An arrest was made in the Emily Stauffer murder case last week and a man has been charged with first degree murder. The 14-year-old was attacked and killed on a wooded path in Edson on Sept. 27. 

Throughout the ordeal, Terry Stauffer, Emily’s father and a pastor in Edson, has written about what he and his family have been going through. The day the arrest was made, he wrote: 

“The news of the arrest of a man charged with Emily’s murder has brought, as you can imagine, mixed feelings. We are thankful for this step, and we are particularly thankful for the RCMP’s above and beyond work on this case. On the other hand, this news brings many difficult feelings to the surface. We’re doing pretty well, though we’re lying low today. We continue to trust in God for His strength and comfort.

“We don’t know the man charged, though I have seen him once or twice at different town events. This begins another phase in this whole experience for our family, but we appreciate the diligent work of the RCMP and the support of our church and community.”

The loss of a child is horrific, made worse in this case by the fact it was at the hands of a killer. Surely loved ones of any murder victim grapple with difficult emotions.

The press updates sent out by the RCMP in the early days of the investigation specifically warned against vigilante action, as it’s expected there would be anger in the tight-knit community.

It gives reason to wonder what Terry Stauffer’s feelings are about his daughter’s murderer. It would be hard to believe anyone wouldn’t, at least for a minute, want to see revenge for a family member’s death.

But the Christian bible teaches forgiveness, and Stauffer is a Baptist pastor. Is it possible that a person’s beliefs and perspectives could give them the strength to overcome feelings of vengeance?

Could Terry Stauffer, or any father, sincerely forgive the man who murdered his child?

In an entry to his blog on Dec. 6, he writes:

“I’m sure I come across differently here than I do in person. That’s part of the reason I’ve been careful with giving interviews. I do like to think ahead and have the opportunity to edit before I publish something. I don’t merely want to keep up appearances (enough people who know me in real life know that I don’t have it all together), but I don’t want to say anything here that could be hurtful to my family, church or community.”

In any case, the people of Edson and its neighbouring communities can feel a little safer that a killer is off the streets. As for Terry Stauffer, he’s entitled to feel any way he wants. He and his family will continue to need strength in any form, and if faith brings it, so be it.