August 01, 2015

We believe in Redemption
Fairfax Community Church is focused on redemption and restoration both for the abused and
the abuser. The popular narrative of our culture is that one cannot be committed to both. We
believe, that there are no either/or decisions when it comes to the Gospel and to broken
people. Jesus stands with all who are broken. So does Fairfax Community Church.
Fairfax Community Church has hosted variety of 12 step support groups including eating
disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, pornography and recovery for victims of sexual abuse.
We are not naive. We know recidivism rates among sexual offenders are extraordinarily high.
We also know that without recovery programs, options open to these men and women are
extremely limited: reoffend or commit suicide. We support recovery programs not only
because we believe in redemption, but because we care about victims.
The Facts about Eric Nickle
Eric began attending a mens support group at Fairfax Community Church in 2003
immediately after being released from the Fairfax County Detention Center.
Eric completed the terms of his probation in January 2011 and remains in full compliance
with state and county requirements for ex offenders.
At no time in the past 15 years has Eric reoffended.
Erics responsibilities at the church are limited to computer support, providing logistical
support for the food pantry and overseeing adult mens recovery programs.
At the time of his employment we mutually established a series of limitations on Erics
physical boundaries in our facility. At no time does he have access to children or to
childrens classrooms.
Erics history has never been a secret. Our staff and lay leadership and those directly
interacting with Eric have always been aware of his history. The success of 12 step programs is
rooted in the ability of all participants to work out their challenges in anonymity.
We support the goals of advocacy groups that seek to protect our children and provide safe
places of worship. We feel confident we have acted in accordance with demands of the law,
common sense and the Gospel.