Church Ordains Sex Offender as Minister

Tools

KIIITV News

Story Created: Sep 30, 2009 at 9:38 AM CST

Story Updated: Sep 30, 2009 at 9:38 AM CST

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A tiny Kentucky church's newest minister is a gifted music leader and popular among its three dozen members.

Mark Hourigan is also a sex offender, convicted almost a decade ago of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy. He served five years in prison.

He was ordained in early September at the City of Refuge Worship Center in Louisville, a small self-described Pentecostal church.

A former leader at the church along with an abuse victims advocacy group say Hourigan is a risk to hurt another child and he should not have been placed in a position of authority.

But the church's pastor, the Rev. Randy Meadows, has said he believes Hourigan has been redeemed by his faith.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-09-30-09 1127EDT

KIII-TV Weather

On Demand

AP Video

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Now we know who'll square off in the face for governor. Who do you like at this point, Republican incumbent Rick Perry or Democratic challenger, Bill White, former mayor of Houston?

  • Governor Rick Perry
  • Bill White
  • Neither, I'm waiting for a third party candidate.