It would be appropriate to talk very frankly to a former child abuser, strongly cautioning
him as to the dangers of hugging or holding children on his lap and that he should never be in the
presence of a child without another adult being present. This may prevent putting that one in the
way of temptation or unfounded accusation. At the same time, it is good to remember that the
Bible, at Matthew 12:31 and I Corinthians 6:9-11, shows it is possible for a person to stop his or
her wrongful course, repent, and thereafter live in harmony with God's righteous standards. This
is true of all wrongdoers-even a former child abuser.
While it is unscriptural to say that a former child abuser could never enjoy exemplary
privileges of service in the congregation, certainly the elders will want to be very cautious, especially
when one had repeatedly engaged in this kind of wrongdoing or had been disfellowshipped
for such an offense.