Arsonist's Parents Visit Church

PANOLA, Ala. (AP) — The parents of a former Birmingham college student who pleaded guilty in a series of rural church arsons visited with the congregation of one burned church, asking for forgiveness and expressing his remorse.

"My son wants you to know how sorry he is," Mike Cloyd told members of Galilee Baptist Church in the Sumter County community of Panola on Sunday.

Mike and Kim Cloyd of Pelham are the parents of Matthew Cloyd, one of three former college students who pleaded guilty to federal charges in the church arsons. The couple spoke with the congregation, which is meeting in a trailer as its new church building is being constructed.

The Rev. Bob Little said he prays for solace for his congregation, the convicted arsonists and their families.

"We thank God for the opportunity to bring about some healing," Little said. "We need to embrace each other in times of trial."

The Cloyds said the visit to Galilee Baptist, where the congregation dedicated songs and hugged them in a two-hour service, is part of a pilgrimage to see the rural churches their son pleaded guilty to burning in February 2006.

Matthew Cloyd, 21, Benjamin Moseley, 20, and Russell DeBusk, 20, await sentencing on the federal pleas and also face state charges in the arson case.

The three met as students at Birmingham-Southern; Cloyd had transferred and was a UAB student at the time of the fires. Five were burned in Bibb County on Feb. 3; the others were in Greene, Pickens and Sumter counties on Feb. 7.

"I know your hearts were broken the night your church was burned," Kim Cloyd said. "But we love our son. We will not leave his side."

The Tuscaloosa News, which reported on the Sunday service, said Kim Cloyd expressed hope that one day her son will visit the church and its congregation. The Cloyds said they appreciated the warm welcome from church members and the minister.

Little walked with the Cloyds as they toured the new two-story church building that is under construction.

Church members said they were happy to see progress made late last week when nearly 100 carpenters, plumbers and electricians volunteered their skills for two days.

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.