August 10: Summary sent to Karla and Phil

On Aug 10 the group decided to send a summary of our concerns to the entire congregation.

Before the email went out to the congregation this note was sent to Karla and Phil along with an attachment of the summary of concerns.

Karla and Phil,

As members of the congregation, we have been disappointed with the lack of discourse and interaction made available to the congregation about the Former Pastor Policy generated by the HMR and adopted by the Church Council.

FCUCC is a Congregational church.  As such, the congregation has the responsibility to make important decisions. This fundamental element of our denomination has been sorely missing during this process. 

To address that issue, we have drafted this "Summary of Concerns” to send to all members of the congregation.  That document is attached. 

                                          

As uncomfortable as it is for us as members to reach out to the congregation independent of church leadership, we believe that it is now the right and necessary to do. 

We believe that only with transparency and clear communication between all involved can real healing take place. Recognizing the responsibilities you have as Pastor and Moderator and respecting your need to be informed in advance, we are communicating with you before we communicate with the entire congregation.

Please know that we recognize how difficult this situation is for you as leaders of FCUCC as it also is for those of us expressing concerns.  However, we continue to believe, as Jesus asked us to do, that, although we may disagree, we are indeed "one body;" and we need to work together as best we can to bring his message of justice, mercy and forgiveness to the world. 

Respectfully,

Ben Coonrod

Diane Rhodes