March 28, 2023
Pastor Stephen Yadon’s Remarks about Library Books
These remarks were presented to Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and the Pocatello City Council at the March 28 Town Hall Meeting regarding books at Marshall Public Library
By: Pastor Stephen Yadon
By nature I am not a protestor. I have lived in this community for forty-six years. But the subject at hand has struck a nerve that I cannot deny. Having been in ministry for over fifty years, I have had to deal with pedophiles and abused children. It’s tragic, to say the least. Both bear lifetime scars and unpleasant memories. No wonder the Scriptures declare: “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend (or cause to sin) one of these little ones.” [Luke 17:2]
Pedophiles are not all the same. Some have molested children and others have been purveyors of child pornography. Of the latter I know some who have served and are serving severe penalties in state and federal prisons. Invariably each was exposed to something in their childhood that took over their emotions like cancer. I am therefore very concerned about what children are being exposed to in our public library.
About six weeks ago, I visited the Director of the Library in his office to express my concerns. When I asked him if there was pornographic material in the children’s section of the library, he assured me that there was not. Having attended the last public meeting and hearing the first speaker read from one of the books from the children’s section, I was appalled. I understand that there are even more graphic materials available to our young ones. If laws were exercised equitably, somebody should be going to jail or at least be registered as a sex offender. I do not wish that on anybody, but I appeal to the Library Board to act with good conscience toward the children of our community. As parents and grandparents, would you expose your children to such material? We have elected you as guardians of our library. Please listen to the concerns of tax-paying citizens. The library is to enhance the hearts and minds of our youth and not confuse them concerning sexual matters.
Thank you.
Pastor Stephen Yadon pastors Christ Church in Pocatello’s Old Town. He is also a Chaplain at the Bannock County Jail, and a former Chaplain for the Idaho State Veterans’ Home in Pocatello.
