Article sensationalizes what is wrong with modern church

I noted with interest the emphasis of the article of Oct. 18 regarding the local prostitution sting. Not only the headline (“Pastor among 9 arrested in prostitution sting”), but almost half the article deals with Pastor Jonathan Offt's education background, work history and comments from his church office. Why is no similar emphasis given to any of the others arrested? Are their alleged actions no less illegal than Offt's?

Offt's actions, if true, are despicable and will bring long-term shame and sorrow to himself, his family, and his church. As Christians, however, we know all of us are sinners and sorely in need of Christ's saving grace. We do expect more of our church leaders to lead and set a moral example, but they, too, are imperfect and fall short.

Articles such as this, with its emphasis only on the church leader and his failings, once again sensationalize what is wrong with the modern church - advertising “what hypocrites these religious people are.” I, for one, will lift up Pastor Offt in prayer and ask for God's forgiveness for him and relief from his afflictions/addictions.

Max Goodwin

Branson, Mo.

(formerly Davenport)