Readers Respond

Below are emails received in response to our “Justice Denied” blog. The emails have been edited for clarity and brevity. They’ve also been edited to mask the identity of all writers, as there might be negative repercussions for some, especially current church employees, if their names were attached. Thanks to all who have cared enough to take time to write.


YOUR CONCERN that the legal approach is used instead of Jesus’ approach is of particular concern to me.—Current church employee


WE HAD NO idea. Been sitting here for an hour reading your tome in disbelief. Halfway through I had to pop a Pepcid to calm the heartburn it initiated.—Layperson


SAD, BUT well done.—Former church employee


YOUR STORY is an important, emotional, logical, honesty-begging, life-risking, family-unsettling issue. Welcome to the ranks of those who, as Popeye used to say, "just can'ts stands it no more!"—Former church employee


MY THOUGHTS and prayers are with you, and if I can help you in any way, let me know.

1. Most (though not all) of the men in our church are weak and cowardly, apparently believing that this reflects Christ in their life.

2. The higher up in the system people are, the more out of touch with reality they seem to be.

3. Most (though not all, of course) of those who were born into the church have no connection with Jesus. Their behavior is better on the surface than the average person (no drugs, alcohol or bad language), but that's about it. It seems that the only way second-generation SDAs find Jesus is when a traumatic incident happens in their life (i.e. divorce, cancer, child out of harmony with their values etc.)—or when they leave the fold, walk with the world for awhile, then come back.—Layperson


IT IS NOT often that I use the word "empathize." However, with what my wife and I have experienced, we really do empathize with you and your wife about how you have been treated.

This is a modus operandi used on a regular basis by church leaders. There just is no way that refusal to answer, obfuscation, obscurantism etc. are kind, Christian or biblical.

I have a book titled The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse. The authors are David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen. After I read your blog, I perused the book. (I wouldn’t be surprised if you have read it.) It seems that many of the observations made in the book accurately describe both your experience and ours.

A couple of years ago the Sabbath School lesson was about problems of leadership (I do not recall the actual title). I was watching Doug Batchelor teach the lesson on TV. At one point he asked the audience, “How many of you have had problems with church leaders?” At that moment the camera panned the audience. Even though it was only for a brief second or two, my guess is that about 80 percent of the audience raised their hands.

I believe that Who Watches? Who Cares?” Misadventures in Stewardship (about 375 pages), which came off the press in May 2008, is having and will have an impact. I think your manuscript will no doubt be effectively distributed on the internet. Without question you will have many responses from individuals who will tell you of their own similar experience.

I can’t help but believe, judging from the experience of others, that you aren’t in for an easy time, and that is so sad.—Layperson


I HAVE READ your blog through once, but plan to go back and read it again. Such things seem to be happening in our church more and more. I am appalled at what both Lincoln and the brethren have perpetrated against you, and I salute you for your courageous stand. I can only hope and pray that it all turns out OK in the end for you.—Current church employee


THANKS FOR sharing your tragic experience. My wife and I have both read through some of the material, and we sadly conclude that there is a pattern here that parallels our experience. Suffice it to say that we, like you, believe much needs to be done to correct a very flawed process. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.—Former church employee


I READ YOUR entire list of communications with church leadership. Because I have experienced similar "institutional" behavior myself, I can affirm the unwillingness in general of leaders—from conference presidents on up the ladder—to respond honestly and directly to issues. I use the term "up the ladder" because they are mostly "ladder climbers" (i.e. politicians, not spiritual leaders).

Fortunately, I am fireproof. I am a professional not employed by the church. It regularly grieves me that this low level of "professionalism" is a substitute for Christianity.

I pray daily that God will take down those who have proven their unreliability before God and raise up more members who will think clearly and trust God completely for their sole guidance. I also pray for the delegates to church sessions to have the clarity to overrule the aggrandizement of power these "leaders" assume for themselves.

I have put you and your family in our prayers that the "peace of God" can rule in all your hearts.—Layperson


I FINISHED reading your site Wednesday at 2:30 a.m. I am sorry that you are having to deal with a situation that could have been so easily dealt with. Shame on the administrators of our church for the way they have treated you. You and Leonie are in our prayers daily. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to assist either of you.—Layperson


I’M REALLY sorry for the deep hurt you and Leonie and your boys have experienced. It has been a sad situation. Please be assured of our continuing respect and friendship.—Current church employee


I’VE JUST READ your “Justice Denied” blog. As predicted, I have a heavy heart. When Jesus spoke the following words, I can just see Him having this situation in mind:

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:15-20; emphases supplied by the letter writer).

When the fruit is love, joy, peace . . . , it is the Holy Spirit at work. When the fruit is bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, Paul counsels us to get rid of it (Ephesians 4).

You have been my pastor for over a decade, and I have been so blessed because of your ministry. We have not always agreed, yet you have always been gracious, longsuffering and kind, as well as supportive and instructive. Like no other pastor I have ever had, you have demonstrated a servant’s heart. I value your ministry very highly.

As I pray for each person involved in this ongoing story, I find myself wishing that, like the story of the woman brought before Jesus because of her great sin, the first stone had not been cast. But it was. I admire the fact that you are willing to risk your reputation to stand up for Leonie. She is a precious woman, and you honor her every time you speak of her. (That in itself is rare.) God has asked us to defend the weak (do justice), love mercy and walk humbly before Him.

Like Daniel, stand up for right, and fall down to your knees in your ongoing relationship with your God. His Spirit will give you strength.—Layperson


I APPLAUD your courage for speaking out! Be true to yourself and God will guide you in the right directions, as He already has.—Layperson


I HAD NO idea of what you've been going through. Our jobs are difficult enough without what you've had to face. Your blog is well-written, clear and sad. Keep your courage. You and your family are in my prayers. –Current church employee


I READ through the material on your blog site. I'm disappointed for you and your family about what has happened. First that the rift between you and Leonie and Lincoln has developed into what you describe in your blog; and then the lack of response to the problem from “the powers that be.” How frustrating on both counts.

I've tried to step back from the what-do-they-think-they're-doing-to-my-friend-? feeling that first hit as I was reading your blog, to try to put myself in the shoes of the GC guys. While I could understand this was a problem they didn't want to address because it had started as a family matter, I think you state the case well that it had developed into something bigger than that. And I really can't understand why they haven't simply sat down with Lincoln to tell him straight that his actions were inappropriate—to tell him to do what you ask. Your request to contact those he sent the letters to is reasonable.

I suspect that the GC guys have already decided that they're not going to respond any further (I checked your blog site again this morning and see no further correspondence). I can hear the sound of hand-washing from here.

If that's the case, I'm hoping that the least that will happen is that they will take the same attitude toward any sense of annoyance they've had from your tenaciously calling them to accountability. Your ministry is too important to be hampered by any on-going defense of your challenge or, worse, by the effort of trying to hang on to your position while under attack in whatever form.

Hang in there. I'm hoping and praying that you and Leonie and the boys can move beyond the hurts of this exchange, whatever happens from here.—Current church employee


YOUR DOCUMENT, "Justice Denied," was shared with me, and I have studied it over. Since it sounds so much like my own experience, I felt compelled to write to offer you my sympathies. Unless one has suffered in like manner, it is difficult to understand. It is hard to believe that the church to which we have committed our lives could treat its members (much less its employees) in such an insensitive way.

Since “the brethren” count on the protection of the "First Amendment," they seem to enjoy relative immunity. And with unlimited financial resources, they can eliminate their enemies at will. The one thing they fear is publicity.

From what I read in your document, I can sense you will be making some powerful enemies who will press to destroy you for the negative publicity. I want you to know that I admire you for your courage and for your attempts to protect your family, your name and your church. May God give you strength to weather the storm.—Former church employee


I DISCOVERED your blog last night; I had not heard anything about this horrible situation. I am so upset at how you, Leonie and the boys have been treated through all this. I cried as I read all the letters and felt the frustration of not being treated as you would expect from the church leadership. You all deserve better than this! Thank you for having the guts to share this with us.

I have added your family to my prayer journal. I take about two hours each morning to pray for and about situations in my own family, and for friends and others I hear about that need prayer. It is my spiritual gift, and I have really begun to take it seriously. It has been my lifeline.

Jim, I know God will continue to bless you, your family and your ministry. You have been a blessing to me and many others!—Layperson


I HAVE NOT yet finished reading your blog, but wanted to take a moment to let you know that my prayers, along with the prayers of many, are with you. I pray that some eyes are opened so that hearts can change and the attacks and judgmentalism cease.—Layperson


CONTINUE the fight.—Current church employee


I WANT YOU to know my concern. It's not biting criticism, but concern for your wellbeing.

I agree that his letters and name-calling are entirely uncalled for—though his opinion.

I agree it was totally unprofessional and ungodly for him to send them to other people—particularly to colleagues.

I agree that you have done what you could—by going directly to the person, then going to a few more, as the Bible counsels us to do in Matthew 18.

I agree that you have every right to defend your family.

But when I read the blog and the same material was stated over and over—while it clearly communicated your frustration, as understandable as it is—it began to sound desperate (which you must feel). But the repetition sounded petty.

I don't know how it will happen, and I'm not saying that you should or shouldn't use legal action (I remember Merikay). But perhaps now is the time for you to stand back and trust that God is going before you. As you know, He is all about bringing His glory out of our weakness, and bringing us to Himself. —Layperson


I HAVE SPENT a bit of time reading the sad history of your situation on your blog. Thank you for sharing it. I realize the anguish behind it by the “risk” involved in expressing yourself publicly in this way.

I am not sure how to respond other than to express my sympathy for your predicament and to share your frustration and deep disappointment that the system—like many systems—struggles to respond well to “difficult” situations.

If there is anything more practical I can do to assist, please do not hesitate to ask. I have prayed for you and your family as I have reviewed this material.—Current church employee


ACCOUNTABILITY is sadly lacking throughout the organization. However, one day we shall all have to give an account of our actions. May that day be very soon.—Layperson


MY HEART and prayers go out to you and your family for the pain you have suffered and are suffering because of the behavior of some in our beloved church.

My father was a minister, who often would “go to bat” for those he felt had been wronged. He would do what he could to set things right for them.

My memory all these years since still reverberates with the justice denied all those years ago, and it breaks my heart to read that it still goes on.

God must be sitting up there, with His head in His hands, and a tear coursing down His cheek, to see His loved children and faithful workers treated so cruelly.

Keep your relationship with Him close.—Layperson


HAVE YOU been able to get any action from the GC officials? I'm really sorry about how this has affected both your work and your family. It is hard to understand how fellow Christians can treat others so unkindly and unfairly.—Former church employee


I AM a retired layman and a one-time employee of the SDA Church. I found school teaching too stressful, so changed careers. I've never been sorry I did so, especially after reading about what you've been through.

I fear for any pastor or other church employee who has to come up against someone higher up in the church hierarchy. Right or wrong, the guy or gal lowest on the totem pole almost always loses, as the GC has seemingly unlimited resources (tithe money) to hire the best lawyers money can buy. When they are challenged, the “good old boys” network seems to kick in and they tend to "circle the wagons" (protect their own), no matter what the cost. I've often wondered where practical Christianity (the Golden Rule—Do unto others) seems to get lost in cases like this.—Former church employee


I'M SO SORRY to hear of your family's excruciating situation, which I identify with in so many ways. I left the church in the mid-1980s in the midst a very painful situation. What I want to say here is that the church is part of the world system, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. This is the way the world works.

There is value in your testimony, I think, in that it may help others to understand that they are dealing with the world system when they deal with the official church.

Those who have received your ministry know who you are. Those who entertain gossip will never know who you are. Their loss.

I have no more hope in the Adventist Church, though it used to be the center of my existence and worldview. I do have a hope that the world makes sense and that God is good, at some level, but I can't prove that.

But you don't have to have any kind of hope to persevere. You can persevere because you love your family and your congregation, because people matter, no matter how unjust the world system is.

God bless you all and help you persevere in the face of all this.—Layperson


WOW! There is not enough time or room in this e-mail for my response! I am so sorry for the pain and suffering your family is under. And I especially feel for Leonie. I will pray for your situation, for your family and for your parish.—Layperson


I WAS SHOCKED reading your blog. I had no idea that you had been living a nightmare.

Even though I have few illusions about the morals of organizations, be they religious or not, I find it both shocking and sad that your wife, in particular, but you also, should be treated this way. We truly don't have anything if we lose our integrity and our name. And to see the GC passively standing by to let one of its employees make it his semi-official mission project to destroy an entire family is unconscionable.

The minute a non-profit organization, such as a church, is formed, its mission bifurcates. First, there is the original purpose for which it was established: heal the wounded, spread the Good News, be a blessing to the world. But the act of organizing immediately adds another mission: that of preserving and promoting the organization itself. To accomplish the first, you hire field workers, doctors, preachers. For the second, you get yourself a "general conference" worth of administrators. And since the administrators control the purse strings, they control policy and organizational priorities. They have all the real power.

People who have power use it to enhance their agenda. And the agenda of administrators is organization. This directly impacts ideology, outreach programs and interpersonal relationships because, to an administrator, "good" is defined as that which enhances the reputation of the organization, improves its fundraising and covers up its blemishes and scandals. "Bad" is everything that exposes the organization to blame.

So when a church employee begins selling The Bible Story at far below the conference price to church colporters, the organization needs to "protect" itself. And when a prominent evangelist decides to "minister" to a hapless teenage girl at his designated parsonage, it's best not to repeat it, because it might come back to haunt the church. Besides, it was probably her fault in the first place. (Instead, let's focus on the sins of the Catholic clergy. Nothing wrong with red meat for the base.) And when a school teacher falls behind on his tithe because he has to take care of his elderly parent, he must, of course, be fired lest others be encouraged to do likewise.

I felt an immense relief when I was able to walk away from organizational employment. I know that there are many decent administrators around, but such abuses of power will go on unchecked as long as the church does not become a democratic organization. If the healers of the church achieved real power, if the laypeople were able to vote in a meaningful way, things might change. But as long as good and bad are defined in organizational terms, the church will keep on hurting as many people as it heals.

I wish you and Leonie an end to this nightmare. You could, of course, walk away from it all. And I'm sure you must have been sorely tempted. But then again, that's the purpose of the vendetta, isn't it?—Former church employee


ALTHOUGH MY words may never erase the pain, embarrassment, and frustration you’ve endured the past two years or so, I want to let you know that I praise God for you. I want to let you know that although I've never met you, your wife or your three sons, I love you all dearly.

Similar things have happened to me. (Yes, as you say, it continues to boggle the mind.) So I appreciate your fighting for your family and holding on to your call (because God has anointed you, not man).

I think of Joseph. I think of Daniel. I think of Jesus. God's purpose for your life is far-reaching. You're not done. You're just beginning, really. I'm praying for you as the Lord continues to lead you through the fellowship of His suffering, as He continues to reveal the depth of His heart to you.

I'm proud of you.—Former church employee


AS I READ your blog, several emotions quickly surfaced. I sense incredible agony of spirit as you were brushed aside by “the brethren” in Washington, and then felt compelled to publicly expose their indifference in your “Justice Denied” reports.

Leonie, I feel for you too in your pain, which is no doubt exacerbated by some unfortunate family history and the failure of church leaders to demonstrate very basic Christian help and compassion. Is the call of Jesus to look out for the “least of these” no longer heard in Silver Spring?

I too have shed tears over injustices and experienced the painful indifference of church administrators in sorrowful times. Very few will rally to stand by you during such experiences. The “higher” one’s office as a church administrator takes you, the more insensitive and immune you become to the concerns and interests of the local pastorate.

Yes, administrators are very glib with “God talk,” saying and writing in our church papers what they know pastors and members at the local church want to hear. But, with possibly a few exceptions, an administrative office somehow carries within its DNA the potential viruses of arrogance, indifference and insincerity—conditions that may not be readily discernable, until, as in your situation, the hypocrisy metastasizes. Then, the diseased and hypocritical behavior takes its deadly toll. A crisis of confidence ensues, lives and reputations are infected and often destroyed, and the virus keeps spreading, to the detriment of God’s Church.

A further tragedy about this condition is that while in administration one doesn’t realize that you’re infected with the virus. You only discover it when you’re no longer enmeshed in protectionism of the “system.” Term limits might help to foster better accountability and authenticity.

A wave of cynicism has crept over my soul for several years now as a result of administrative malpractice that I’ve learned and/or known about from several places here in this division and overseas. In every situation, the administrative attitude has essentially been the same—ranging from unresponsiveness and indifference, to arrogant infallibility. I’ve tried to restrain myself, seeking to give others the benefit of the doubt. But your story is too compelling to deny that my cynicism is justified, or that my analysis about an inherent serious fault-line in administrative practice is just a figment of my imagination. I know the system, and I am no longer fooled by it.

I am interested to know whether church leadership in Washington has responded more responsibly than reported in “Justice Denied.” I admire your courage. You’ve done the right thing. Please, both of you, and your boys, be assured of my deep respect, full support of all your efforts, and my prayers. May God continue to bless your ministry, Jim, and may the Florida Conference and your congregation stand by you at all times.—Retired church administrator


I CAME across your blog and noticed you asked for input. Since I knew nothing of this situation before and nothing other than what you have written, I will go with that. You have obviously been defamed in a most unprofessional way, and there is no doubt about that.

What your blog doesn't say is what the other party is experiencing as a result of his impulsiveness. I would hope that the childish behavior of your brother-in-law is putting him in an uncomfortable position with his colleagues.

The blog is vague and gives only a clue about why he currently turned on you. I assume it may be because your family didn't attend the father's funeral. That would be a painful hurt for the family (especially the mother), and no matter how alienated, the right thing for all would have been to attend. However, my husband did just the same when his mother and sister died. Even though it was a dysfunctional family, I have never understood that action.

You indicated a willingness to resolve the situation, yet you have refused mediation. I was very sympathetic to you up to that point. (Maybe you are really afraid of the conflict.) If I wanted this resolved, I certainly would spend the time and money to make the trip. I am sure if you don't it will be held against you in any future legal moves.

To the people in the pew, however, this seems to tell us that there is no Christian forgiveness at the higher levels of church administration. You should both be willing to forgive. What are the members to think if their pastor and administrators can't forgive? You may have the right on your side, but that doesn't mean you don't forgive. This is not a judgment, it is only an opinion based on the facts you have presented. I do not know you personally.

As for the administrators who wouldn't act for you, I would suspect that, like so many people in politics, they thought: If we ignore it, it will go away. They should have suggested mediation right at the beginning. However, they chose to ignore the situation, especially due to the high profile of the perpetrator.

It would seem that the NAD human resources should have been contacted or the Ministerial Association of NAD or the GC. Aren't they supposed to be on the side of pastors?

I do not believe they were acting out of any personal thing against you. They just didn't want to get the GC involved. Hard as it is, try to put yourself in their place.—Layperson


TWO WEEKS ago I was introduced to you through reading your blog, in which you shared your personal experience and the awful impact it is having on you and your wife. I knew immediately that I must respond. I must somehow let you know how deeply some of us feel for you and how we understand the dreadful sense of aloneness that must be yours.

I am profoundly grateful to authors who have shared of themselves and whose shared principles I have been able to apply to my own life. Two current books I can heartily recommend are Jacob Needleman’s Why Can’t We Be Good? and Martha Stout’s The Sociopath Next Door.

Needleman’s book is built on two scriptural principles found in Micah 6:8 and Romans 7:19. It encourages—while showing why the ideal of perfectionism demanded by so many of others (never of themselves!) is hopelessly unreal.

Stout exposes a syndrome I find chilling. Her opening sentence is: “Imagine—if you can—not having a conscience, none at all, no feelings of guilt or remorse no matter what you do, no limiting sense of concern for the well-being of strangers, friends, or even family members.”

While reading her book I realized with horror the awful truth that there are certain professions that give marvelous cover for sociopathy. Among these are law, politics and ministry. I recalled her opening sentence while reading your blog and while reliving my own experience. Needleman gave me greater insight into a tangential syndrome: denial. Through his book I gained a greater insight into Peter’s denying any potential danger of denying his Lord.

I question the apathy of those within the organizational hierarchy toward you. I certainly experienced it and expressed the feeling of being like a styrofoam cup, discarded when no longer of use. In the light of Stout’s opening question, I wonder just when complacency regarding others’ suffering shades into complicity.

I think Jesus answered that question in the parable of the “Good Samaritan.”—Former church employee


SINCE WE have no way of knowing for sure the truth of what you’ve stated, we can only speculate and assume it is true. I, for one, believe it—based on past observation and a parallel experience of my own.

I am a layman. While I’ve never worked for the church, I’m a third-generation SDA. I won't tell my story, but suffice it to say, I have "heard the dragon roar," and it wasn't Rome!

I love the SDA message as affirmed by Ellen G. White and our pioneers. The only thing "going through to the end" is the message and those who embrace and teach it. Our election is bound to the message, not the church.

Christian regards. Keep the faith.—Layperson


[Your comments can be sent to me via email at justicedenied.jamescoffin@gmail.com. My time availability may limit how much I can engage in personal dialogue with any who comment. Comments sent to me will be posted at my discretion. All comments become the property of James Coffin and may be posted on this blog or used in other media forms, in full or in part.]