Does this story explain why pedophilia is such a huge problem among christians?

"such a huge problem"

Is it?

I acknowledge that it's a horrible problem that needs addressing, but there have been far more pedophiles found in the (secular) schooling system, in many western countries. In proportion with other organizations that involve contact with minors, most church networks are not so bad at all (though obviously still an issue that needs addressing, and is being addressed).

Jobs that involve contact with children inevitably attract pedophiles. It has always been that way.

To answer your question, no I don't think it explains much other than the prevalent "us v them" attitude which is not so much a problem with the church but a problem with many cultures in certain parts of America who are derived from originally very isolated communities up until the last century, so have an array of underlying social integration problems resulting from that.

Really, I think it's further testament to how corrupt and selfish humans can be even when they outwardly appear to have good intentions.

And no, I AM ashamed for those people and their decision to defend that deacon. But perhaps it might be partly due to disbelief in someone they thought they knew so well could stoop that low and do such a horrific thing? It's very likely.

Also, consider the calibre of 'news' your story comes from.

It's tabloid sh*t that panders to a very primitive yearning for very biased instances of controversy.

Consider that it's only making the news because it is so outrageous, and it unfortunately isn't 'outrageous' enough when a high school teacher is discovered to have been sexually abusing a minor, which occurs far more often.

It is a typical example of how some men in positions of authority in churches close ranks to defend their peers. They care not about the flock they are supposed to be looking after.

Of course, if the accuser is a known liar, there would be need for caution in blindly accepting their word - for anything. However, lying is a serious sin for a Christian, because liars will not inherit the Kingdom, the Bible warns us. It is unusual for a person accusing another of having raped them (especially if the rape happened when they were little children) to be lying. It can happen, but it is far less likely they are lying than is the person they accuse!

Sometimes men in positions of authority in a church are so revered by the flock, they think they are being loyal to God if they defend that man when accused of pedophilia. This is exactly what pedophiles count on! They deliberately work their way into groups where there are children, to attain a position of trust. This happens all over the place, not just in churches! The problem you highlight is exactly the same among politicians, and show-biz 'stars', and Social Service workers, and Adoption Agencies.

It is a huge problem among sexual predators (who are mainly men) and is by no means predominant among Christians. That is the fault with your question. You will find this problem across the entire range of society, in every group where there are children, and adults who are given positions of responsibility and respect.

I am a retired teacher. Pedophilia is a big problem in the public school system. It's also a big problem in the little league sports system and foster child care. Pedophiles seek jobs or volunteer positions where they can have access to children and easily gain the trust of adults.

The Catholic Church requires all people working with children to take classes that teach them how to recognize a pedophile grooming a child. It usually looks very innocent, and those not trained to recognize it might dismiss frequent hands on a kid's shoulders, "accidentally" bumping against a child, or taking an excessive interest in one child as innocent.

It's better to look at what adults in various organizations can do to protect children than to blame it on Christians. That does nothing to help kids.

The claim that pedophilia is more prevalent in Christian groups is not supported by the evidence of this one case, that is pure hyperbole, and unless you are simply trolling, you should know better. What is significant is that this specific Christian congregation is so dysfunctional that they are protecting the perpetrator, and attacking a minor child who is the victim. At best it demonstrates why the legal system is safer in secular hands. It shows clearly that a religious sect always has a vested interest in preserving their reputation, and thereby retaining membership and tithes as a revenue stream, so it may be financially motivated to act in a manner obstructive to justice.

There is a great amount of false religion that are wolves! Posing as Christians. christians can be identified by one sure thing!

Christians go preaching teaching and disciple making each and everyday and behave like Jesus taught!

I can call myself a ladies doctor and advertise myself as one and I will get to examine a lot of womens body!

That is until its found out I'm a doctor of computer science!!!!

You pull one story and attempt to proclaim its a "huge problem among Christians?" Dude. The Catholic church has had a problem with it, but that is the first story I have heard ever about a Christian, and the media has an anti-Christian slant for sure, and I keep up. So when I read your question I just read "I hate Christians, and their God, too", like so many others.

I don't think it's that paedophilia is a Christian problem. Paedophiles get into positions of power where they can be around children. Being a clergy person is one job that attracts them, but they could also be teachers, coaches or anywhere that children are likely to be. It wouldn't be a bit surprising if paedophiles who are clergy people are actually atheists, pretending to believe in God, just to get the job so they can be near kids. Of course when they are caught they will use their faith to try to gain sympathy from their congregation, but faith to them is just a means of manipulation.

THOSE Christians have no shame.

The vast majority, and I mean VAST, are completely normal people with no such problem. Everybody has small quirks, but most of them are completely harmless.

Same old story, saving face.

Ity is better to allow this to get covered up than to cast that shadow on their creepy preachers.

Such reflects poorly on the church if it gets out.

What is so stupid is the fact that a cover-up reflects worse.

Why they are not smart enough to get rid of these guys is very telling.

Preachers and pretense ahead of family or doing what is right.

Women are always wrong in certain fundamentalist sects.