Bishop Henry had inroduced his own 'Moral Code ' to prevent abuse of clergy or church members. The Bishop refused to taken any action in the Pendergast case although confirmed the action taken against the Pendergasts was extremely serious.
Dear Bishop Henry, November 4, 2004
I am sending this letter to you because friends of mine are experiencing a terrific feeling of abuse from the Elders and Pastors of South Calgary Community Church in Calgary. My friend’s names are Barry and Jennifer Pendergast. I write you with the hope that you can assist them in the resolution of their serious situation in a fair and Christian manner. I hope you don’t mind reading a bit of background so that you can fully understand my concern as a Christian.
I have always been a practicing catholic and would like to briefly explain my involvement with the South Calgary Community Church (SCCC). While on my search for understanding Jesus, God and my beliefs, I became involved with the SCCC through their Alpha program. The Alpha program was excellent and I wanted to continue in my quest and decided to join a Home Group that was setup by various people who attended the Alpha course. We discussed the bible and all of our personal questions. When I joined the home group I was naïve at the time, in that I did not realize that the group was governed by the SCCC. I had actually thought the group was an unbiased, non-denominational group – which is what I was looking for.
My greatest disappointment and shock was when I attended one regular Home Group meeting (it was my last). Two Elders of SCCC attended this bible study to tell us why two members of our Home Group and of their church (Barry & Jennifer), were asked to leave SCCC (their membership removed). Barry and Jennifer were asked in advance not to attend this bible study. That evening the Elders did not state any real reasons for the removal of these two members – so why did they come? It also seemed to me that the decision to remove Barry and Jennifer was personal and made by a few people running the church (although all the Elders had voted and agreed). When the Elders tried to explain the situation and reasons in a roundabout fashion, while citing various parts in the bible, I could not help but feel that their approach to and justification for the dismissal was almost cultish in behaviour (ie. you do what we say or you cannot stay).
I know this is an exaggeration but it appears that a personal conflict had brought about the decision and I feel strongly that the manner in which the removal was carried out and the justification for it were not Christian like in any way. Additionally, I feel that this type of experience and behaviour on part of the Elders should not be found in any church, if it is a true house of God. That evening we asked the Elders why Barry & Jennifer were not there to defend themselves. I also stated that I believed that if Jesus were present (physically) he would never turn a person away from his fold based of personal conflict and especially when the conflict was not based on the faith. Jesus would not cast aside individuals who are true believers and loving Christians. The SCCC have passed around letters (on two separate occasions) to the members of SCCC telling them about the removal of Barry and Jennifer from all activities of the church (which included their participation in the bible study). Is this like the olden day public flogging?
I have had a difficult time believing in God and Jesus and his teachings and when situations such as this arise, they make me wonder even more. It is very intimidating and frightening that a church of God can tell you that you do not belong – what is the impact on the other members of the church – what does this tell them???? Some members of SCCC have asked Barry and Jennifer to quit their quest for resolution (ie. not stir up anything). A congregation looks towards the leadership to guide, direct, love, and most of all teach us how to deal with issues – not just run away from them. Our society as you know, does a fair bit of running away from things and divorces, reduction in the number of churches and followers, number of people living in the street and the increases in abuses clearly show how we do not know how to deal with problems. I think that the church can teach us all how to get along and utilize some concrete steps to improving difficult and painful situations. This situation is an excellent opportunity to play this out. All churches need to set the example and stand by what they teach – set a positive example that will give us encouragement and hope and that will build our faith.
Barry and Jennifer were very involved in SCCC and spoke with true conviction about the love of God for all of us. I know personally that they daily, were followers of Christ, his teachings, and ambassadors for God. So you can understand the impact of the Elder’s decision on them. The following describes a few of the activities that I know about, that Barry and Jennifer worked on while part of the SCCC:
_ they setup their first Marriage course,
_ Jennifer took care of the children during the masses,
_ Barry managed the audiovisuals for various masses,
_ Barry setup regular get-togethers for the men of the church for discussions and to help support the male community in the church,
_ they held at least one Alpha course for the church,
_ they setup a welcoming committee for new members to the church, and
_ they participated in bible study Home Groups.
Please look into this situation for the benefit of other members of the SCCC as well as other Christians in other churches. Both sides need to be heard and listened to. The conflict needs to be resolved without public humiliation or insults.
If you would like to talk to me personally feel free to contact me at (403) XXX-XXXX
Thank you for reading my concerns. Although, other churches may not be able to influence or help there is nothing worse than not making an effort. Please let me know what actions you can take to help support a just resolution for this church and for Barry and Jennifer.
Sincerely yours,