HALES CORNERS -- A Hales Corners pastor has been charged with multiple counts of child molestation and aggravated assault.
Tom Chantry has been placed on a leave of absence from Christ Reformed Baptist Church, where he's been the pastor for the past 10 years.
The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is asking church members to take a stand.
"This is a crisis of faith for them right now, the congregation. And we're concerned about how they're responding to it," explained Peter Isely, SNAP.
In a statement, church leadership says: "Mr. Chantry is currently on a leave of absence from our church. Our church is strong, and our prayers and confidence are in Christ. We have nothing further to share about this matter."
Chantry is accused of molesting or assaulting five children between 1995-2000 when he was a pastor at a church in Prescott, AZ. Reports say he told his victims not to tell anyone.
"We have to work hard to create in our churches and our community a culture that welcomes survivors and encourages survivors to come forward," Isely said.
Peter Isely, with SNAP, hopes leaders with the Hales Corners church gives its congregation a chance to speak up if necessary.
"Whenever this happens, this may seem strange, but it's always good news to me and for survivors because it means maybe that next child's not going to get hurt and they'll never know it," he said.
TODAY'S TMJ4 reached out to Chantry, but the woman who answered the phone wouldn't let us speak with him.
