My heart is sickened by allegations of sexual abuse by Fleming Weaver, my former Scoutmaster. I earned my Eagle Scout in 1979 and admired Mr. Weaver, considered him a shaping influence in my life. Likewise, Dr. Steve Brown was my pastor and I respected and liked him. And I know at least one of the victims.

I would encourage my fellow Scouts and friends to remember that man is fallible while God is not. These men failed us, they failed our community and broke our trust. We grieve this loss and feel terrible that our friends were abused. There is no excuse for this behavior. Fleming Weaver has earned the eternal scorn of those of us he betrayed.

Cliff Hoppman
Sierra Vista, Ariz.

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