A word of regret and hope from Linda Valentine

When the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board met on October 8, 2014, I summarized the events in a report that was then posted on our website. That report provides description and context for the events and refers to some of the corrective actions we are taking.

Since then, we have received responses that range from grace and support, to criticism, with some questioning why the four employees involved were not terminated. That decision falls to me. While I am not at liberty to provide specifics on personnel actions, strong new measures have been put in place to ensure this does not happen again. That includes some changes in job responsibilities, internal reorganization to provide closer supervision, additional financial oversight, ongoing review of policies and procedures, and the addition of an experienced financial manager to assure that financial controls are in place and that budget systems provide information for better management of funds and activities. The 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative is a growing and evolving ministry, and we will continue to remain vigilant, monitoring the situation and making further changes as warranted.

I consulted with the personnel subcommittee, the executive committee, and the full board as well as colleagues with responsibility for personnel and policy matters. In deciding not to terminate, but to require compliance, I considered a number of factors. The Rules of Discipline section in the Book of Order tells us that church discipline “is for building up the body of Christ, not for destroying it, for redeeming, not for punishing. It should be exercised as a dispensation of mercy and not of wrath so that the great ends of the Church may be achieved.” I recognize that in other circumstances it does not appear that grace has been extended, and that pain is still felt by some. We nevertheless seek in each time and circumstance to live into a vision of what it means to be God’s beloved community. I considered the significance of the 1001 initiative, which has brought tremendous new life and hope to the denomination and many people are experiencing the love of Christ because of their involvement in one of the new worshipping communities. Keeping momentum is important. Many in the church are looking to the Mission Agency for continued leadership and for good stewardship.

Craig Williams, 1001 mission catalyst for the West, formed the corporation PCNCI under the supervision of Philip Lotspeich, coordinator for Church Growth at that time. Eric Hoey, director of Evangelism and Church Growth knew of this, but did not take steps to intervene. Roger Dermody became aware after incorporation and failed to pay attention to matters that would have alerted him to it. There are other dedicated 1001 staff members who had nothing to do with this.

Each of these four individuals has made significant contributions to the mission of the church. In conversations, each took responsibility for his actions, expressed deep personal remorse for the pain and problems this has caused, and willingly agreed to take corrective steps to abide by policies and controls. The actions of the employees were clearly out of bounds. Ignorance of policies is no excuse. Mistakes were made. These actions were not for personal gain, but rather in support of the new worshiping community ministry.

Internal checks and balances worked, discovering the transfer of funds. Once discovered, the improper activity was stopped right away. As has been described, the incorporation of PCNCI and a payment to that corporation were discovered in March. The funds were returned in full in April. Staff was directed to do no further activity with the corporation, and all activity ceased. Measures were put in place to assure there were no further payments to PCNCI. No funds were lost, and oversight was increased.

An investigation was conducted under the direction of the Audit Committee, which finalized its report on August 13. In the ensuing weeks, the matter was presented and discussed with the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board in closed session (because it involved personnel matters) at its September meeting and in a specially called meeting on October 8. We posted the audit committee report publicly on our website on October 10, along with my report. We then posted an additional report via the Presbyterian News Service, discussing not only this issue, but also other challenges 1001 has faced as well as lessons learned along the way.

I recognize that not all would agree with my decision. I know this news has caused pain and distrust. In fact, our own board expressed consternation and even outrage upon hearing the audit report, as I had. Once they learned the facts and understood the context, many concerns were lessened. We don’t excuse the actions of our employees, and we are committed to compliance even while we seek to foster innovation. We have all learned some difficult lessons and made course corrections. We are fully committed to moving ahead with 1001 New Worshiping Communities as a key ministry for the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

I give thanks for the prayers and thoughtfulness of all Presbyterians as we make our way through this challenging time. In witnessing the tremendous impact of the 1001 movement over these past years, and in watching God raise up new leaders in congregations and presbyteries, we celebrate the more than 270 new worshiping communities that have been started in 111 presbyteries. We rejoice in the hope and excitement that this movement is bringing to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). And we continue to believe that our first and foremost mission must be to answer faithfully the call to follow Jesus.

I invite you to reach out to me with any questions you might have.

Linda Valentine is the executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Click here to read the Outlook’s report on the incident.

11/15 Update: Four employees placed on administrative leave