(RNS) A New Hampshire pastor has resigned after preaching sermons found on the Internet and consequently confessing to plagiarism.
Robert C. Hamm stepped down in April from his post as senior pastor of Keene United Church of Christ in Keene, N.H. According to church council President Carl A.H. Allen Jr., another minister on staff had noticed last winter that Hamm was claiming credit for sermons he hadn’t written. When confronted by church leaders, Hamm promptly admitted to wrongdoing, Allen said.
Sermons published in full on the Internet are readily accessible to pastors who might feel pressed for time. But to avoid charges of plagiarism or copyright violations, pastors must either use the resources for background only or else give credit to the author.
E-Mail
Printer-friendly
