(updated 25th April 2005)

Please review the following letter. It is uncertain why the Runions did not address their concerns to Jim Grady or the Pendergasts at the time. Just another case of not using Matthew 18:15.

The elders hung on to the letter until November 2004 and used it to defuse the allegations of abuse that Jim Grady had posed in June 2004.

In fact when the elders referred to this letter in November 2004 in front of Jim Grady and an independent witness they did not provide a copy but inferred that Jim Grady had acted inappropriately to Nick Runion - The Runions son.

The facts still remains that Nick Runion had previously given evidence in an email and telephones calls to Jim Grady and others that the pastoral staff had acted improperly to Jim Grady, including releasing confidential information. The release of this information has been collobrated by others and will be made shortly. Nick Runions has not denied the original version only asked that it be withdrawn. More questions are needing answer why he changed his mind after meeting pastor Wallace. Why did Nick felt he owed his 'home pastor' more benefit that others. Why did he meet pastor Wallace then meet Jim Grady the next day yet not tell Jim Grady of his meeting with Wallace. Others will confirm that Nick Runion did NOT tell Jim Grady of this meeting nor seems to have given his father the version he told others. There are many credibility gaps in Nick Runion's story. It appears the elders may have been more interested in gaining evidence against the Pendergasts and Grady rather than carefully reviewing all the details. That they did this while carrying on sensitive negotiations with the Pendergasts over their appology is worrysome. All parties need to be questioned at one time and in one place.

A copy of this letter was only obtained from Ken Runion shortly after the meeting between the elders and Jim Grady in November 2004. After Mr. Runion supplied and signed a copy of the letter he assaulted and crashed Barry against the front door in an attempt to retrieve it. The copy had already been taken out of the Runions house by Jim Grady. All that Ken took from Barry was a set of confidential diary notes that he returned later that night. Barry was badly shaken by the experience.

Although the police were called and they confirmed the assault and taking the confidential documents was a crime, Barry decided not to have Ken charged, feeling he was just another victim. The Pendergasts called Elder Craig Edwards for assistance several times but he did not return the calls although it is understood he and Jim Wallace met with the Runions that night.

Later a NABC representative is alleged to have said that it was just a case of Barry tripping over his shoe laces.

Why was this letter held in secret for so long? The Pendergasts might argue that if strange looks were hurtful they certainly were given their share by pastors, elders, ministry leaders and members!! They had to suffer a year of such animosity by almost a whole church.