Religious leaders aren't more often predators

Editor:

The vast majority of clergy people and others who have influence in the lives of young people and vulnerable adults are wonderfully dedicated people, men and women who serve God and humanity with little or no public acclaim.

As to the number of people in the clergy being sex offenders, I would bet my last bologna sandwich that any group of people who have the same access to, and influence over, young people, if placed under the same microscope, would have an equal statistical number of offenders.

In our history as a nation, a number of teachers, Scout leaders, counselors and even parents have at times been convicted of being predators and sex offenders. In our judicial system, we are just beginning to require public identification of convicted sex offenders. Some civil rights groups are adamantly opposed to this as a violation of an individuals privacy rights.

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Why are we tolerating those groups and individuals who oppose the laws that would warn our society of predators? We give them free airtime on national TV and freely publish their writings. It is politically correct, thats why! We should send them a loud and clear message that anyone who sides with sexual terrorist is an enemy of the state.

If I had my way, (and its a good thing that I dont, since I am not the brightest bulb in the ceiling) all individuals convicted of sexual crimes would be castrated, and then punished by whatever laws we may have on the books for those convicted of sexually abusing anyone in our nation.

Naturally, and rightly so, more publicity is given to those offenders who are trusted to guide us spiritually. What is inconceivable to most intelligent people is the sickening fact that those who claim to represent God would sexually abuse others, especially children. I pity them when God requires an accounting from them!

Rev. Jerry H. Miller

Harlem