Should a convicted sex offender return to the role of Pastor?

A former pastor of a mega church is released from jail after serving three years following a conviction for committing sex crimes against two teenage girl members of his church. He is now a registered sex offender, which means he must register his address with authorities and cannot live within so many feet of schools, etc… The hypothetical question is asked, “Should he be a pastor again of any church?”

Some respondents simply said “no” and gave no elaboration or explanation. However, the following responses were given by others to justify his returning to the role of pastor: “Pray about it.” “Judge not lest ye be judged.” “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” If parents and church members want to protect children from predatory sexual advances of a convicted sex offender, then why is that considered “judging” or “casting the first stone”? I wonder if these respondents would feel the same way about allowing convicted child molesters to teach their children in school or coach their children in sports. The church should not risk jeopardizing the mental and spiritual welfare of children to prove how forgiving the church is.

Surely, this man could share his road to redemption experience outside the role of pastor or any leadership role in church and become a productive member of society. For instance, there are prison ministries. However, the church and parents have a duty to protect children and the vulnerable from convicted sexual predators.