"Character is destiny.  You cannot escape your character.  You will not be better or worse than your character, but equal to it; because it is the truest measure of who you are. Your character is who you really are when no one is looking at you.  It is what governs your choices.  It is what restrains you from doing the wrong you would probably get away with; and what constrains you to do the good you would probably get away with not doing.  Character deficiency seeks to control the outcome by whatever means…We can’t control the outcome; but we can choose what path we will take to get there."

Cono Class of 2007 Graduation Speech

By Rev. Patrick Edouard

Covenant Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa

These are the words of a pastor who stands criminally accused of sexually abusing at least 4 women. This speech was delivered during the same time period which the alleged abuse took place.

Are you alarmed as you read his proclamation about the importance of good character?  Surprised by his seemingly blatant hypocrisy?

I am.

But then again, maybe I’m not. 

It’s a pattern I’ve seen before: if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

If it’s too smooth, too compelling, too mesmerizing, too much above reproach or incapable of flaw, then there may well be a critical reason to reinforce personal boundaries and proceed with caution.

He continued his message on character excellence with this:

"We look to you to rebuild the ruins that those who came before you created. While Cono was busy building the foundations in you, elsewhere many people were destroying those very foundations.  While you were here, nearly all the values that made America and the western world great—those Christian values that lay at the foundation of law, order, economic prosperity, science, medicine, and education—were systematically destroyed.

Your most important contribution to that world will be a Christian Character consistently lived out: Coram Deo" (before the presence of God).

In no way do I lay blame on anyone for not knowing what this pastor was really doing. Predators are very skilled at hiding their perverse agenda. They generally have many believers (in them) for a reason—they are good at what they do.

The language and covert behavior patterns of a predator leave people very confused. It’s extremely common for both victim and bystander to dismiss any red flags, especially when the one in question is a beloved pastor.

For the abuse victims, church community, and for this man’s devastated family, we at The Hope of Survivors understand your painful journey.  We’ve been down this road ourselves.  Our prayers are with you, as the days ahead will require strength and courage that God alone can provide.

If you are suffering, confused, or need help, please contact us.

More info about this story can be found here.