First of all, a big thank you to the law enforcement officers, public school teachers, counselors and other helpers in the community who work together to keep our children safe. We love that you all are doing this work and want you to know you’re appreciated.
In Washington state, law enforcement workers, public school teachers and other child protectors are required by law to report physical harm and sex abuse done to children. But, currently in Washington state, this law does not apply to pastors and clergy. Currently, these crimes against children can be kept secret, even from the children’s parents and guardians.
We must fix this.
On March 12, Pastor Robert Morris, the president’s spiritual adviser and pastor of Gateway Church in Texas, was indicted for child sex crimes. This is, in part, because both Texas and Oklahoma have pastor and clergy child protection laws in place.
Washington state Senate Bill 5375, The Protect The Children Bill, is currently moving through the process to hopefully become law. It would do what Texas and Oklahoma do and require pastors and clergy to join other child protectors to report crimes against children. Forty-seven other states have this same law in place, and so should we.
My grandkids will be coming up from Oregon for a visit soon, and believe you me, I’d feel better knowing that the legislation was already in place.
Our state Sen. John Braun has voted no on this bill. Maybe he can change that vote, I don’t know. In my view, Braun should have joined with all 28 of his other colleagues and voted yes.
Americans are right to be united on at least this one thing: That we all want our children to be safe and to have a bright future.
I have already done this, and I now ask each of you, if you can, please contact politicians Braun and state Reps. Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt and ask them to help protect our children and support SB5375.
Also, please, please share this information with your loved ones and with your pastors and churches. We all must unite as one, and protect the children.
Ray Chapman-Wilson
Centralia
Editor’s note: The law was passed by the Legislature after the submission of this letter to the editor. Read about it here: https://www.chronline.com/stories/washington-legislature-passes-bill-to-make-clergy-mandatory-reporters-of-child-abuse,378913
