Church Protests Insurance Rules For Sex Offenders

An Oregon church is challenging requirements set by its insurance company for how it treats sex offenders who attend services.

Pastor Chad McComas of Set Free Christian Fellowship in Medford told Mail Tribune the church disclosed that known sex offenders were in the congregation. He says the church received a letter from Church Mutual insurance company demanding that the church disclose the identity of all sex offenders.

The insurance company also says the church must limit offenders to one predetermined service each week and assign them an escort.

McComas says the church is careful but that the requirements lump all offenders together and will encourage abusers to go underground.

Church Mutual vice president of marketing Patrick Moreland says the rules are designed to protect churches and potential victims.