A rector has urged people to give convicted paedophiles a second chance, writes Tim Hughes.

The Rev Michael Goode, Rector of St Helen's Church, Abingdon, said child sex offenders were themselves victims, and should be treated with dignity.

His comments have been given a mixed reception by religious leaders and supporters of victims. Writing in the St Helen's Church newsletter, Mr Goode said: "Often the people who have these sexual drives have themselves been abused when they were children, and to that extent they are themselves victims. Typically, this is a very difficult disorder to treat and many offenders do not seem to appreciate the long-term damage that they are causing, or regret their actions. Christianity teaches us that everyone is a child of God. That includes paedophiles. However we may deplore what they do, we need to begin with the reality of God's love for them. We also believe that God makes new beginnings possible."

He also criticised 'name and shame' campaigns, such as that waged by the News of the World. The Rev Gavin Rogers, Methodist minister at All Saints Church in Appleford Drive, Abingdon, said: "Victims have to live with what has happened for the rest of their lives and there needs to be some pay-back for what offenders have done."

Mr Goode's remarks were condemned by the area manager of the Oxfordshire Victim Support scheme, Joanna Fenstermacher. She said: "I don't think anybody condones vigilante groups but when children are involved rationality goes out of the window." The regional director of the NSPCC, Beverly Cohen, said Mr Goode's comments failed to go far enough in ensuring that children were protected from offenders.