Sex Offender To Become

[Homicidalheathen]

Sex offender could become priest in Russian Orthodox Church

StoryDiscussionFont Size: Default font size Larger font size By Scripps Howard News Service | Thursday, January 10, 2008 | 9 comment(s)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A registered sex offender who served more than a year in prison for sexually abusing minors is wearing robes that signal he has taken a first step toward priesthood in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Terenty Dushkin, 26, was installed as a lay reader of the liturgy last month by Bishop Nikolai, the church's highest-ranking official in Alaska. Church officials say they did so knowingly.

``This is not a scandal in any way,'' said Chancellor Archimandrite Isidore, the church's No. 2 official here.

``The church believes everyone is redeemable. We don't think people are necessarily damaged goods that have to be locked away.''

But Dushkin's investiture appears to violate the Orthodox Church in America's policy on such matters, which states that ``no layperson shall commit, attempt to commit, or engage in any act of sexual misconduct.''

Alaska church officials knew about Dushkin's past when they ``tonsured'' him as a reader for St. Innocent Cathedral at a ceremony in early December.

In 2004 -- the year he was charged with 11 sex crimes -- Dushkin was a student at St. Herman's Theological Seminary in Kodiak, which prepares students for Orthodox priesthood.

Dushkin could not be reached for comment.

As a reader, he wears robes that identify him as an official celebrant at church services. That's troublesome, said a California woman who runs a Web site that tracks sex abuse in Orthodox churches.

``He's not going to be hearing confessions or blessing houses, but he is going to be wearing a robe during the services, and that gives him an aura of authority,'' said Melanie Sakoda, who started www.pokrov.org several years ago in response to allegations of abuse within the church.

``He can come to church, he can go to communion,'' Sakoda said. ``But he doesn't need to be a reader. He doesn't need to go even that far on the path toward clergy.''

A reader ``is regarded as one of the first steps toward priesthood, the first rank or order of priesthood,'' said Andrew Jarmus, director of communication for the Orthodox Church in America in Syosset, N.Y.

Jarmus wouldn't comment on Nikolai's choice to tonsure a convicted sex offender.

But Isidore, who said he doesn't think Dushkin has ambitions to become a priest, said readers are like altar boys. They aren't clerics, he said, and they function only under the direction and supervision of a priest.

If anything, Dushkin is under greater supervision as a reader than as a regular member of the church, Isidore said. ``It keeps him at the altar.''

The tonsuring of a convicted sex offender wrapped up a difficult year for Alaska's Russian Orthodox Church.

Last summer, national church leaders investigated Isidore on charges of inappropriate sexual conduct with a former missionary. The allegations were dismissed.

``I don't see this as a continuation of the regrettable events of this summer,'' he said of the church's choice to tonsure Dushkin.

In a plea agreement with prosecutors, Dushkin was convicted on two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and one count of exploitation of a minor, a charge that came from a sex tape featuring him and two females, one of them 17 years old. It was filmed with Dushkin's camera and discovered by police at Dushkin's home in Unalaska, according to court documents.

The rest of the original 11 charges were dismissed.

The convictions involve Dushkin having sex on several occasions, from 2002 to 2004, with girls who were 13 and 14 years when the sex started.

``(W)hat may have been a youthful indiscretion on Mr. Dushkin's part has long since been repented,'' Isidore said in a written statement.

In an interview, Isidore claimed Dushkin's crimes weren't predatory in nature. ``From my understanding, it was a situation that could be termed statutory rape -- which albeit is wrong, but very much different than molesting a child, for example.''

Isidore said church officials consulted an attorney before tonsuring Dushkin.

He said church officials weren't deterred by the sex scandals that have plagued the Roman Catholic Church recently, some of which unfolded in Alaska, where scores of youths were abused by priests and other church officials.

``The church doesn't operate based on public opinion,'' Isidore said.

(I spelled priest wrong but its early)

[Head Wreck]

by the sounds he should join the catholic church

[predaking]

by the sounds he should join the catholic church

no kidding

[Dollardave]

I find this story VERY disturbing cuz I'm a Christian and expect nothing but the best behavior from my Reverends or Priests when I go to a church.

[Hellion]

I think this criminal needs a bullet in the head

[Fierce Critter]

Sigh.

I hate what these sick bastards have done to the reputation of the Catholic church in particular.

These monsters, and the monsters in positions of power in the Church who sweep it under the table and/or exuse it.

Sigh.

[Onyx]

It is very sick, but these wastes of humanity are everywhere, in all organizations and all professions.

None of them should be allowed to be around children though. Sad they they are considering it.

[Destroit]

That's fucked up. I wouldn't put it past the church to let him be a priest, either, which is easily more fucked up.

Smart guy though. I mean think about it, you want food you go to a grocery store. You want drugs you go to a dealer. You want a Slurpee? Stop in at 7-11.

When you have an insatiable love for young boy flesh...become a priest!

This man's logic is flawless Too bad the logic of the church isn't.

[jadnifer]

This is very disturbing to me. But then again, you dont know everything about everyone. There are probably more of these priests out there that have done the same thing and we just dont know about it.

It's so sad to think that they would even consider making him a priest. Anyone can SAY that they have repented, but some things a person is just never cured of and what he did is one of those things.

This man should NOT be a priest.

[hunhee]

Wow, ever heard of forgiveness, seeing the error of one's ways, and repenting?

What happened to understanding and tolerance?

Sometimes people just need support and someone to believe in them (it's called reform). It looks like there was great thought put into this decision.

Let he who is free of sin, cast the first stone...

[Onyx]

Wow, ever heard of forgiveness, seeing the error of one's ways, and repenting?

What happened to understanding and tolerance?

Sometimes people just need support and someone to believe in them (it's called reform). It looks like there was great thought put into this decision.

Let he who is free of sin, cast the first stone...

Sure, that is true people reform.

I'm not suggesting he not be allowed in church, but to me allowing him to become a priest is like an alcoholic choosing to be a bartender. Not the best choice.

[freydis]

Wow, ever heard of forgiveness, seeing the error of one's ways, and repenting?

What happened to understanding and tolerance?

Sometimes people just need support and someone to believe in them (it's called reform). It looks like there was great thought put into this decision.

Let he who is free of sin, cast the first stone...

Some things are beyond forgiveness.

It says he served time for "sexually abusing minors".

Plural. As in more than one.

And now they're putting him in a position of *trust*, where he'll come in contact with minors?

No.

Had it been a different job, say a car mechanic...... a cook.... something else, why not? But a Priest?

Not good.

[odims_sphere]

Sure, that is true people reform.

I'm not suggesting he not be allowed in church, but to me allowing him to become a priest is like an alcoholic choosing to be a bartender. Not the best choice.

That's not necessarily true. Priests are no more likely to molest children than any other profession that involves minors, it's just more high profile when they get caught due to the high moral standard they are held to by society. Following that logic he shouldn't be allowed in any job that has contact with children. That could be a good idea, but as Hunhee said, what about forgiveness and repenting? How can the church teach those things yet not practice them?

[Hellion]

IMO any person who molests kids needs to be used as target practice on a shooting range,you cannot rehabilitate these pieces of S$#t!!the site called Rottenneighbor.com is a good source if you want to know who is living down your street.

[hunhee]

Sure, that is true people reform.

I'm not suggesting he not be allowed in church, but to me allowing him to become a priest is like an alcoholic choosing to be a bartender. Not the best choice.

How is that the correct analogy? I could see if he was asked to be a Jr. High - High School teacher, that would be like an alcoholic choosing to be a bartender, but he's choosing to serve God. If the church is aware of his social weaknesses, wouldn't you believe that they wouldn't make him a minister of the Sunday School?

It doesn't look like he took any of the girls by force, and in that case, shame on him, and shame on the girl's parents. I'm not saying that he should be excused from torment, and it doesn't look like he's trying to excuse himself from torment.

Don't you think that this person KNOWs he will be watched very carefully? You would think there are SO many different professions he could still get into, why would he CHOOSE this one? He's definitely not taking the easy path, looks like he's trying to openly reform.

Or were you merely commenting on the high moral fiber of what the priests are supposed to stand for. In that case, you can chalk it up to them believing that every sin, is of equal value. If you're willing to ask for forgiveness, then you should be granted that forgiveness. Or is that just for God and Jesus to do?

I guess I should have really made the intent of my post clear. If I were catholic, I would have found some of the above comments offensive. If I were a Christian, I would have found the comments of the "known" Christians above offensive, because their whole religion is based on forgivness, and acceptance when someone truly asks for it. It seemed they were not choosing to be either.

AND the other point is, just because someone has no recorded prior past, doesn't mean they don't have the potential to be monsters. I commend this man on owning up to his shortfallings.

[hunhee]

IMO any person who molests kids needs to be used as target practice on a shooting range,you cannot rehabilitate these pieces of S$#t!!the site called Rottenneighbor.com is a good source if you want to know who is living down your street.

I'm not even going to talk about the "allegations" for the 13 & 14 year olds, because those were dismissed. The only evidence was the video tape of the sexual situation between him and two other girls. Only ONE of them being 17, doesn't mention how old the other woman was, and if she were of age, why wasn't she also brought up on charges of molesting a minor?

Now you've gotta ask yourself, how many 17 year olds do you know? How many of them LOOK 17 or even ACT like a minor. It also doesn't say how old this Dunskin person is. Would it be wrong if he were only 18 himself? How many of you had girlfriends/boyfriends who were 15-17 when you were 18? You could have been put into Dunskin's shoes if you had stupidly recorded the sexual act.

I'm just saying that there's a story behind everything. I know a lot of girls when I was younger that always lied about their age, and said they were 18 when they were only 14-16. I'm not making excuses, but I'm just saying there could always be room for honest mistakes.

[freydis]

How is that the correct analogy? I could see if he was asked to be a Jr. High - High School teacher, that would be like an alcoholic choosing to be a bartender, but he's choosing to serve God. If the church is aware of his social weaknesses, wouldn't you believe that they wouldn't make him a minister of the Sunday School?

It doesn't look like he took any of the girls by force, and in that case, shame on him, and shame on the girl's parents. I'm not saying that he should be excused from torment, and it doesn't look like he's trying to excuse himself from torment.

Don't you think that this person KNOWs he will be watched very carefully? You would think there are SO many different professions he could still get into, why would he CHOOSE this one? He's definitely not taking the easy path, looks like he's trying to openly reform.

Or were you merely commenting on the high moral fiber of what the priests are supposed to stand for. In that case, you can chalk it up to them believing that every sin, is of equal value. If you're willing to ask for forgiveness, then you should be granted that forgiveness. Or is that just for God and Jesus to do?

I guess I should have really made the intent of my post clear. If I were catholic, I would have found some of the above comments offensive. If I were a Christian, I would have found the comments of the "known" Christians above offensive, because their whole religion is based on forgivness, and acceptance when someone truly asks for it. It seemed they were not choosing to be either.

AND the other point is, just because someone has no recorded prior past, doesn't mean they don't have the potential to be monsters. I commend this man on owning up to his shortfallings.

Also...... he didnt choose to become a priest *after* commiting his crimes. The article says *while he was a student at the seminary* he committied 11 sex crimes. This isn't a man wanting to become a priest after repenting.

I'm sorry, I still don't think it's appropriate.

Granted, I'm not a Christian, and my own religious brethren would treat a man like him among their people decidedly differently.

To say the least, he wouldn't be allowed among clergy.

[freydis]

Got some more details googling the dude's name.

He had sex with several underaged girls (ages 13-15). He had sex with and videotaped a 17 year old.

He was 22.

[hunhee]

Yeah I googled too, and also the actual meanings of the offenses he was convicted for. He's a turd. Commence stone throwing.

[xbittergracex]

Wow, ever heard of forgiveness, seeing the error of one's ways, and repenting?

What happened to understanding and tolerance?

Sometimes people just need support and someone to believe in them (it's called reform). It looks like there was great thought put into this decision.

Let he who is free of sin, cast the first stone...

I really do understand what you're saying here....and in most instances, I agree with you 1000%....HOWEVER......

I don't care WHAT you're mental state is (although there are a few people who are generally mentally ill, like medically, as in slow, autistic etc....)....UNLESS you are one of these HANDICAPPED people....You KNOW that doing anything sexually to a child is wrong. Same thing with Rapists.... Anyone above the age of 2 or 3 know what the fuck no means.

As far as I'm concerned, once someone sexually touches a child, OR forces sex upon someone, at that point I could care less about reform, or rehabilitation....lock them up for the greater good of the world. Or kill them....either way, I'm cool with it.

then again....unfortunately I am totally biased on the subject....so maybe my opinion shouldn't matter.

***************************************************

OH! One more thing...................

He should by all means be able to serve god. But not around children without supervision.... A priest is far too close to the congregation. I commend him for turning his life over to god and religion, but I do NOT think he should be put in a situation where he could potentially harm someone. And being a reformed sex offender is a LOT like being an alcoholic....its a sickness where you sexually abuse children.......alcoholics are urged to stay out of bars because of the temptation.....just because your a priest, does not mean you are void of the same. I would urge him to go to church, and be active in it.....but I do NOT think they should make him a priest.....for the obvious reasons.

***************************************************

Now you've gotta ask yourself, how many 17 year olds do you know? How many of them LOOK 17 or even ACT like a minor. It also doesn't say how old this Dunskin person is. Would it be wrong if he were only 18 himself? How many of you had girlfriends/boyfriends who were 15-17 when you were 18? You could have been put into Dunskin's shoes if you had stupidly recorded the sexual act.

I won't post anymore I promise...I should have read the entire thread before posting....

Here is where I leave the conversation.

I don't care how old someone ACTS or how old someone LOOKS. A minor is a FUCKING MINOR.

From the movie Hard Candy "Just because a girl knows how to act like a woman, does not mean she is prepared to DO the things that a WOMAN does."

[xbittergracex]

***sorry....tried to delete since I put it all in one thread***

[Hellion]

Somewhat off topic,now how about terrorists? they don't deserve special treatment either,usless as well.

now back to the subjct.

[Kit Kat P]

Wow, ever heard of forgiveness, seeing the error of one's ways, and repenting?

What happened to understanding and tolerance?

Sometimes people just need support and someone to believe in them (it's called reform). It looks like there was great thought put into this decision.

Let he who is free of sin, cast the first stone...

One of my former pastors felt the same. Allowed a gentleman into the church, worked w/ him to get over his past. The guy was in the church about a year before he raped the pastor's wife.

[TygerLili]

If he wants to serve god he can become a monk and pray while locked away in solitude, or he can help build churches, or clean them. He's proven he can't be trusted to make good decisions around people.

[Homicidalheathen]

when I was in the baptist church the youth director tried to molest me and one of my friends.....he did get away with molesting one girl. Needless to say I don't go to denominational churches now. Usually wont step foot in a church.