Pastor defends decision to hire convicted paedophile and says 'it takes two to tango'

'If that girl chooses to sleep with him, she’s just as guilty as he is'

Pastor Michael Orten, right, defended his decision to hire a convicted sex offender ( Truth Apostolic Church)

A church leader has defended his decision to hire a convicted paedophile - saying “it takes two to tango” and likening the crime to shoplifting.

Thomas Hopper spent 10 years in prison for the rape and sodomy at knifepoint of a 13-year-old girl in the 1990s, and was arrested a number of times following his release the early 2000s.

But Pastor Michael Orten, of Truth Apostolic Church, Madisonville, Kentucky, defended his decision to employ Hopper work as part of the church’s outreach staff.

Pastor Orten has since been accused of being “pro-rape” after his defence of Hopper to local broadcaster 14 News.

Asked about the rape, he said: “How long ago was that? Is the church no good for forgiveness?

Convicted sex offender Thomas Hopper, right, with his wife Bobbie (Mission238)

“If you steal a piece of candy from a store because you were young and stupid and make stupid mistakes…You’re still a thief even though now you’re 40 years old?”

The reporter then pointed out that she considered rape and childhood shoplifting to be very different types of offences.

“No it’s not. No its not,” Pastor Orten replied.

“It’s still sin and if you get caught there are consequences and you will pay.

“This is situation if that a girl chooses...it takes two to tango OK? If that girl chooses to sleep with him, she’s just as guilty as he is.”

Hopper does not work with children at the church, although the pastor indicated this was not due to any fears for young people's safety.

“I’m not protecting kids,” Pastor Orten said.

“I’m protecting his name, just like now, because of the media, and people that get out and run their mouths.

“I trust him around anybody but we know how far to go because of people.”

However, Hopper must receive permission before going into schools because of his conviction, according to the Kentucky Sex Offenders Register.

One former churchgoer who left the congregation because of the issue said she raised it with church leadership but was was told "God had changed" Hopper.

A biographical church web page on ‘Brother Thomas’ said: “Although he was raised in the Truth, Bro. Hopper chose to go his own way at around 16. He continued going to church, but in reality his heart was in the world. After years of drug abuse and other worldly addictions, Bro. Hopper found himself in Indianapolis… and recommitted his life to Christ.”

The text made no mention of his sexual offences.

The biography, which is also about his wife, ‘Sister’ Bobbie Hopper, also said the couple led the ‘Care Ministry’, "a team of zealous volunteers who devote their time and energy in compelling others to come to Truth Apostolic Church".

The main web page and Facebook page of the Truth Apostolic Church are now unavailable.

The Independent has attempted to contact the Truth Apostolic Church for comment.