Joe.My.God. LGBT News
The Christian Post reports:
The leadership team of Rock Church International cited Romans 3:23 Wednesday as they urged congregants to extend forgiveness to the Rev. John Blanchard following his arrest for solicitation of prostitution last fall.
“As followers of Christ, we must remember that redemption, salvation, grace, mercy, and healing are all gifts given to the children of God. Although everyone must address their own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn, but to be agents of God’s love, healing, justice, and reconciliation.”
Blanchard, 52, was among 17 men accused of solicitation of prostitution after an online sting operation by police on Oct. 29, 2021. The married father of two was charged with solicitation of prostitution of a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution, both felonies.
Read the full article.
My 2021 reports on his arrest and subsequent resignation are here and here.
Police say Blanchard’s usage of shorthand in his text messages indicate his familiarity with the sex trade.
For example, he offered the detective posing as a 17 year-old prostitute $70 for a “qv hhr” – a “quick visit” lasting “half an hour.”
Blanchard also reported asked, “Are you affiliated with law enforcement in any way?”
This week’s news that charges have been dropped has roiled local Virginia outlets.
Surely a powerful local megachurch had no role in that.
VA: Rock Church International megachurch asks congregants to forgive pastor, Rev. John Blanchard, for prostitution arrest because ‘all have sinned’.
The married father of two.
Charged with solicitation of prostitution of a minor.https://t.co/FvVsyWPMbB
— Dalton (@DaltonReport) November 18, 2022