Oregon Youth Pastor Accused of Sexual Abuse
Buried in today's headline news, beneath devastating images of Japan's deadly earthquake, and tsunami warnings throughout the entire Pacific region, lies another story of an abusive pastor.
The Youth Pastor of Willamette Community Church, a large evangelical congregation in Albany, Oregon, has been accused of luring a minor for sex.
Here's a snip from Margy Lynch, of KATU News:
"Police allege 24-year-old Sean Feltman used his position of power to engage in explicit conversations with a 14-year-old girl in his church’s youth group."
At this point, authorities are concerned that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. And, as we at The Hope of Survivors know, there all too often are.
More here:
“Our concern is you have somebody acting in the role of youth pastor (and) he’s in a position of authority and power and parents are entrusting this person with their children,” said Capt. Eric Carter with the Albany Police Department. “In this case we’ve been able to show that he broke that trust.”
Lately, it seems that there's an increased understanding of the power/trust dynamic among those in law enforcement. Of course there's always heightened alarm where the sexual abuse of children is concerned. But the sexual abuse of anyone, regardless of age, is disturbing. Especially when involving a trusted spiritual leader.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the young victim, her family, and the entire congregation of Willamette Community Church, as they work through the painful information they'll be learning about in the near future.
And with all pastoral sexual abuse victim, everywhere.
If you would like more information on how to work through this type of an issue, please contact us.
Posted by AnnetteA at 3/11/2011 10:39 AM 
Categories: In The News
Tags: sean feltman pastor sexual abuse willamette community church oregon
Categories: In The News
Tags: sean feltman pastor sexual abuse willamette community church oregon
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