Currently there are a lot of questions and controversy at the ArK Encounter Christian Theme Park in Northern Kentucky (near Cincinnati, Ohio) USA. It revolves around 40 Criminal Charges of Sexual Assault and Sodomy against Worship leader Michael Howard, former lead singer of True Song, who apparently abused a teenager over the course of several years.
Co-founder of Answers in Genesis (the Company that owns the ArK Encounter), Mark Looy came out with a vague statement in regards to this matter.
(see image)
Basically Looy states they knew nothing about any of this until after the fact, yet it occurred over the course of several years, so maybe they SHOULD have known.
Also, even though Howard is accused of harm against only one teenager, Looy states they are praying for all the individuals involved “especially the possible victims”. PLURAL!
What I want to draw your attention to is the fact that Answers in Genesis uses Volunteers extensively. Some are “long-term volunteers” and others are volunteers that return each year, particularly during their busy seasons of the summer and Christmas.
I also want you to take a good look at the Answers in Genesis Volunteer Form, particularly the Permission for Youth which must be signed by their legal guardian.
Phrases like,
“hold harmless” any employee of Answers in Genesis of any “damage done to persons… while the child is on the premises” become frightening in light of the multiple charges against Howard.
Since there have been no appropriate answers given (or forth coming) in regards to these serious matters from Mark Looy
OR CEO/Founder, Ken Ham
OR Martyn Iles, (who was the Executive CEO and in charge of Operations at Answers in Genesis at the time, but has since resigned his position and returned to his home in Brisbane, Australia)
OR any other member of the Answers in Genesis Board.
OR its leadership,
and because of the exceedingly egregious nature of the crimes, I would caution you from Volunteering for Answers in Genesis, the Ark Encounter or the Creation Museum.
Questions continue to mount and AiG supporters wish to know more and are demanding Accountability and Transparency, which is the correct course of action if you are a Christian "upholding Biblical Authority".
You should avoid these venues until this is all sorted out.
Surely, you can find something else to do this Christmas than visit the Ark Encounter.
This is my professional advice as a Criminal Profiler (for 30 years) and my opinion as a Christian (for 47 years).
The Truth with Love,
Always Laura-Lee
PS. I’m very familiar with these types of issues, so let me end by saying,
If you are aware of ANY crime that took place, even if you discover it later, you are obligated under the LAW to report it to the legal authorities. If you don't, you can be charged and held legally accountable as an “accessory” or “accessory after the fact”.
As to the Answers in Genesis Volunteer Form, it becomes VOID when CRIMINAL charges of this nature are laid.
Please Note.
I have never met any of the people involved, I don't know anybody who works for Answers in Genesis (past or present)
AND
My blogs have NO ADS and I have NO Store.
My blog post, "What Makes a Cult? (Simplified)"
