried to hurt my daughter by yelling at her and saying "My mom says your step-dad is a sex offender." I was livid; try explaining that kind of ugliness to your kid. I looked on the Megan's Law website and sure enough, there was some guy with the EXACT same name as my husband - of course, he was 30 years older, lived in Northern California, did not look anything like my husband, was not at all related to my husband, etc. etc. How could my "wonderful" neighbors in "liberal" Carlsbad make such a ridiculous leap without getting all the facts? Their hysterical and misguided fear hurt my entire family, and while my husband has forgiven them, I have not. The truth is, Jessica, you remind me a lot of some of my neighbors - so conviced of your own righteousness that you don't care who you hurt in the process. To "Oh Brother": You are clearly uninformed, since Pilgrim is EXACTLY the kind of church you suggest the offender go to - one that advertises itself as "open and affirming" and accepting of gays. To "Pilgim Father": I think you mischaracterize the church when you say they have no regard for the kids and parents at the preschool. After all, didn't you find out about the offender issue because the Pilgrim minister sent you a letter? Isn't that how Jessica learned about it and got on her high horse? To Everyone: Don't you see that no matter what this offender says, there will be some people who think he is still "dangerous" or "unrehabilitated?" Exactly how does a "repentant" sex offender act? Your opinion will probably be different from the next person's. The real question is, how do we deal with sex offenders in a country that is NOT Singapore, one where you supposedly serve a prison sentence, are rehabilitated and released to have another chance? Do we really want to be so barbaric as to say that all sex offenders should just be killed? Who gets to decide? And if we're going to kill sex offenders, then why not people with AIDS? What about gasys? And Blacks and Mexicans and Jews and ... YOU.
Be Gone wrote on Mar 19, 2007 9:04 AM:This man is getting far too much attention for his crimes. I wish there were an effective way to enforce "banishment" as a consequence. I would send him off by himself to live on an ice flow or in the wilderness, without provisions, without a moments hesitation--drop him off by helicopter into the wilderness and forget him.
Alf wrote on Mar 19, 2007 12:56 PM:What "Be Gone" and others do not see or are unwilling to accept is that, by law, this sort of thing will not go away. Wish in one hand and spit in the other, which one fills faster? If such a penalty could be written that complied with the Constitution, go for it, but it could only apply to those convicted after such a law was passed.
MP wrote on Mar 19, 2007 5:30 PM:To say that the ones you know about are not dangerous seems very naive. Just because they disclose that makes them safe? It would seem logical that these are people who are good at keeping secrets, and the assumption that they are being fully open and honest might not be a safe one. What needs to be determined is what is different in this person’s life now that makes them able and likely to control themselves when their old patterns come up. And having a “buddy” or even a team, as in the case of Pilgrim Church, does not address the fact that the children of this church are going to see this guy on a regular basis and either be scared to death of him (if they know his history) or learn that he is another friendly face from church. So what happens if he does have a problem, and searches one of them out? He’s not a stranger any more. I would say that since the outcome of this has been that he has lost his place to live, and his job, not to mention thrown an extremely liberal, caring church into turmoil over this that what his lesson here might be is that he is going to have to earn his way back into society - and just standing up and telling everyone who you are is perhaps a good start, but certainly is not enough to overcome the trust issues that society as a whole has about people who commit violent crimes against children. Perhaps asking to be accepted into an all adult worship situation might be a better place to start.
Alf wrote on Mar 19, 2007 8:23 PM:The "What if?" game, "MP", leads to the same conclusion for anything, does it not? The fact is that we all have to deal in the here and now. The list if "what ifs" in life is infinite, the list of "what are the problems now" brings to mind "sufficient unto the day, are the problems therein". If you want to play "what if", start with the person who made a stink and got this guy in the media in the first place, and then go about your other "what ifs". What if this guy actually gets another job, another place to live and never offends again? Or is that a "what if" that something you won't consider?
To It's Not Political wrote on Mar 20, 2007 1:26 PM:Great rambling story, except the difference is that your husband wasn't a sex offender and this guy actually IS. And by the way, the church sent the letter to the preschool parents LONG after Pliska had already attended the church and also after the church had ordered a keypad lock be placed on the preschool door. They had already made up their mind...then luckily this concerned parent got involved and actually questioned whether it was the right thing to do. Now she is being crucified while the sex offender is getting made into a hero. It's just plain backwards.
To To It's Not Political wrote on Mar 20, 2007 2:47 PM:A woman calls two television stations about something that involves the people in ONE pre-school and ONE church and ONE molester. This molester was to attend church services ON SUNDAY, the pre-school operates MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. That molester would NOT be near the pre-school while it was in session. If not for the purpose of harassment, destruction and getting HER name plastered in the news, why call TWO television stations?
Alf wrote on Mar 20, 2007 3:54 PM:Well, "To It's Not Political", "luckily this concerned parent got involved" in her own crucifiction by calling in the media hounds. That guy is no hero. The woman who called in the media did not need them
I-Give-Up wrote on Mar 21, 2007 10:09 AM:I'm not sure why you think she did it to harrass someone. She did it to protect children. Not just the children at the preschool...maybe you haven't been reading the previous postings...the church is located in a busy child-filled neighborhood with 3 schools within a half mile. This isn't JUST about the preschool...it's about bringing a violent sex offender into a neighborhood full of kids that wouldn't otherwise be exposed to this particular sex offender. There is a high school directly across the street. Yes, I know, it's sunday and there is no school on Sunday. Been to a high school on the weekends lately? There is ALWAYS some activity going on. It's not about harrassing this guy in particular...it's about protecting kids...all kids...from ANY known sex offenders. Since the story has been picked up by Fox and CNN and other large news outlets and they ALL seem to think that she did the right thing, I kind of wonder why there is this small group of people defending this guy so fervently. Have you got some kind of "bond" with this guy or something?
Scrimshaw wrote on Mar 21, 2007 10:40 AM:Pliska is not a threat in the Pilgrim Church environment or its preschool. He's obviously under too much scruitny there to be a problem. He knows that. To concentrate on that narrow issue ignores the broader one. And that is just how society deals with such offenders after they have been released from custody and served their time. How do we craft a law to handle this question within the bounds of the Constitution? How do we assure a continued protection for society from not only sexual offenders but all violent and felonious offenders after their release from custody; after they have "paid their debt"?
no justice wrote on Mar 21, 2007 11:49 AM:We need to make their debt to society much greater. A man stole some tools out of my garage when I was home and got 16 years for robbery. It's sickening that a violent child rapist owes society less than a man who steals some stupid old tools. If we put child rapists in jail for life without parole then at least we don't have to worry about that particular rapist hurting any more children. Destroy a child's life, go to prison for life. Sounds fair to me.
To I-Give-Up wrote on Mar 21, 2007 1:37 PM:We do have a bond, we are human beings. I, for one, find the idea of tossing them in jail for life, when they are tried a good idea. You can't drive molesters who have done their time away. Learn to live with it just like you live with all the other things in life that you don't like. Prop 83 had un-Constitutional parts in it and they are gone, because they were un-Constitutional. A realist deals with things as they are.
You've got to be kidding wrote on Mar 21, 2007 5:58 PM:If you think that the fact that Fox News and CNN ran this story that makes it the right thing to do.
Jessica and Others wrote on Mar 22, 2007 12:11 AM:Jessica, normally I'm sure your a nice gal, but just so you know, if you don’t attend Pilgrim on Sunday, and your kids are in the school only from Monday to Friday, you should have gone to the minister about it, and NOT calling the TV channels. You killed his home and job. Someone you have a problem, if he have a job and home, you know where he is, but when he doesn't have a job or home, you do NOT know where he is, that's your mistake. We pray for you and hope nobody get to you with the problems. When the guy's name was out, alot of problems happened. Your name is now out, so please keep safe. If he HAVE a job and a HOME, you know where he is. SHAME YOU. Oh, by the way, in Carlsbad, there are more 30 peoples from Megan Law Home are in Carlsbad. The peoples you don’t know where they are at, that’s your problem, NOT with the guy that wanted to join the Pilgrim Church. CNN said that too, so you know. Everyone else: the Church is taking it time, when the church maybe get him into the church. He wants to be with lord, enough said. The church helps everyone that other churchs don't help. Their words, "All are Welcome", and "God is still listening"
Hypotcrites wrote on Mar 22, 2007 9:19 AM:People at church practice to accept everyone, to allow everyone in their church, but when it comes to a child molestor they wont let him in. Those people are just hypotcrites.
To: To Jessica and Others wrote on Mar 22, 2007 11:33 AM:Amen, brother.
To Jessica and Others wrote on Mar 22, 2007 11:33 AM:Your heart is in the right place, but you were a bit hard to read.
Just to be clear... wrote on Mar 22, 2007 12:44 PM:Jessica is NOT a member of the Pilgrim Church, she has stated above that she is not religious. She is a Pilgrim Parent who's child(ren) attend the preschool during the week. It makes sense that she has approached this problem from a non-Christian viewpoint since that is not her concern. Please do not condemn the church members for her actions. Thank you.
PilgrimParent2 wrote on Mar 23, 2007 4:11 PM:And just to be clear, she DID go to the church first and they were fairly patronizing about the situation. If you heard Rev. Shockley on the radio talking to Ron Roberts then you might have a better understanding of how he chooses to address the situation...he talks in circles, tries to sound philosophical, and never actually addresses the real problem, all the while sounding just a little condescending. If he had actually taken the concerns of a concerned group of parents seriously and opened a truly meaningful dialogue with them, the media would probably have never been contacted. And although Jessica has reluctantly become the face of one point of view, she certainly represents a large number
