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----- Original Message -----
Monday, November 22, 2004 7:52:22 AM
Bulk Message
The following is for your information to assist St. Davids, Tsawwassen, in ensuring that only factual information is circulated regarding the situation there that has been widely reported in the media.
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Statement made by the Rev. Paul Woehrle, rector of St. David's, Tsawwassen, to members of the congregation on Sunday, November 21:
Many of you will have read the front-page headline and story in yesterday's Delta Optimist or the stories in the Vancouver Sun and Province. I think it is fair to say that we have all been traumatized by these accounts.
The first concern everyone has had and continues to have is the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of children, both here and in Mexico.
Secondly, we have kept parents, members of our congregation, and the authorities informed (including the Child Protection Services in the Ministry of Children and Family Development). Our leadership disclosed the reason for Brad's arrest (and the nature of the allegations against him) to the children who were on our last service trip to Mexico and their parents. We have made weekly updates to the congregation, and have asked people to come forward with any concerns they have. We have granted interviews will all media outlets that have requested one.
Thirdly, we are concerned about Brad Firth, our youth pastor of 13 years. As you know, Brad was arrested July 15 in Mexico and has been incarcerated in that country since then. The Mexican legal system is very different from our Canadian one, and he has not been charged in the Canadian sense. However there have been allegations relating to the sexual abuse about three years ago of a Mexican child. These allegations do not involve any children from St. David's. We realize Brad is in a very harsh place in a very difficult position. Under our system of justice he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process of law.
Today, The Reign of Christ, I did on-camera interviews between services with CTV and Global. There were print media interviews following our 11:00 service. We held an information session as well (following our Newcomers' Luncheon) for the parish. About 100 people were there. It was a good time of sharing. We are all at different places emotionally. We have two professional counselors who are donating their services and have proven helpful already. They will be present when we meet with two different youth group gatherings this week (parents invited).
In closing, although I am disappointed at the disclosure that resulted in the stories in the media, I want to underline that for the protection of children and to ensure a fair trial we are trying to be as responsible with the information as possible, and everyone in the congregation is called to do the same. We must be very careful and stick only to facts, not allowing rumours to circulate. This is consistent with our Baptismal Covenant - that as Christians, we are called to respect the dignity of every human being - especially those who are vulnerable and cannot defend themselves.
This is a very difficult situation, but our children are currently safe, and Brad also needs fair treatment and our prayers.
Paul Woehrle
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