PUNCHED: Dad angry at church

My 14-year-old daughter, who was a volunteer at the Coeur d’Alene Nazarene Church as a counselor in training, was punched by one of the boys in the church camp. When my daughter tried to stop the boy by grabbing his wrist, she was sent home and not even given a chance to explain at all.

Another CIT had the same problem as my daughter being punched by this kid and they were both reprimanded and sent home. My daughter is not open season for being a target because of an unruly child to batter her and not have a chance to respond. My daughter was defending herself and never did anything except try to hold his wrist.

When I called the head staff member she told me there was nothing I could do about this incident and when I called the police they told me the same. I find it hard to believe that a church of all places would allow this kind of thing to happen and fully protect the offender of any kind of circumstances.

Well, maybe I can, given the circumstances. I am positive that “Christian” does not always mean the same thing to everyone. Would you let your daughter be a punching bag and let the church just discount the facts and punish your child for trying to protect herself? I believe this is so wrong. Shame on you.

DARREN WARDSWORTH

Coeur d’Alene