Church knew of allegations

Suzanne Goldman and Suzanne Wilton, CanWest News Service

Regina Leader-Post

CALGARY -- Officials at a Calgary church have admitted they were aware of an allegation of wrongdoing against an adult volunteer at his previous church but allowed him to continue working in youth programs under increased supervision for two years.

Police have charged the volunteer with sexually abusing three girls under the age of 14 at Centre Street Church.

According to a statement made by Brian Spiers of Westview Baptist Church during Sunday morning services, church staff investigated the allegations against the volunteer but found no corroborating evidence. As a result, the man was permitted to continue working in church programs.

"Unproven allegations are very difficult for a church to deal with," said Dayle Medgett, senior pastor of Westview church, after the service.

Although officials declined to comment on the nature of the allegation or how they learned about it, they said the man worked for three years as a missions co-ordinator and parent volunteer in the youth program -- but was never alone with children.

Medgett said upon learning of the allegation the church placed the volunteer under "increased accountability conditions."

He declined to explain those conditions.

Church officials also reiterated that none of the charges against the volunteer related to incidents involving the Westview Baptist Church.

The man has resigned from his position at the church.

Police arrested Kelly Malcolm Grant last week and laid 14 sex-related charges against him in connection with allegations of abuse against three girls at the Centre Street Church between 1994 and 2003.

The charges followed a two-year investigation. It's alleged some of the incidents took place at church retreats out of town.

Grant was a volunteer in Centre Street's youth ministry before leaving that church about two years ago.

Since then, Grant, his wife and three children have been attending Westview Baptist Church.

During services Sunday, Medgett asked his congregation to pray for the family of Grant and all those involved. He then delivered a planned sermon on forgiveness.

Medgett said the church has tried to provide support and encouragement to Grant's family and all those involved.

Westview has extensive safeguards for volunteers, including criminal background checks, interviews, and risk-assessment training, Medgett has said.

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/story.html?id=15a1a8fd-e80b-4bbb-8efd-cf821b6c76d1

See also:  "Man faces 14 counts in church sex assault case," Edmonton Sun, 10/6/07