http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/?ArID=39552
Pastors released, church responds to alleged beating
Updated: 7/10/02 9:31 PM
By: Jitin Hingorani
Caleb and Joshua Thompson, pastors at Capitol City Baptist Church, were released from jail just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The two men turned themselves in Tuesday after a warrant was issued for their arrest. They are two independent, fundamentalist Baptist pastors accused of beating an 11-year-old boy because he didn't take his Bible study seriously.
"Naturally, we are so sorry about what has happened to this boy, but we maintain that once all the facts come out, our clients will be exonerated. They'll be found not guilty once the facts come out, and we just ask the public to wait until the facts are brought forth," said Jerald Finney, the Thompson's attorney.
Meanwhile, the congregation gathered for their first service since the arrests.
No cameras or recording equipment were allowed into the service.
But, the church's Sunday School teacher, David Muralt, for the past 10 years, spoke out about the allegations.
"The instructions to me have been to never spank a child, no corporal punishment. It's out of the question. That was the instruction from the pastor, from his mouth," said Muralt said.
Other independent, fundamentalist Baptist churches in the Austin area are also speaking out about the allegations.
Pastor David Burkholder of Trinity Baptist Church
"Pretty soon, that sheep on the shoulders of the master just falls asleep. Just as comfortable as can be, as a shepherd carries it back home. Just happy to be in the arms of the shepherd," Pastor Hank Thompson said in a sermon talking about fights between husbands and wives.
Thompson refers to the women as sheep and men as shepherds in tapes News 8 Austin receieved from a former Capitol City Baptist Church member.
That person, who wishes to remain anonymous, told us the sermons preached the submission of women, segregating yourself from the "sinful world," and using a rod to punish your child.
The former church member also said she earned a book when she was in the church long enough that addresses these issues in detail.
But, Pastor David Burkholder of Trinity Baptist Church stresses not all independent, fundamentalist religious organizations operate the same way.
"I do not believe in child beating. I'm opposed to it. A proper, controlled, disciplined adult administering the proper punishment, I feel is right and in order," he said.
Pastor Burkholder also expressed a different ministry regarding the submissiveness of women, as we're told was preached by Pastor Thompson.
"There has to be order in the home, and I believe that the man has to be the head of his home, but we're getting into some things that really require a lot of definition in our day and age because things have gotten way out of hand. A lady is not a second class citizen," Burkholder said.
John Gibson has been bringing his family to Trinity Baptist Church for almost a year. He said he is saddened by allegations against Capitol City.
"I do not agree with the church instilling corporal punishment on a member, a child, an adult or whomever that is. That's charged in the word of God for parents to do," he said.
Members of Trinity Baptist Church said their faith is still strong because God is on their side.