Deseret News | LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

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LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

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person | 1:02 a.m. July 11, 2009

"As for the girl, One encounter could be seen as a victim, multiple over a couple of months? not so much. 16 year olds know what they are doing. She wasn't 4, she made her own choices. just like he did. seriously people, she isn't a victim."

I'm extremely uncomfortable with this attitude and I really feel like it can't go uncommented on. Although this girl "isn't 4," she is still a minor; there's a reason statutory laws exist. A teacher is put in a position of authority and influence over those s/he teaches; it's so, so wrong to say this girl "made her own choices" when these choices were presented to her by an adult whom she trusted.

I can't imagine what it's like to hear something like this about a former seminary teacher; I'm sure it's difficult. But you need to be careful in laying blame on this girl; statutory rape is a crime, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a seminary teacher or not.

Minnie | 1:07 a.m. July 11, 2009

YES we have free-agency to choose however when will society or even members of the LDS church stand up and SPEAK OUT against all of the filthy mainstream media (tv commercials, movies, pop music) that just puts these images into our minds 24 hours a day? When will we hold the companies accountable for maing nthing but vile smut to influence our lives??? STAND UP!!!! It is ruining lives and making it harder to fight temptation. Help and love one another! I am sick that mothers arent picketing . I know my grandparents would have!!!!
and don't give me this "it's just entertainment" junk.

Anonymous | 1:14 a.m. July 11, 2009

I had Brother Pratt for my first seminary teacher. He taught me so many wonderful things. He came and gave a fireside at my girls camp. I always wanted to marry someone exactly like him...well that plan changed. I am so sad that he made these choices but I don't discount the fact that he does have great qualities and taught me some great principles. My prayers are with his family.

Comments continue below

Cody | 1:16 a.m. July 11, 2009

Bro. Pratt is easily one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He was my seminary teacher junior year at Orem High. I have so much termoil built inside of me right now i cant describe it. He was my friend when i felt i had none and his lessons are what kept me going to church through high school. He was a killer stud! A man that did so much to build my personal testimony is now facing this? I cant believe it. I wish and prey somehow this is incorrect because it so far from the Pratt i knew and remember. His family will be in my prayers as will he. This CANT be true.

Understand............. | 1:52 a.m. July 11, 2009

.........That the CHURCH IS PERFECT.....THE PEOPLE AREN'T. We all make mistakes and are not perfect, some mistakes are bigger than others. But how blessed are we that we have the Atonement in our lives to get us through these things?! I knew Brother Pratt personally from Lone Peak High School (as I was a student last year) and I wanna say that he was a great friend of mine and I really respected him as a person and as a teacher. Although he did this, I still love him and I will still support him in anyway that I can! I know he can get through this and be forgiven, but it will be rough. I pray that the Lord will have mercy and compassion on him. I'm deeply saddened by this news.......

Viper | 2:14 a.m. July 11, 2009

I love how the LDS defend their own, but when it is non-LDS doing something like this, it is a totally different ballgame...

Outsider | 2:20 a.m. July 11, 2009

It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice of a guy he was and that he saved them. I bet you if you ask this young lady she would have said the same thing a month ago if there was someone else in the lime light. Guess what everyone, he's not the only one. There are more skeletons in more closets. Trust is handed to freely in today's society. You want to think your little world is safe, but no place is ever as safe as you think it is. Many want to bury the hatchet already and move on with your lives. Do not forget these incidents, because when you do, you or your children may become the next victim. Be wary at all times, and parents, do not become your child's bestfriend. Question who your children are with at all times. Even your church priest's are not perfect and require observation.

Welcome to the real world.

Anonymous | 2:22 a.m. July 11, 2009

My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are falsely accused of this but if you have done as the charges against you are stated, I hope you the best as you do the right thing.

Ryan | 2:28 a.m. July 11, 2009

These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the prosecuting attorney uses these postings to show just how much trust, charisma, and power this man had over others. He was so well-respected and loved by most that knew him. This makes what he allegedly did even worse--because if these allegations are true then he violated that trust that others had in him. He used that complete trust and charisma to manipulate a young teenage girl into having an affair with him.

friend | 2:32 a.m. July 11, 2009

Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in seminary. Even if this is true i will still respect the man that he was and the things that he taught me.

Reality Check | 3:10 a.m. July 11, 2009

He may have been a great teacher and he may have just made a mistake, but he's also probably going to jail for the next 30 years. Just saying.

this is why... | 3:45 a.m. July 11, 2009

...the church should abandon payed seminary teachers. It is in direct contrition to our doctrine. I rarely meet a career seminary person that doesn't think they are a "professional" spiritual person. Just as Lebron James is a professional basketball player...these instructors lose sight of what they are here to do. Time to get rid of this overpriced burden contrary to our doctrine.

No more paid clergy... | 3:49 a.m. July 11, 2009

This is why we shouldn't pay people to teach the gospel. I don't know why we can't change this. There are enough volunteers everywhere else in the church to run seminary programs without having to pay teachers. Utah, with its highest concentration of LDS should be able to handle this. Why does Utah get paid teachers? It's the great paradox of getting paid to teach the gospel. These professional seminary types get too caught up in being "professional spiritual people".

to viper | 4:02 a.m. July 11, 2009

Not all LDS are defending as you say.
Some of us know the nature of abuse and abusers well, regardless of a person's moral convictions. I am frustrated that the masses cannot believe "good people" can do this. Well, they can. And they do.

Anonymous | 4:40 a.m. July 11, 2009

Those who say "we defend our own" don't know this man. Because if you did, you would be defending him to.

Gabe | 4:50 a.m. July 11, 2009

From so high to fall so low. Chasing a young teenage girl. This is very sad. The seminary should have been a place of refuge and learning, but now we see that it is truly a place of vice and lust and abomination. Fear for your children, as I do for mine.

Sadly | 4:53 a.m. July 11, 2009

These situations normally occur when people start exercising their curiosity about pornagraphy. It is very easy to fall into that trap since porn is readily available on TV and the internet.

No one is immune so we all need to be careful.

I feel sorry the families concerned in this case.

awsomeron | 5:34 a.m. July 11, 2009

Another student wrote on his MySpace page that "Michael J. Pratt" is one of his heroes. "He is the best seminary teacher and friend you could ever ask for."

Apparently all that and a bag of chips.

It does Not Matter if there was consent on the part of the Minor. She was to young to say Yes to a 37 year old. The fault lies with the Male. It lies more so because of the position of Trust. If we cannot Trust a person in that position then who can we Trust?

Other faith groups have Teachers and Youth Pastors going after girls 14 and up also. So it is Not just and rarely the LDS.

Something in his life caused this fall, it could have been porn on the Internet, the skinny dipping, object placement, sodomy, tend to lean towards that.

Perhaps a spouse shutting down or becoming so undesirable as to not being able to have a relationship. Looking for an outlet he finds an apparently willing 16 year old.

Problem is that its against the Law age wise weather she agrees to it or Not.

She is a Victim only because of the age factor.

Anonymous | 5:51 a.m. July 11, 2009

Have to watch out for those heterosexuals and their agenda as they go after children!!!

Anonymous | 5:52 a.m. July 11, 2009

Ah Ok so THESE are the Mormon/Republican family values we hear so much about!

Anonymous | 6:21 a.m. July 11, 2009

These are allegations! He has not been found guilty. They have not read the texts. I think it is sad that, especially in a community that tends to pride itself upon its unwillingness to cast first stones, so many have disregarded the constitutional frameworks and presumed the guilt of a man after merely reading articles. There are multiple cases in Utah where innocent men have been wrongly convicted of sexual crimes, imprisoned for years, then released after the truth was revealed. However, for them, the damage had been done. Careers, families and lives have been ruined because we have become so swept up in damnation that we disregard basic rights in favor of an emotionally charged issue. We want blood. When, as a society, will we hold our thirst and wait for more to be revealed?

Suspicious | 6:37 a.m. July 11, 2009

In these posts I keep seeing people saying "Bro. Pratt was my favorite teacher, he was such a good best friend..."

In life growing up and now as an adult, whenever I see adults being "chummy" with, being an adolescent's best friend, or trying to be the "cool" adult (like "don't think of me as your teacher, think of me as your friend"), I am ALWAYS suspicious of that person's motives.

Adults in any position or profession that works with children should not be the kids' best friend! Going to seminary in High School, I never understood my fellow classmate's need to flock to the cool teachers - I was always skeptical. As a result of my skepticism, those former students are now hurt, and I'm not.

Bottom line- boundaries people! Your children's teachers could be pedophiles or your bishop who counsels you to not look at porn may be its biggest purchaser. Common sense and a fair amount of skepticim will go a long way to protect you. That way your world won't come crashing down when things like this happen.

BTW, Pratt taught at my Seminary as well.

From Afar | 6:48 a.m. July 11, 2009

This tragedy can occur anywhere, in any culture, in any religion. If these allegations are upheld, he won't be the first to have violated a position of trust and committed a heinous crime and sin. I feel for the families involved. Either this man has done some truly evil things, or this girl has invented some truly evil accusations, but its kinda hard to fake two-way text messages, you know what I mean? The charges are pretty graphic and pretty specific, which leads me to think they have some corroborating evidence, but a jury will decide unless he pleads out.

Texas | 7:04 a.m. July 11, 2009

Until recently Seminary teachers in the early morning seminary program of the church (outside of Utah) were not "called" we were "assigned" to our positions. I was told this was so we had the option of asking to be "unassigned" from this responsiblity if it became too much for us or our families with the other responsibilities we have. As you can imagine it is a very difficult and time consuming assignment done without compensation other than reimbursemnet for mileage. For me it was a very rewarding and spiritual building four years out of my life. Heart breaking to hear of a church employed seminary teacher who put himself in the position of having to face the alligations this man has been charged with. He was not only in a position of authority to these students but the person they looked up to as they developed spiritually. That is not a position of trust you can betray without huge consequences. The church employs attorneys to advise them in matters such as this. If the church fired him, it wasn't without cause.

Priestcraft | 7:13 a.m. July 11, 2009

The text messages seem to be pretty damning evidence. And, why would the school let a seminary teacher check a student out without the parents permission. Hello! Wake up school!

I have reservations about people paid to teach the gospel. Everyone should just do early morning seminary.

seminary teacher -south africa | 7:28 a.m. July 11, 2009

I have the honour of teaching early morning seminary in south africa! I have been reading not only the article, but the comments posted as well. My concern is that we forget there are not only 2 people who have been hurt, but many more...his wife,his family, extended family etc...they young lady involved, her family as well. We are all human, no one is perfect! Let us not cast the first stone...we do not know what will happen to not only us, but to any member of our families in the future. Let our Father in Heaven be the judge....repentence is a terrific part of our Father's plan. Let the Bishop deal with us! For you who in his seminary class....let this be a lesson of how easy it is to make a mistake in life! To those who know the families involved, love them, don't pity them! Let the road back be paved in love, compassion and forgiveness. It is hard on him and the young girl i am sure, the embarrassment etc of being caught. Let them come back..feeling loved by all!

T | 7:30 a.m. July 11, 2009

Even the strongest can fall...But we all have hope in that infinite atonement. This man if proven guilty, has erred...However, there is still hope for him and his family for eternity, if he fully applies the great atoning blood of the Saviour through the process of repentance. I'm praying for him, his family, as well as the victim and all those involved.

T From PNG

Deport Him Already | 7:33 a.m. July 11, 2009

CONservatives! hahahahaha...south carolina gov now seminary man...this guy isn't the first nor unfortunately the last to fall from grace!

What? | 7:45 a.m. July 11, 2009

Did any of you people that are saying "he just been accused of the charges" happen to read the part of the article where it says "they were observed skinny-dipping"? It sounds pretty cut and dried to me. He's guilty.

A Savior? | 7:51 a.m. July 11, 2009

It frightens me that so many young people are remembering this man as a savior. A seminary teacher does not save anyone. He may be an instrument in sharing the gospel which saves. I'm afraid he was just another seminary/ motivational speaker who uses the tone and volume of his voice to affect others, and who uses "inspirational" stories and experiences for affect. The article states that he groomed the victim. This shows a clever, calculating phony.

It's disgusting... | 7:51 a.m. July 11, 2009

how many people are playing the "devil's advocate". Even more disgusting is the hundreds of youth that this man betrayed. Those who think that these allegations aren't true lack common sense and honesty. I've noticed that many adult church members put their trust in leaders, instead of God, so that they can be excused for their sins. And why are there so many youth who are practically calling this man their "savior"? It's a sad commentary on the lack of parental involvement. Probably because all these parents are over-extended as they are out trying to "save" someone else besides their own kids.

hmmmmmm | 7:58 a.m. July 11, 2009

I guess the saints are like everyone else after all.
Hmmmmmmmm. Now that is a shocking revelation.

Unless of course you stop and think about it for a moment or two.

To Viper @ 2:14 a.m. | 8:00 a.m. July 11, 2009

You: I love how the LDS defend their own, but when it is non-LDS doing something like this, it is a totally different ballgame...

Me: Most of the people defending him know him and have had extensive interaction with him. If it were a non-LDS person who had had the same type of personal contacts, influence, and interaction, you'd see the same level of incredulity and support.

It appears to me that you might be the one playing "different ballgames".

Anonymous | 8:33 a.m. July 11, 2009

so many posts seem more concerned about the accused rather than the victim. It is always important to love everyone, but please, there was a teen age girl victimized by an adult predator. Let's remember her.

watcher | 8:38 a.m. July 11, 2009

The prosecuting attorney ALWAYS accuses them of more than they did. It scares them into plea bargaining. The prosecuting attorney then shows how he always gets his man. Attempted kidnapping is, if found guilty... mandatory 15 years to life, with no parole. Maybe he is guilty... but the law just piles it on. This is also evil.

Victim | 8:53 a.m. July 11, 2009

Ted Bundy came across as a nice man, too. But he certainly was not.

The truth | 8:53 a.m. July 11, 2009

Of course, he is innocent until proven guilty. However, if you read the article, it does state that there were sexual text messages from BOTH parties. I know a lot of people have been touched and love him since he is a seminary teacher, but it is sad that both parties engaged in this. To me, there are times where girls do accuse people of sexual assault when it did not happen, but they have evidence not just from her, but from him... that is what is the clencher.

Former student | 8:56 a.m. July 11, 2009

I just can't believe this, whether it's true or not. I can't believe that he's even being accused of it. This is so horrible. He was a wonderful teacher. My prayers are with his family.

problem #1 - | 8:58 a.m. July 11, 2009

when people give celebrity status to a teacher.

problem #2 - when the teacher starts believing that he or she deserves celebrity status.

stupid school | 8:58 a.m. July 11, 2009

How does anyone except the student's parents check a student out of school. If he is convicted, LPHS should be sued, or at least those responsible should be convicted as well for such a stupid policy.

John Pack Lambert | 9:05 a.m. July 11, 2009

I hope I am not speaking too quickly, but in the about ten comments I have read I am quite glad to see that despite the fact that many people know Mr. Pratt and have seen the good he does, no one has tried to deney the charges against him.
The most encoraging thing about this dialogue is it is sending a clear message that we do not tolerate inapropriate relations between adult males and under-aged females.

Hope this is not true | 9:06 a.m. July 11, 2009

Many people obviously love Brother Pratt, but my heart goes out to his alleged victim, an innocent young child. He may have done a lot of good in his life, but he took away something from her that is priceless. Hopefully, the allegations of forcible sodomy will be found to be untrue. My prayers are for the 16 year old child.

John Pack Lambert | 9:10 a.m. July 11, 2009

Well, I spoke too soon. To just deney the charges is absurd. If we cover our ears and act as if things like this do not happen, we open ourselves up to attack.
While Mr. Pratt is innocent until proven guilty, and he deserves a fair trial, I see no reason to deney the charges, and as far as I can see the evidence is overwhelming against him.

in that day | 9:11 a.m. July 11, 2009

even the greatest shall fall. even spence kennard went through his trials as a church spokesman...maybe to this degree, but that is the beauty of true forgiveness. we live in a day where we all have to live with challenges so just to know there is one more powerful listening brings peace to anyone..that's why we pray just to make it today. let it be as this guy's jouney has just begun and his family should be loved as never before.hate the sin but not the sinner and the light will comming shining through. let us all learn from this as we all need a little tenderness no matter where we're at. in the end only kindness matters but beware.

Light So Shine | 9:19 a.m. July 11, 2009

Mike has been an amazing influence in my life and in the lives of my children, wife and others. My heart goes out to the victim and her family, and to Mike and his family. No matter how this turns out the scars will have extreme lasting effects. My prayers are all concerned. I hope Mike will get competent legal advice NOW.

GT | 9:21 a.m. July 11, 2009

Well shoot!!! Dang, I hate this. My husband taught Seminaries and Institute for 35 years and this is awful news. You say "Don't judge, don't condemn", but what did the church do? There is Zero Tolerance with the Church on these issues and we who worked for CES knew that there was Zero tolerance because it can effect so many lives whether true or false. What a sad situation, no job, no retirement, his family, her life and reputation, WOW. Fire burns and destroys, stay away from it!!!

John Pack Lambert | 9:25 a.m. July 11, 2009

To the 1:56 commentator,
The article CLEARLY STATES that Mr. Pratt has been terminated from employment by the Church. However, there are other factors involved in that, and you can not judge based on others decisions in a court of law.
The Church has to maintain a high moral propriety among seminary employees. Also in the wake of various sexual abuse suits, churches now tend to err on the side of caution.
I hope no one will engage in attacks on the character of the girl involved. She was manipulated and mislead by a man she trusted and who should have acted differently.

John Pack Lambert | 9:29 a.m. July 11, 2009

To the 2:12 commentator,
What do you mean by saying of the girl "she is messed"? Children are manipulatable, and to blame them for what was done to them is wrong. The article should not have said she consented, becuase legally she can not consent, that is the whole basis for statutory rape laws, children under a certain age are not capable of consenting to sex.

RE: Its disgusting | 9:30 a.m. July 11, 2009

What planet are you from, just because someone does someting wrong doesn't mean he couldn't have helped others for good in another time and place, yes even "Saved" them from a terrible fate.. Your blanket condemnation that Pratt couldn't have helped any one else because of this incident is a joke, learn some compassion and join the human race.

Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. July 11, 2009

Is there any evidence other than text messages? Did he left his phone on his desk or anywhere or let kids borrow it? Anyone could have sent messages and then erased the sent message. Everything else is he said she said.

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