An interesting exchange of emails between the Pendergasts and Pastor Kent Blanton and his wife Elaine. A previous email from Kent sent to Barry, at the onset of the dispute stressed Kent's deep friendship with Barry yet he was ready to drop that friendship at the drop of a hat. Even with the Elders apology of March 2004 (Pastor Blanton included) he never did speak to the Pendergasts again - he and his wife Elaine were happy to join in the shunning process. Prior to September 2003 Mr. Barry and Miss Jenny were favoured with the title of surrogate grandparents to the Blanton's three boys. Others alleging abuse by Elders and Pastors would say Kent was a fence sitter who did nothing to help. Kent was quite aware that Barry and Jennifer had tried many times to meet the elders on fair terms - not to be abused again. It raises the question of accountability again at South Calgary - nobody had the courage to stand up to Pastor Wallace and challenge him on his abusive and unacceptable behavior. You may also like to read a little more on some more recent developments related to the Blanton's move to Corpus Christi

From: Barry Pendergast <barrypendergast@shaw.ca>
Date: Fri Oct 17, 2003 8:24:53 AM US/Pacific
To: Kent and Elaine Blanton <kentandelaine@shaw.ca>
Subject: Our Friendship and Relationship With You & The Boys

Private & Confidential
Dear Kent & Elaine
We would appreciate sitting down with you both in the near future and discussing issues relating to our friendship and how that is affected by our worsening relations with the leadership at SCCC over our claims that spiritual abuse is being used to attack anybody who questions leadership decisions. At the last and stormy meeting with Jim Wallace, Marg Cumberlin and Kevin Phillips certain aspects of our relationship with you and the boys were discussed and we believe some level of a threat was implied that if we did not tow the line we would not have any access to the boys. We both feel it important to discuss the issues in an open and direct manner with you both.

Just let us know what's good for you both. Claims that we will not meet with the elders are untrue but we will not meet and be subjected to the kind of abuse we suffered in the past. Abuse that many others have suffered but felt helpless to fight. We regard the elders decisions to strip us of using our spiritual gifts as unscriptual and vindictive.
Barry & Jennifer

From: Kent & Elaine Blanton <kentandelaine@shaw.ca>
Date: Sat Oct 18, 2003 10:44:29 PM US/Pacific
To: Barry and Jennifer Pendergast <barrypendergast@shaw.ca>
Subject: RE: Your Invitation

Dear Barry and Jenny,

We received your e-mail inviting us to sit down and chat with you about our relationship. We are aware of no problems or conflicts between the two of you and two of us. As such, we don’t feel there is a need to specifically discuss the status of our relationship at this time.

Also, we try to make the Bible and its directives our guide for all of life. The bulk of your e-mail seems to focus on issues you have with certain individuals within the leadership of our church. The Bible clearly states that issues between individuals should be dealt with privately and directly by the parties involved (Matt. 18:15-17). As the issues you refer to in your e-mail are with others in the Body of Christ, we feel it is inappropriate and contrary to God’s Word to meet with you for the purpose of discussing these issues.

As your friends, we would urge you to address any issues with the specific individuals involved. If resolution cannot be reached, then the issues should be addressed with the spiritual leaders of the congregation (the Elders are the spiritual overseers of our church). We would encourage you to utilise the time you have offered to meet with us to meet with them, with a view toward reconciliation and resolution of your concerns in a Christ-honoring manner.

We love you both, very much, and pray that God would make Himself evident to you in the days ahead.

Your friends,

Kent and Elaine