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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I just heard from the minister again. Someone leaked a scan of the invitation in the comments on this wedding on Facebook. I’m trying now to ascertain the source of the links. I think we all have jumped the gun and have rushed to judgment in the same way others jump to judgment on us. We assumed the worst right off the rip.
My name is Pastor Rick Backus – I wish someone from this organization had contacted me prior to writing this BLOG – Because the facts are simply wrong. I have replied to everyone who has emailed me so far but let me set the record straight. No one – absolutely no one from my congregation complained about this wedding. There was a viral post on Facebook that caused (at least) two groups of people to decide they were going to form a large protest, storm our grounds and disrupt this wedding. In the comments section there were death threats and threats of physical harm to the groom (which have been turned over to police). I made the decision to cancel the wedding for the safety and welfare of all concerned – the bride and groom, their wedding party, and all those who were supposed to attend – as well as the church (both congregation and property) and the community at large. I spoke with the Bride and Groom and we felt it was best that they have their wedding in a private and undisclosed location where their safety could be assured. Our congregation welcomes them to worship with us ( and anyone else who is seeking Christ). I preach and we believe in the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ and the fact we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God and no one is beyond that redemption. I hope this brings some clarity to my decision. Thank you and God Bless.
Thank you Pastor Backus – the news came from the Post Star (https://poststar.com/blogs/don_lehman/blog-church-pulls-plug-on-sex-offender-s-wedding/article_2d441ae6-f02c-5499-a460-19f9125938be.html)
The story stated, “Pastor Rick Backus said that he was aware Saladin had been accused of child sexual abuse after the wedding was booked, but in light of the fact he hadn’t been convicted the wedding was going to be allowed. But after he was sentenced last week, Backus said it was decided the church would not allow the ceremony under the circumstances.” Which indicated that the decision to cancel the wedding was based on him being convicted.
I appreciate your desire to set the record straight on our Forum and your willingness to publicly welcome the couple to your church. You might also want to set the record straight with the Post Star, specifically the journalist responsible for the story (dlehman@poststar.com) because his reporting of your motivation for cancelling the wedding differs from this, far more humane, reason.
I sent the response from Pastor Rick to the author mentioning his story DID NOT reflect the said response.
Thank you, Pastor Rick, for your responsiveness in helping clear this up.
Just sent this to the email provided.
So you wouldn’t allow a sex offender to get married in your church? Seems to me that there are more catholic priests that are child molesters and remain in the church. Do you even know what it takes to be labeled a sex offender? Did you know if you are caught peeing outside where you thought no one was around can get you slapped with the label the rest of your life? How many child touching priests should have that label but don’t. I thought church was to forgive people for their sins. Wasn’t prison and probation and a lifetime of being publicly shamed enough pay for the sin of being labeled a sex offender. By the way not all offenders are child molesters. I didn’t get touch anyone and was even 100’s of miles away from my “victim” whom the judge found to be an adult undercover officer who willing participated. Don’t judge people on their past but judge them in the present.
Response from Pastor Rick:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Saladin Wedding. Matthew 7:1 says “Judge not, that you be judged.” It’s true that after we’ve removed the speck from our own eye – we can judge the “Actions” of another Christian – but what we can never judge is motive. Especially when we don’t have the facts. In a case like adultery or theft – the motive is pretty clear – but in this case – you simply do not have all the facts. When a post on Facebook went viral, two groups decided that they were going to form protests and storm our grounds and disrupt the wedding. If you haven’t had your head in the sand and have watched the news at all – you can see what happens at these protests – many times they turn violent – In the comments section where this was being discussed there were both death threats and threats of physical harm to David (The Groom) (which have been turned over to police). Ultimately, I made the decision to cancel the wedding for the safety of everyone involved (The Bride and Groom, Wedding party, those attending, our church – both congregation and property, and the community at large). I Spoke with David and his fiancĂ© and they agreed that it would be best to have their wedding in private in an undisclosed location where their safety could be assured. I preach and believe in the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ and that no one is beyond that redemption. My congregation feels the same way. David and his fiancĂ© are more than welcome to attend our church for services as is anyone who is seeking Christ. I hope this has given you some clarity. Thank you and God Bless.
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Pastor Rick
Perhaps we all jumped the gun on this one, eh? This is how rumors start. I ask that FAC now DOUBLE CHECK the validity of all stories BEFORE posting. We’ve had enough of fake news in our society. Thank you.
I personally think jumping the gun is well within our expectations especially in regard to the registry. If it serves a forced response that is supportive then so be it.
There is so much to say on this matter. Will the madness find a door mat not welcome?
There is a booklet in prison I found, Our daily bread, and they have counselors available if you purchase the bigger version of their booklet. We exchanged letters and the final one I received read that I am inherently evil. So much for that. At Beaumont Tx federal correctional low the Complex Chaplain preached in his sermon that all are forgiven under the Lord unless however you put your hands on a child. I stood up and clarified the issue before leaving the chapel. I tried the Buddhist services till they found out about my conviction.
I was kicked out of every church but for the Wicken/Druid services from two prisons and the Jewish/Christian services from another. Over the course of 13 1/2 years I tried so very hard to seek out spritual guidance from within prison walls to no avail. I guess what I’m tryin to say is if I had the ear of any preacher that crumbles to the sinful wishes of their congregation is, I’ve been kicked out of better churches than this and I found the peace I was looking for in my personal relationship with my creator. If I am to be condemned for my actions then maybe you will be also. 🧙‍♂️🗿🙏🏼👽
Letter sent with a broken heart.