The Dayton Avenue Church, which has been under heavy public flak for its response to the sexual assault of a schoolgirl by teenaged boys which was witnessed by one of its deacons, has apologised for the deacon’s failure to stop the assault, but has lashed the media and civic groups for their handling of the issue.

The church, in a letter faxed to the Observer, also said it has never, in its 43-year history, “condoned or promoted immorality or any illicit sexual conduct”. Instead, the church said, it has always taught its members “the principles of purity and sanctity of the body as the temple of God”.

Deacon Donovan Jones, Jones Rogers, 18, who allegedly video-recorded the incident, Shamar Morgan, 18, and a 14-year-old young boy, who were both allegedly seen on the tape assaulting the girl, were charged Tuesday night when they appeared in the Half-Way-Tree Resident Magistrate’s Court.

They were all denied bail.

Jones, Morgan and Rogers are all charged with nine counts of indecent assault, while the 14-year-old accused is facing five charges.

The sexual assault of the 13-year-old girl was carried out in April in the back of a van driven by the deacon.

In its letter, the church offered access to counselling, apparently to the schoolgirl, in order to bring healing and restoration, and said that the deacon was strongly rebuked by church leaders “for not acting in a manner befitting Christian character and his position as a church officer”.

Following is the full text of the church’s letter.

It is necessary to correct a number of inaccuracies that have been carried in the press surrounding the violation of a schoolgirl in a vehicle driven by a deacon.

The Church Dayton has at no time during its 43 years’ existence condoned or promoted immorality or any illicit sexual conduct. On the contrary, the church has consistently taught its membership, including many young persons, the principles of purity and sanctity of the body as the temple of God.

The violation of a minor has therefore been of grave concern and we stand ready to do whatever is in our power to bring healing and restoration, including access to counselling. We unreservedly apologise that one of our officers witnessed a young girl encountering such an ordeal without intervening to protect her.

The church’s response has to take into account both the laws of the land as well as the principles of Christian love and discipline.

The deacon, when confronted with the material contained in the tape, expressed deep regret at what had transpired and stated that as an adult he accepted responsibility and felt impelled to step down from his office, even before this disciplinary measure could be meted out by the church. He was also strongly rebuked by the leaders for not acting in a manner befitting Christian character and his position as a church officer.

Based on the available evidence, the tape was already in the public domain when it was brought to the attention of the leadership of the church. The incident made the headlines before proper procedures such as the leadership contacting the parents of the girl violated and likewise those of the schoolboys committing the act, none of whom are members of the church.

The deacon had gone to the school to pick up one male student with connections to the church and when requested had consented to giving a lift to others.

All concerned, including the media, should handle an issue of this nature in a most sensitive and responsible manner. There have been many departures from such an approach.

Sister Kelly’s prayer on Sunday morning in which reference was made to the incident was taken totally out of context by the media. She was not questioning whether there had been a violation, but rather that the deacon and the young man connected to the church had not committed a crime of the magnitude that warranted them being held in custody for so many days without being formally charged or granted bail.

Such a sentiment is in line with proper legal procedures. Her words were: “What wrong have they done more than others that they should still be in the lock-up? Did they kill someone?” The reference to the Hebrew boys and Daniel was in relation to the experience of the church as a collective body and not to those in police custody.

The church, which was not the scene of the incident, has been under siege, including a protest yesterday (Monday, July 10) in which some unruly persons issued threats that the deacon and leaders should be shot and premises burnt. Is this now the ‘modus operandi’ of our civic groups?

The church was not the scene of this appalling incident and in no way condones the action of the deacon in not protecting the weak and vulnerable as taught by Christ and constantly affirmed by the church.

It was also inaccurately reported that the church was closed, even though many members were at the usual Monday night prayer meeting which commenced at 6:30 pm, and we also had our regular fasting service today (July 11), which was been held every Tuesday since 1962.

The church continues to proclaim holiness and we pray that somehow this very unfortunate occurrence that has brought reproach to the Body of Christ will be used as an opportunity to strengthen the witness of the church.

The Church Dayton Diamond Ridge

6 Dayton Avenue

Kingston 10