4/3/04
To a Core Trustee,
I have been thinking through some structural issues in relation to CORE TRUST.
It seems from what I heard from Harold that you as Trustees have a role in the upkeep of the building and a role of recommending or firing a rector, and pretty well no other role.
Would it make sense to legally create a congregational element of those who are involved to participate in a discernment of leadership process in future. This in a Church of Ireland system would connect into a select vestry to provide a system of checks and balances to a one man show.
1. Also I would suggest a healing process which would initially involve the current members coming to a series of special meetings speaking about their pain, sense of betrayal and deep anger. I think it would be essential to bring people with expertise in this area- xxxxx xxxxx, other persons who have experience with this type of situation. I have taken in a process like this with those damaged by the Apostolic Church, another group Bishop Harold would be familiar with in Cork and The Oasis Christian fellowship in Limerick and would see learning from those different situations in the proposals suggested here.
2. Then I would suggest inviting the two persons who experienced (presently known cases) unethical behaviour to speak to you directly- to the Trustees. Also there needs to be a review as to whether others were ‘groomed’ while under age, but then approached after they reached the age of majority.
Then let them speak to the congregation if they so wish, and if they prefer not by way of the Trustees.
I would suggest that the present leadership should also be under this process.
Following that I would suggest you invite people like xxxxx (a former founder member,) to come, people hurt by the Church that present members and former members can identify to work towards forgiveness and restoration.
After that process has concluded I would suggest that a Christian process following 1 Cor 6, would involve an enquiry into what happened which would involve anybody relevant from the congregation, in other groups now and Willi Stewart to work towards repentance, change and restoration of relationships.
If he admits to the charges we currently know about restoration does not mean his return to ministry, but to relationships with those he has hurt or let down.
What has happened is too serious to allow for him to ever be in a position of authority in the Church or in any church ministry related to youth.
He would also need to submit to an independently monitored support group to give
people confidence that he has relinquished power and is working with his sexual behaviour.
There are different views about the ability of those who are genuinely homosexual being able to change orientation. Some believe conversion is possible, I do not hold that view. Some are bi-sexual but it is hard to see a successful outcome till clarity on sexuality is achieved.
The main thing to remember in all this is if Willi is excommumicated, he must be treated like a publican and a sinner. Not blackballed, avoided, socially ostracized, but with the respect and love of Christ so that he might after a period of distance return to Christ.
xxxxxx perhaps you could reflect on this and come back to me about it.
I would like to submit it to CORE
IN Him
Mike
Filed under: Abuse, Evangelicalism
