UPDATED: NY Church cancels sex offender’s wedding
THIS STORY IS AMENDED. PASTOR RICK RESPONDED TO OUR POST (SEE COMMENTS) AND TO THOSE WHO WROTE HIM.
I AM KEEPING THIS STORY UP BECAUSE THE REPORTING FROM THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, THE POST STAR, RECOUNTS THE EVENTS DIFFERENTLY FROM PASTOR RICK AND PERHAPS THE REPORTER DESERVES THE FOCUS OF OUR EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS, NOT THE PASTOR.
WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE PASTOR RICK’S RESPONSE TO OUR MEMBERS AND HOPE HE IS SINCERE IN HIS MESSAGE THAT ALL ARE WELCOME IN HIS CHURCH.
A wedding that was scheduled to take place this Saturday at South Granville Congregational Church in New York, was cancelled after individuals pressured the pastor, Rick Backus, to not allow the wedding to take place because the groom was convicted of a sexual offense.
Apparently, many in the community reached out to the church opposing the wedding and even suggested they would protest during the ceremony. Pastor Backus wound up telling the couple they could not marry in his church.
Ironically, when you Google the church their descriptor begins, “Loving God * Loving Each Other * Loving our Neighbors“. Perhaps they should change that to “loving some of our neighbors”.
Should anyone want to share your thoughts with the Pastor, he can be reached at PastorRick@SlateValleyShepherd.org
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Well, if a church or the church im currently attending decides that im not welcome there because of my past, then that’s a church that does not “walk it’s talk” an why should i follow in those footsteps. You in the bible where it talks about people that will be left behind, it mentions that some pastors will left behind an they will telling God ” Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’, besides all of that if there was death threats an pastor gave that info to the police then the police would have been there to protect the public, which is apart of there job description. Most likely neither one of the two groups would’ve shown up anyways but they got what they wanted, that’s all they were gonna do & the pastor let them win. In law enforcement they call that ” a Terrorist Act!”
How easily some professed “believers” forget something that the New Testament says. Matthew 7:[12] “All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets.” And, what the accusation the pharisees made against Christ. Luke 15: 2 “[2] And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. “
I DO NOT think we went overboard in these responses, nor do I think we should be apologetic. We’re talking about a potential American holocaust, here. If the word gets out concerning how aggressive we are in our protection efforts, especially if it forces a supportive response then so be it.
Thanks FAC for you kind response to Pastor Rick.
Just heard back from the minister. They suspect his ex-wife as his son had an invitation. That makes perfect sense, nothing like a vindictive ex to make trouble. This rings true to me. We need to take down our hateful comments. The problem came from his ex and outsiders caused the stink. The church acted to protect the registrant; not shun him. I have no reason to believe the minister is lying. The minister met with the couple and they unanimously decided to wed in private due to the stink that had been stirred up on Facebook. The minister resoundingly says the couple would be welcomed with open arms. I have no grounds on which to doubt him or call him a liar. I hope you all will be as fair to him and you expect society to be with us.
I got the same response and sent an apology. I can see where we were so quick to jump on this but clearly it was in the best interest of the couple.