This story, being somewhat local, has been getting a little press:

The Dyersburg Youth Minister accused of raping a 14 year old girl has resigned from his position as Youth Minister of Music at Springhill Baptist Church.

44 year old Timothy Byars submitted his resignation to the church’s pastor over the phone. Byars was released from jail in Knoxville Sunday November 19, 2006 on a $50,000 bond.

The teenage girl claims Byars raped her while she, Byars and three other young girls were attending a track meet in East Tennessee.

While the investigation continues in the case, Springhill Baptist Church Pastor, James Branscum says he and the church members will pray for Byars.

Police say Byars may have also raped another young girl in Nashville.

Did you notice something a little, well, unsettling about that story (other than the one, and possibly two, rapes)?  Let me draw your attention to it:

While the investigation continues in the case, Springhill Baptist Church Pastor, James Branscum says he and the church members will pray for Byars.

Somewhere in this world there is one — possibly two — underage girls who were a member of this congregation, and who were raped by their youth minister.  Why exactly is the congregation praying for him?