17 January 2006
Dear Rev Wallace, Kevin Phillips & Elders your answer is still awaited. No church leader is too important to refuse to answer a question as serious as this. This was one of a number of attempts by Rev Wallace and others to hurt the reputation of the Pendergasts behind their backs.
What was the rumour that was passed on by Rev Wallace and others? That the Pendergasts had sued other churches. This was likely done at the same time as Rev Wallace was delivering a sermon series on "Honest Words".
It would become evident that it was a well worked solution to win over those within and outside the church. The rumour was passed to at least one fellow pastor in NABC. It is our understanding that this pastor was Dr. David Spate from Brentview Baptist Church in Calgary, an accountability partner for Wallace. Seems there are shortcomings in the accountability process bearing in mind the history of past recorded abuse at South Calgary Community Church. One church member admitted they had heard the rumor but had forgotten the source. Others heard it outside the church after it had been passed from family members within to family members outside, who then passed it to others. How many more were told? It might explain the hostile and cool reception when Barry & Jennifer returned in March 2004. Sadly not the first time this kind of tactic had been used to smear a member's reputations. The pulpit had also been used to smear reputations in a more subtle fashion.
The attempts to destroy reputations by innuendo and false witness are unacceptable and must be challenged. Jim Grady carried out an independent investigation to squash the rumour but Pastor Wallace and the Elders refused to respond to Jim Grady's emails. Can pastors and elders be immune to these actions? It would be at least helpful to understand why a pastor would need to do this? As Dr Phil says what's the payback? A number of documents on our resources page have suggestions - personality type, abused in childhood, no accountability partners, fear for others to get involved or challenge, is it a disease - the need to hurt others etc etc.
Anyone who has another explanation or experience please write us.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Grady [mailto:jgradysr@shaw.ca]
Sent:March 31, 20048:42 PM
To: Jim Wallace
Cc: Kevin & Annette Phillips; edwardsc@cybersurf.net; grues@shaw.ca; dechaulk@telus.net; rcracknl@telusplanet.net; DYoung@samaritan.org
Subject: Rumor Information
Importance: High
This message was sent more that one week ago. I would like the courtesy of a reply. It is my biblical duty as a brother in Christ to track down this rumor.
Jim,
Various individuals have approached me over the past few months telling me that they had heard that the Pendergasts have sued a church before. This rumor seems to be persisting and has been quite damaging to the Pendergasts. One of my sources told me that they had heard this from you. Since I assume that your information is not first-hand, I would like to know who you heard it from. I would appreciate a reply as soon as is convenient for you.
Sincerely,
Jim Grady
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Wallace [mailto:Jim@southcalgary.org]
Sent:Thursday, April 01, 20049:51 AM
To: Jim Grady
Cc: Kevin & Annette Phillips; edwardsc@cybersurf.net; Grues@shaw.ca; dechaulk@telus.net; rcracknl@telusplanet.net; DYoung@samaritan.org
Subject: RE: Rumor Information
Jim,
Yes, you sent it to me while I was on holidays and out of the country.
I have forwarded it to the Elders and will let them deal with it. Any other communication should be with Craig or Kevin.
Sincerely,
Jim
Jim Wallace
Phone: 403-281-6755, x.25
E-mail: jim@southcalgary.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Grady [mailto:jgradysr@shaw.ca]
Sent:Thursday, April 01, 20044:54 PM
To: 'Jim Wallace'
Cc: Kevin & Annette Phillips (kevin.phillips@encana.com); 'edwardsc@cybersurf.net'
Subject: RE: Rumor Information
Jim,
I would really rather hear it from you. This is a simple request that should not require committee action.
Jim G.