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Letter to
Atlantic Union
Conference
August 17, 2014 |
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Carlyle Simmons
Executive Secretary |
| Message # 760 |
| Dear Pastor Simmons: |
| Several months ago you visited Ridgewood Church and I asked you a question about Church Manual, page 67 regarding the rights of former members to seek fairness, specifically I asked if these rights allow me to seek fairness from you (ie: Union Conference level), now the providence of God brings me back with a new question about the rights of a former member to seek fairness. |
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| I believe the Lord wants us to continue our conversation on this section of the Church Manual because He has allowed a new situation to happen on July 19th. While we are waiting for the Greater New York Conference to consider two questions which are prompted by two statements by Elders at Ridgewood Church. (#1) Can non members be served communion? and (#2) is the Matthew 18 grievance resolution process only for Adventists? While these are important matters, the adjustment of any errors made can be done at a lower level. This message will explore the link between the “rights to seek fairness” and new question about Matthew 18. I am asking for a decision from you at this time in the hope that it will help resolve the situation at Ridgewood Church. |
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| Here is a 'Spirit of Prophecy' quotation that I sent to the Executive Secretary of GNYC in July . . . |
“The time and strength of those who in the providence of God have been placed in leading positions of responsibility in the church, should be spent in dealing with the weightier matters demanding special wisdom and largeness of heart. It is not in the order of God that such men should be appealed to for the adjustment of minor matters that others are well qualified to handle. "Every great matter they shall bring unto thee," Jethro proposed to Moses, "but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace."
Acts of the Apostles, page 93.1
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If we look at this new situation in the light of this quote, we can say the adjustment of minor matters could be handled by Bledi Leno, the Director of Multi-Ethnic Ministries, because he is the direct supervisor over Ridgewood Church and still on record as the Senior Pastor. However, on July 8th Pastor Leno told me that he did not read the messages I send him in July and he will not read any messages I send him in the future. Therefore, I have brought these two new issues to Henry Beras on July 23rd and we are waiting for him. Since he has not commented on either of these questions, they could become a “great matter they shall bring unto thee” but at this early stage I will give Henry Beras the benefit and say “every small matter [he] shall judge.”
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| This message is an appeal for clarification of a difficult question, and I say difficult because it is not clearly defined in the church manual. The question is about this text on page 67, the same text I asked you about when I saw you in January. |
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“While it is the right of the church to administer discipline, this does not set aside the rights of members to seek fairness. If members believe that they have been treated unfairly by the local church, or not had the right to be heard fairly . . .”
Church Manual, page 67
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We spoke about this when you visited Ridgewood in January 2014 and we spoke about it on the phone and in e-mail messages. I used this text to argue that the rights given to former members included the right to ‘seek fairness’ from the Union Conference level. Your opinion was that I did not have the right to come to you and that is why you would not consider my question as to which charge should be considered at the appeal. You said that the local conference should deal with this, but you would not make any recommendations to them, since you did not make them aware of this opinion the GNYC will not believe what I say about what you said. The result is that my appeal is stuck on this question about which charge should be considered. The GNYC was asked to consider the question of which charge in early August 2013, which makes it over a year that I have been trying to move forward with my appeal but can’t.
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| Now I come to you with a different question on the same Church Manual text. |
| The question is: Does the rights given to former members include the right to follow Matthew 18 when the former member is grieved by a member of the church? |
| The Elders claim that my status as a non-member does not give me standing to bring a grievance to them, in other words I have no right to be heard, and I claim this is unfair. |
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| I believe that Jesus gave the instructions written in the gospel of Matthew for everyone and not just for members of the church. The Old Testament foundation of this principle is found in Ezekiel 33: 8, 9 |
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When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost net speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand ( 9 ) Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but thou has delivered thy soul.
Ezekiel 33: 8, 9
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Please look at the instructions given by Christ in Matthew 18 (this link opens to the Scripture http://www.diggingfortruth.org/article/1673/ ) the pen of inspiration says more in Testimonies, Vol. 7, page 260; that this is the way outlined in the word of God for correction of the brother who sins against you. Three elders at Ridgewood Church believe the Matthew 18 is for members of the Adventist church only and that I have no standing as a non-Adventist to come to them in accordance with Matthew 18: 17. They do not say what resolution process the Word of God does give for non-Adventists to follow. Of course, this is the question for Henry Beras to decide, but I present to you the Church Manual text on page 67 as evidence that former Adventists have rights that are not given to non-Adventists, and therefore, this is a different question then what I asked Henry Beras. I bring it to you because it is a considerably more difficult question and he seems to be having problems answering the questions I asked him 25 days ago.
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| If you decide that the rights given to a person who has been removed from membership (the rights to seek fairness mentions on page 67), include the right to follow Matthew 18 to resolve grievances and correct the unfair practice (such as not serving me communion) then the Elders may be able to correct their mistake and allow the resolution process to move forward. |
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| To see my case better, it would help to look at what happens if the Ridgewood elders are correct and Matthew 18 is only for members of the Adventist Church. Please look at 7T, 260 closely |
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“. . . If thy brother shall trespass against thee,’ Christ declared, ‘go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone’ . . . Do not tell others the wrong. One person is told, then another, and still another; and continually the report grows, and the evil increases, till the whole church is made to suffer. Settle the matter ‘between thee and him alone.’ This is God’s Plan.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, page 260
Church Manual, page 56
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This quote was included in Message #10 to Henry Beras, I pointed out that there are two aspects of God’s plan. The first aspect is to talk to the brother and try to resolve the grievance . . .
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“All heaven is interested in the interview between the one who has been injured and the one who is in error. As the erring one accepts the reproof in the love of Christ, and acknowledges his wrong, asking forgiveness from God and from his brother, the sunshine of heaven fills his heart . . . The Spirit of God binds heart to heart, and there is music in heaven over the union brought about.” ( Quoted from 7T, 261 )
Church Manual, page 57
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The General Conference liked this quote in Testimonies, Vol. 7, page 261, and approved it for Chapter 7 on Church Discipline in the Church Manual, but these words are found in other inspired writings. In Gospel Workers, page 499 we learn what was not included in the . . . text above. ( see words in Red )
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“All heaven is interested in the interview between the one who has been injured and the one who is in error. As the erring one accepts the reproof offered in the love of Christ, and acknowledges his wrong, asking forgiveness from God and from his brother, the sunshine of heaven fills his heart. The controversy is ended; friendship and confidence are restored. The oil of love removes the soreness caused by the wrong; the Spirit of God binds heart to heart; and there is music in heaven over the union brought about.
Gospel Workers, page 499.4
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| It would improve our understanding to consider if these words in red “The controversy is ended . . .” also appeared in the Church Manual it would remind us of what heaven is interested in, and also that the sin is recorded in heaven. By following ‘God’s plan’ of dealing with the sin here on earth, it is marked resolved on the books of heaven, that is why there is music in heaven. This music is also mentioned in 2MCP 529.6. Inspiration speaks more about this in The Upward Look. ( new words in red ) |
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“Whatever the character of the offense may be, this does not change the plan God has made for the settlement of misunderstandings and personal injuries. Act out the spirit of Christ. Take the recipe God has provided, and carry it to the spiritually diseased [one]. Give him the remedy that will cure the disease of disaffection. Do your part to help him. Feel that it is a duty and privilege to do this, for the sake of the unity and peace of the church, which is very dear to the heart of Christ. He does not want any wound to remain unhealed on any member of His church. All heaven is interested in the interview between the injured member and the one who has been guilty of error. After settling the difficulty, pray together, and angels of God will come to you and bless you. There is music in heaven over this union.
The Upward Look, page 106.3
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We learn that, “He does not want any wound to remain unhealed on any member of His church,” But does this mean that “the recipe God has provided” only applies to the SDA Church, and that over a billion believers in the Lord, Jesus Christ who are outside the Adventist Church have no ‘recipe’ and therefore, no remedy to resolve grievances? In other words, Is heaven only interested in grievances within the SDA church? and they would make no record and take no interest when a member of the SDA church trespasses against a non member. Would they allow a member to be protected and his sin overlooked? What about former members who have drifted away from the church or have been grieved away from the church. Didn’t they receive the Holy Spirit when baptized into fellowship of God’s remnant church and weren’t they given a knowledge of the precious truths that God has bestowed on the church? Weren’t they told that every transgression is recorded in the books of heaven, and we are given ample opportunity to follow God’s plan and apply the remedy He provides for dealing with these sins?
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| Christ came to reveal the character of the Father to men, not just to Adventists. |
“The infinite love of God has been manifested in the gift of His only-begotten Son to redeem a lost race. Christ came to the earth to reveal to men the character of His Father, and His life was filled with deeds of divine tenderness and compassion. And yet Christ Himself declares, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law." Matthew 5:18. The same voice that with patient, loving entreaty invites the sinner to come to Him and find pardon and peace, will in the judgment bid the rejecters of His mercy, "Depart from Me, ye cursed." Matthew 25:41. In all the Bible, God is represented not only as a tender father but as a righteous judge. Though He delights in showing mercy, and "forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin," yet He "will by no means clear the guilty." Exodus 34:7.
Patriarchs and Prophets, page 469.2
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| When the Elders of Ridgewood church say I have no standing to bring a case of transgression to them in accordance with Matthew 18 because I am not a member, they are in effect excusing the transgression, and they do not realize that in their efforts to protect the member who erred, they are actually blocking the plan that God has set up to resolve the matter and provide the remedy that cost Jesus so much to provide. They also forget that God “will by no means clear the guilty.” |
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| I am a non member who still loves the church and I understand the danger of protecting a member of the church who has transgressed, and that the Elders have been blinded by their desire to protect one of their own or by their prejudices and suspicions about me. It may even be a little of both, but it could also be that their desire to protect the one who transgressed could be the result of their thinking that communion is for Adventists only and therefore, there is no transgression. But this question is for Henry Beras to consider. |
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| I said there are two aspects of the process in Matthew 18 – let’s look again for the other aspect |
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“. . . If thy brother shall trespass against thee,’ Christ declared, ‘go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone’ . . . Do not tell others the wrong. One person is told, then another, and still another; and continually the report grows, and the evil increases, till the whole church is made to suffer. Settle the matter ‘between thee and him alone.’ This is God’s Plan.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, page 260
Church Manual, page 56
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The second aspect is that the grieved party is restricted from spreading any report about the wrong done to him, it is considered gossip, and this restriction is also part of God’s plan. It also restricts the grieved party from starting a lawsuit, and this restriction is clarified in the Church Manual, page 60 and 61, but more on this later.
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| The Church Manual points us to Testimonies, Volume 7, where we can get a closer look at phase two described in Matthew 18: 16 - we read . . . |
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"But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." Matthew 18:16. Take with you those who are spiritually minded, and talk with the one in error in regard to the wrong. He may yield to the united appeals of his brethren. As he sees their agreement in the matter, his mind may be enlightened.”
Testimonies, Vol. 7, page 262.2
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After the transgressor refuses to talk with the one he offended, then others can be told, this is logical because in order to get witnesses who can “talk with the one in error in regard to the wrong” they need to know what the conversation will be about. New factors come into play that were not involved when the matter was between the grieved and the one who transgressed. The person trying to follow this process can experience resistance and rejection by those he asks to witness the next attempt. So he may need to ask many and this way the report can be spread and the church starts to suffer. The report can be about the transgression but it can also be about the trouble being caused by grieved person (especially from the ones that turn down request to be a witness). All this is because the offender would not engage in a conversation in accordance with verse 15. What is considered as gossip when told before the interview between the one who was injured and the transgressor, is deemed necessary in verse 16 because “Take those who are spiritually minded to talk with the one in error” actually requires them to know what the problem is.
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Again there should be an effort to keep the matter to the smallest possible sphere as recommended by the Church Manual, page 59 “Every effort should be made to settle differences among church members and contain the controversy within the smallest possible sphere.” The instructions are to go to those who are spiritually minded, which implies they will not spread the report beyond those involved.
Now let's look at the next phase . . . |
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"And if he shall neglect to hear them," what then shall be done? Shall a few persons in a board meeting take upon themselves the responsibility of disfellowshiping the erring one? "If he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church." Verse 17. Let the church take action in regard to its members. {7T 262.3}
"But if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." Verse 17. If he will not heed the voice of the church, if he refuses all the efforts made to reclaim him, upon the church rests the responsibility of separating him from fellowship. His name should then be stricken from the books. {7T 262.4}
Testimonies, Vol. 7, page 262.3, 4
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So a quick review of Matthew 18: 15-18 is when a member of the church sins, go to him privately, if he listens you have won your brother. If he does not listen, go back with one of two more (verse 16); if he doesn’t listen, tell it to the church (verse 17); if he still doesn’t listen, put him out of the church (verse 18). This process continues to escalate because the member is not willing to listen and resolve the problem. All heaven is interested, we bring heaven down to earth. Never is the church more heavenly than when it is confronting sin . . . never. You can’t minimize sin and you can’t excuse sin in the church and at the same time say, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We literally act in perfect harmony with heaven when we deal with sin.
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If the church acknowledges that the nature of the case is such that is is not within its authority, it should be recognized that the member has exhausted the possibilities of the biblically outlined procedure and that what he/she should do beyond that point is a matter for his/her conscience. Church Manual, page 60
Verse 17 is the point where the church board decides on discipline or to release the grieved member to seek resolution in court. The restrictions regarding lawsuits are also found on page 60, and this applies when both parties are members of the church. I mention it because we have discussed the conference position on 'recognition' extensively.
Notice when the biblically outlined procedure is exhausted, which removes the restrictions placed on the grieved party.
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| The Elders who are on the Church Board have actually prevented the process from continuing. The brother in error is ‘off the hook’ at Ridgewood because he does not need to refuse to hear the church; his friends on the church board think they are protecting him from me, but they can not protect him from a God who hates sin. If the church does not deal with this, his name will be removed from the Book of Life. This is what will happen if anyone’s sin remains on the books of heaven. The church is responsible for dealing with sin. It is a grave mistake for the elders on the church board to protect their friend; they should make every effort to clear the heavenly record by resolving this grievance. |
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| It may seem that I have gotten off the topic so let me bring it together. The second aspect of God’s plan for grievance resolution is to restrict the gossip and the spread of the report while the matter is in first phase (verse 15) and second phase (verse 16); but in third phase (verse 17) the church is required to deal with the matter. We can conclude from this that by refusing to talk with the person who has been grieved, the restriction placed on the grieved party is loosened to allow him to get witnesses, and when he refuses to talk to the grieved person and the witnesses, the restriction is removed and the church is required to deal with this matter. It is a serious matter to refuse to speak with God’s faithful servants who are coming to you in accordance with God’s plan and His will. |
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| So now we can see that the Elders of Ridgewood Church have thrown “the baby out with the bathwater” by saying that Matthew 18 is only for Adventists and that non-Adventists have no standing to bring a grievance to them they are actually removing the restriction that protects the church from gossip and evil (below in red ). |
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“. . . If thy brother shall trespass against thee,’ Christ declared, ‘go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone’ . . . Do not tell others the wrong. One person is told, then another, and still another; and continually the report grows, and the evil increases, till the whole church is made to suffer. Settle the matter ‘between thee and him alone.’ This is God’s Plan.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, page 260
Church Manual, page 56
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The instructions, given by Jesus Christ reveal the spiritual applications of protecting the church from gossip until the grieved party can talk with the person who offended him. When the transgressor avoids this conversation the matter enters a phase where the protection is removed and now other members become responsible for knowing about what happened. It is still God’s plan to protect the church, but refusing to deal with sin makes the consequences worse for the transgressor because he is putting the very health of the church in danger. The church needs to deal with sin in the church.
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| Don’t miss the importance of this as the elders at Ridgewood Church have. They need to understand that the process shifts from restricting knowledge of the wrong that has been done to bringing the church together to deal with the issue because it is vital to the health and purity of the church. We can see this better in the following quote . . . |
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“Had Elder Smith exercised more firmness and boldness in defending the right and condemning the wrong, my husband would not have been forced to take such firm, decided positions. This disposition on the part of Elder Smith to overlook wrong, and leave evils uncorrected, which, though small at first, would increase till they finally destroyed the purity of the church, has forced my husband to act, and caused his course, in contrast with Elder Smith's, to seem very severe and dictatorial. Had Elder Smith stood as a bold soldier for Jesus Christ, had he called sin, fraud, and dishonesty by their right names, had he given these evils their just rebuke, less of such disagreeable work would have fallen upon my husband, and less cause would have been given for temptation in regard to his course of action.”
PH043, page 9, par. 1
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| Here is the five places where the phrase ‘purity of the church’ appear in the inspired writings of EGW http://www.diggingfortruth.org/article/3427/ |
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To overlook wrong and leave evils uncorrected, may start small but it will increase until the purity of the church is destroyed. The Elders of Ridgewood church do not seem to understand Matthew 18 is about dealing with sin in the church and not about who is allowed to bring the matter to their attention.
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| I may not be a member of the SDA church but I am still a disciple of my Lord, Jesus Christ, and He has blessed me with knowledge of the grievance resolution process and over 700 messages that I sent to you have been about resolving grievances. You know that I have been trying to resolve grievances for years, and I have been studying the church manual chapter on discipline to understand how to do this God’s way. |
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| Thanks for your patience in reading the previous seven pages, now we can discuss the rights of former members found in the Church Manual section about reinstatement of membership. |
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Right of Appeal for Reinstatement
“While it is the right of the church to administer discipline, this does not set aside the rights of members to seek fairness. If members believe that they have been treated unfairly by the local church, or not had the right to be heard fairly . . .”
Church Manual, page 67
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Notice this is for former members who think they have not been treated fairly by the local church. If they were guilty of sin and the church disciplined them it would be the proper action by the church, however, the church still is required to do it fairly and not set aside the rights given to members. In fact, Matthew 18 is required procedure connected to removal of membership as you can see in the Church Manual,
page 57 ["No church officer should advise, no committee should recommend, nor should any church vote"],
page 58 (twice) ["Whatever the church does in accordance with the directions given on God’s word"]
and ["when the Bible rule has been followed"];
page 63 ["Only after instructions given in this chapter"];
page 64 ["No church should vote to remove a member under circumstances that deprive the member of these rights"].
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| If the member was not guilty of the charge but just could not convince the congregation, or could not prove innocence, he might be removed. His lack of repentance for a sin he did not commit could be viewed as unwillingness to change his ways and the congregation's vote for removal was a mistake. This could happen in a case where one or more false testimonies drown out insistence that one is innocent. All these scenarios are not addressed in this section, the Appeal for Reinstatement of membership is based on fairness and due process. The 59th GC Session changed the church manual in 2010 to make fairness the basis for appeal. |
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This section of the church manual was re-written at the last GC Session so that former members who feel they were treated unfairly by the local church have a process and a path for reinstatement. One aspect of unfair treatment is written right into the section, “or not had the right to be heard fairly” so being heard fairly is a right given to members. Other rights are found on page 64 in the section called, “Fundamental Rights of Members” they are the right to prior notification of the meeting, the right to be heard in their own defense, the right to introduce evidence and the right to produce witnesses.
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| The manual says on page 65, “No church should remove a member under circumstances that deprive a member of these rights.” The church manual adds a sentence about ‘due process’ by saying “Written notice must be given at least two weeks before the meeting and include the reason for the disciplinary hearing.” So the case of reinstatement is based on fairness and the definition of fairness is based on proper procedure and a hearing that allows for the member to exercise his rights. These things were discussed in Message # 740 ( click here for the on-line version http://www.diggingfortruth.org/article/3063/ ). |
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| The Church Manual does not address what happens after removal of membership in regard to a former member’s right to follow the Matthew 18 grievance resolution process because Matthew 18 is not about rights of former members it is about dealing with sin committed by a member of the church. |
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| If the Elders of Ridgewood church could support their position with Scripture, SoP or the Church Manual they would have done so by now. The case where a member sins against a former member should be addressed because overlooking sin or excusing sin hurts the church. I do not know the basis of the claim by the elders at Ridgewood that Matthew 18 is only for Adventists – because Elder ________ announced the church position and the Pastor closed the matter by declaring it was resolved. |
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| I claim there is a difference between and former member and a non member. |
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| Therefore, I ask you to clarify the right of a former member to practice Matthew 18 in this situation because of the statement by two elders of Ridgewood Church and the actions or a third elder who believes that Matthew 18 is only for Adventists. |
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| Your decision could be that the Elders are wrong and the instructions of Christ in Matthew 18 is how to deal with sin by a member of the church and how the information comes to the attention of the church does not matter, or you can agree with the elders that a non Adventist has no standing to introduce a case to the church. I claim there is a difference between a non member and a former member and I am asking that you clarify to these elders that there is a difference between non-members and former members who have decided to excercise their rights to seek fairness. There may not be a whole lot of people in this class which may be why the elders are confused. I am asking you to give me a statement that the right to practice Matthew 18 and even to bring the matter to the church when verse 15 and 16 have failed is a right given to former members who are seeking reinstatement. You could even surprise everyone with a decision which is different than what we expect or you could not render a decision at all, but I am asking for a decision of some sort. |
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| I have written seven pages above to argue the first possibility that the Elders are mistaken. The second possibility that a former member has no standing will now be disputed. |
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“. . . Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God’s Word will be ratified in heaven. {7T 263}
Church Manual, page 58
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| This same sentence is also found in Gospel Workers, page 501 |
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“This statement holds its force in all ages. On the church has been conferred the power to act in Christ's stead. It is God's instrumentality for the preservation of order and discipline among His people. To it the Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it rests the responsibility of excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their unchristlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God's word, will be ratified in heaven." {GW 501.4}
Gospel Workers, page 501.4
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Ellen White expands on this in Review and Herald and Home Ministry publications (both have same words)
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Jesus adds to the lesson these words: "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." This assurance, that after the rules of Christ have been followed to the letter, the decisions of the church will be ratified in heaven, gives a solemn significance to the action of the church. No hasty steps should be taken to cut off names from the church books, or to place a member under censure until the case has been investigated, and the Bible rule fully obeyed. The word of Christ shows how necessary it is for church officers to be free from prejudice and selfish motives. Human minds and hearts, unless wholly sanctified, purified, and refined from partiality and prejudice, are liable to commit grave errors, to misjudge and deal unkindly and unjustly with souls that are the purchase of the blood of Christ. But the decision of an unjust judge will be of no account in the court of heaven. It will not make an innocent man guilty, nor change his character in the least before God. As surely as men in responsible positions become lifted up in their own esteem, and act as though they were to lord it over their brethren, they will render many decisions which heaven cannot ratify. {RH, April 16, 1895, par. 10}
Review & Herald, April 16, 1895 par. 10 also Home Ministry, Feb. 1, 1892, par. 13
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It becomes clear from this quote that an unjust judgment will not influence heaven, it will not make an innocent person guilty, nor change their standing before God. Therefore, a former member who appeals for reinstatement of membership on the ground of unfair practices might actually be innocent of the charges brought against him.
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| Therefore, a former member who is in the process of appeal for reinstatement should have rights that a non-member does not have, which includes the right to follow Matthew 18. If only members have this right to bring a grievance to the church in accordance with Matthew 18 than former members claiming to be unfairly treated should have the same right because in the sight of God they are still members of the family of God. |
| These paragraphs also shows the importance that a member facing discipline be given a fair trial, we see this in words like “no hasty steps should be taken to cut off names from the church books” and “until the case has been investigated and the Bible rule fully obeyed.” Because human hearts are liable to commit GRAVE ERRORS, and what are these grave errors, to misjudge and deal unkindly and unjustly with souls that are the purchase of the blood of Christ. |
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| You may think it unlikely to think that the church can make such grave errors; but you have to consider this possibility because it is written by the pen of inspiration and we know that these things are written for our admonition, if this warning is given it is because the church needs this warning. There are other warnings about this, just as important because this happens a lot in the past, the present and the future. |
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Satan is constantly seeking to deceive men and lead them to call sin righteousness, and righteousness sin. How successful has been his work! How often censure and reproach are cast upon God's faithful servants because they will stand fearlessly in defense of the truth! Men who are but agents of Satan are praised and flattered, and even looked upon as martyrs, while those who should be respected and sustained for their fidelity to God, are left to stand alone, under suspicion and distrust.
Great Controversy, page 192, par. 3
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How successful has been Satan work at Ridgewood Church? How much more successful will he be until you or the GNYC make a decision to uphold the church manual and help the deceived Elders at Ridgewood understand what the church manual says. The longer you delay the larger and more complicated the problem becomes.
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| God has given warnings against removing his faithful servants from the church. The actions by Ridgewood Church leaders to punish me before I do anything wrong could reveal that problems like this will continue. It seems that they justify their actions because of some discipline by another church, instead of following the instruction given in the church manual regarding members who have been removed. |
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| A former member who has been unfairly removed from membership may actually be a servant of God given an important work to stand in defense of the truth. How do you think God looks at a church that treats his servants so unfairly? Here is one text |
The plain, straight testimony must live in the church, or the curse of God will rest upon His people as surely as it did upon ancient Israel because of their sins. God holds His people, as a body responsible for the sins existing in individuals among them. If the leaders of the church neglect to diligently search out the sins which bring the displeasure of God upon the body, they become responsible for these sins. . ."
Testimonies, Vol. 3, page 269, par. 2
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I urge you not to delay your decision but consider this appeal because the next communion at Ridgewood church could repeat their mistake with other non-Adventists who want to be served communion, and at any time another person can seek to apply Matthew 18 and discover they are blocked. Of course, you can let the GNYC decide on who gets served communion and if Matthew 18 is only for members, but you can consider my appeal and say that a former member engaged in the reinstatement process has the right to follow Matthew 18.
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| There is a text in the Bible about casting a member out of the congregation and the writings of Ellen White gives four references to Isaiah 66: 5, here is one of them . . |
Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren. In order to retain their position in the church, some consented to be silent in regard to their hope; but others felt that loyalty to God forbade them thus to hide the truths which He had committed to their trust. Not a few were cut off from the fellowship of the church for no other reason than expressing their belief in the coming of Christ. Very precious to those who bore this trial of their faith were the words of the prophet: "Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isaiah 66:5. Great Controversy, page 372.3
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The Lord will be glorified, and I will rejoice when he appears, but the shame is also sure, and you can see already shame on a church that does not follow the fundamental belief # 16 and does not practice open communion, and prefers to protect a member who does wrong rather than follow God’s plan and instructions to resolve grievances. Isaiah 66: 5 is now precious to me also, see
http://www.diggingfortruth.org/article/3446/
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I believe that non members should be able to receive communion, I am not claiming it is a right, they have no rights granted to them by the Church Manual, but former members do have rights, granted to him on page 67 (quoted above) and page 63 says disciplined members “are not deprived of the privilege of sharing the blessings of Sabbath school, church worship, or communion.”
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| I am asking you to consider my appeal and I hope to hear from you soon. |
| In God We Trust |
| Mario |
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