I’m sure all would agree that sexual child abuse should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The question remains, however, should the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ Texas compound have been searched? Should children have been taken away from parents solely on an “alleged” accusation from an unknown caller?
The United States is admired throughout the world because its judicial system declares that suspects are “innocent until proven guilty.” Texas Child Protective Services say it launched the April raid on the church after receiving an alleged anonymous tip from a 16-year-old young woman named “Sarah.” The caller said her 49-year-old husband was abusing her. Now officials suspect the call was made from Rozita Swinton, “a person of interest” who was arrested Wednesday at her home in Colorado Springs. Was she the caller? We don’t know yet, and officials won’t say. We do know she has a history of making false accusations.
All of this creates questions such as: When a state or government uses unverified accusations to procure search warrants, is that potentially dangerous? Left unchecked could such warrants subject states to unnecessary lawsuits? What civil rights, separation of church and state issues, for example, were violated by good intentions to protect children? Did the state act too fast? Why did the judge issue a search warrant at a church with nothing more than an unverified accusation?
Should these children be removed from their parents’ custody? Texas District Judge Barbara Walther ruled Friday that 416 children should remain in state custody and be genetically tested because of “evasive or changing answers.” Dr. Bruce Perry, a psychiatrist who has studied children in cults, testified that the girls have been indoctrinated to believe disobedience will lead to their damnation. Will the State of Texas put the religion of this church on trial now?
When asked if the church’s belief system endangered the children, Perry said, “I have lost sleep over that question.” Four women testified on Friday that they would do whatever it took to get their children returned to them.
This is surely going to be an interesting case that will take months to sort out while the world watches. What say you? Should these children be genetically tested? Did the State of Texas do the right thing?
As a Christian, a mother, and student of the law, I am overwhelmed with an array of diversified thoughts and sentiment. First, as a parent I must say that I do agree that the State of Texas should not have removed the children based solely on the grounds of an accusation. However, I do believe that the allegation should have been taken seriously and a very thorough investigation should have been conducted prior to removal of children. I would not like to think that anyone would remove my children from my care merely on an accusation.
Secondly, as a student of the law and a child advocate, I agree with the concern of the Judge Walther and her ruling to order DNA testing. It is impossible to release 416 children when you have difficulties determining the relationships between the children and the adults at the compound. Although as stated earlier, I don’t believe it was appropriate to remove the children solely on an accusation, I do believe what is in the best interest of these children, must be considered. Warren Jeff, the former leader of this Sect was convicted on September 25, 2007 of two counts of rape as an accomplice for performing a marriage between a 14-year-old girl to her 19-year-old cousin. On November 20, 2007, he was sentenced to imprisonment for 10 years to life and has begun serving his sentence at the Utah State Prison. As such, it is imperative that the tests are done in order to prevent more of these rapes via marriage of little girls to grown men and also to prosecute those who have violated these children in this regard.
Finally, as a believer, I have been challenged through this article to “think” as opposed to accepting things as they are reported. I must also look at the greater picture and the lurking principles and views which are being subliminally asserted. It is time for us to speak the truth whether it’s the current popular opinion or not. Thank God for The Voice Magazine and Blog – for how can we hear unless there is a preacher?
Because of what I have been taught, I do not believe in the ways and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (COJCOLDS). So I am not sure if the compound should have been searched and the children taken away if they did not have specific confirmed proof of maltreatment. I disagree with the alleged incestuous ways and mistreatment of persons in the group; but this religion is not the only religion doing wrong practices in this world. There are so many people who “say” they believe in God; but we still hear about their abusive behavior towards women, children, and others as well. And it’s still NOT right whether you’re religious or not and whether you believe in God or not. Even the most well-meaning people do some bad or sinful things the world over. And to God, sin is sin! But we don’t expect to be invaded and captured by government.
I don’t know a lot about the teachings of the COJCOLDS; but because they keep their children close and away from others in society, I do wonder about the major concerns going on today… Do they have serious problems like the rest of us where their kids and teens run wild, drink to excess, and use illegal drugs which are killing our nation’s kids and young adults? And even if genetic testing is done, what will it benefit or prove? The kids are already here now. Maybe they would find that everybody would have to go into the “one” same family. That’s a whole lotta kids for one old mother and father to bring up. If they do find a different gene, would the government take that child from the mother and put him/her into another family?
All I do know is what Jesus said in Matt 18:6 and Luke 17:2…And Jesus’ word is for “EVERYBODY”, not just for the ones who “we” judge His word should apply to. He said that “WHOEVER” causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin; and that it is IMPOSSIBLE that NO offenses should come, but “WOE” to him through whom they DO come! He said that it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea than that he should offend one of these little ones. We should ALL think about this… very seriously.