April 27:Letter sent to Phil, Karla et. al.

April 27, 2020

To leaders of First Congregational United Church of Christ-Hendersonville:

Background

Many members of this church anticipated that the newly settled pastor would decide after about a year whether to accept the former full-time and interim pastors as members of the congregation, the practice followed for two previous former pastors.

Church members raised questions and expressed concerns with HRM members and other church leaders soon after receiving the notice of the new policy that excludes former pastors from church membership.  A significant number of us connected with each other, which led to a Zoom meeting on Saturday, April 18^th, in which 20 people participated.

We have been told that UCC churches follow a practice of not accepting former ministers as members to their congregation, but some of our previous UCC churches welcome retired pastors as members.  We view this congregation as a body of people immersed in love and justice for one another and the world and embrace everyone who enters our doors, while supporting our beloved, settled pastor as the leader of our body. 

We appreciate that Karla expressed in her letter “compassion and concern for each of you who have expressed your dismay regarding the new policy” and are grateful for the growth in membership since Karla became pastor.  We also understand that, as the new pastor, she could be in a difficult position to have sole responsibility for the decision whether to accept a former pastor as a member of the church. 

Concerns and questions

 During the Zoom meeting, members shared that they feel “saddened” and “heart sick.”  Other comments that were expressed include: “Nothing about love and compassion;” “My sense of the church was crushed;” “It’s not inclusive. It’s not congregational;” “We don’t want to lose values of this church;” “All inclusive means ALL;” “The schism in this church is a tragedy.” “Richard and Pastor Mike could have been grandfathered under our past practice.” “Former pastors should be welcomed at Ashley lectures, weddings, and memorial services.” and “Trust and hope that with open and complete dialog and understanding, total healing can and will be achieved.”

We agreed that the congregation needed to be informed that the HRM was considering a new policy and given the opportunity to vote on a procedure and the policy itself.  We have questions about the process that was followed, ask for more information about UCC policies and practices that the HRM consulted, and believe that alternatives are available to total exclusion, which to some feels like banishment or excommunication.  We also believe that church leaders need to be concerned about differences that have emerged within the congregation since the policy was announced.

Two former pastors of this church have returned to become productive church members.  A founding and fundamental assertion of congregational churches and the UCC is the autonomy of local churches to make such decisions . 

We understand the need for confidentiality in discussing sensitive personnel issues. We also understand from talking with HRM members that they considered questions that appeared to concern Rev. Weidler.  If so, did he have an opportunity to address those concerns?   

Request and intentions

We ask for a conversation with church leaders about the policy, the process by which it was adopted, and our deep concern about excluding any person from our open and affirming fellowship.

We invite healing among members of the congregation who feel wounded by this decision.

We ask for consideration of alternatives to the policy.

Possible format for a conversation

A conversation, probably as a Zoom meeting, would have to be planned with an agenda, a list of questions, and possible alternatives to the policy.  We suggest that Karla, Phil Taylor, and representatives of the HRM be involved.  A limited number of us could present concerns and questions and other church members participate as listeners.  We ask that it take place as soon as possible. 

Summary

A significant number of church members are disappointed and heart-broken about the policy and the way the decision was reached, and believe that it interferes with faith and trust in the church we love.  Although some have decided to leave the church, most are committed to doing all we can to bring healing and a renewed sense of community to the church.  We urge church leaders to hold a conversation with those of us who have concerns and questions.  

Prayers for peace, forgiveness, and community:              

Ann Allen, Cary Battle, John Bodamer, Karel Bodamer, Diana Brantley, Richard Brantley, Anne Cain, Kirsten Cone, Ben Coonrod, Joanna Coonrod, Susan Huff, Heather Fitzwilliam, Jimmie Harris, Roy Harris, Nancy Irving, Jim Jolly, Donna Jones, Jim Jones, Joanne Kimmel, Connie Knight, Joan McKinney, Robert Miles, Jim Nourse, Judith Nourse, Joady Perrett, Nancy Pew, Bonnie Rash, Jim Rash, Mark Ray, Diane Rhoades, Claudia Schopper, Jeannie Stewart, Milton Steward, Diane Swift, Joyce Tierney, Kevin Tierney, Pete Tintle, Tess Tintle, Carolyn Wilson