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Church Leaders, Parents Charged With Child Abuse In "Biblical Punishment" of Their Children

By Howard M. Friedman

The Superior (WI) Telegram yesterday reports that the leaders of a Black Earth, Wisconsin church have been charged with child abuse for using wooden spoons and dowels to hit the backsides of children in their family and in the families of other church members. Philip Caminiti, head pastor and elder at Aleitheia Bible Church, and his brother, John Caminiti, say that the Bible calls for using this kind of punishment on children-- apparently referring to Proverbs 13:24. The pastor instructed parents on how to use rods to spank their children.  Three other couples who are members of the church have been subpoenaed by the Dane County (WI) Circuit Court on charges of being parties to intentional abuse of their children.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on March 23, 2011 (boomark / email).