From: Jonathan McLernon jon.mclernon@gmail.com
Date: June 11, 2023 at 6:00:23 AM MST
To: Michael Hasset [email redacted]
Subject: In Alberta, the silence is deafening.
Michael,
More than 2 and a half months since I wrote an open letter to workers and elders, including yourself, we have heard nothing further, after an initial brief reply. Perhaps there are letters going out and I’m simply not on the list. But if this is the case, I imagine this is the case for many of our friends in this province.
And so, I’m going to speak very plainly, because it seems that gentle words do not evoke a meaningful response. And, I’m going to bcc this email to as many people as possible (100+). Some will appreciate these words, some will be angered by them. Some will correct me if they feel that I have misspoken.
While I’m the one writing, rest assured that these words do not come from me alone.
Week after week, as allegations continue to pour out, we in this province are met with deafening silence. And it is not only this province.
Deafening silence from those who are in trusted positions of authority. Maybe there are convert meetings happening in secret with privileged elders, but for the average person, we are hearing NOTHING from those who we thought were trusted with responsibility and oversight and “care for the flock”.
Sure, we have heard a few letters written with a few platitudes and verses, but absolutely nothing of substance that acknowledges the depth of the cruelty and betrayal that has been running through this fellowship for decades that has affected hundreds, if not thousands of victims.
Where are the “fruits meet unto repentance”? Where is the Godly sorrow? Where is the righteous anger?
Rape. Sexual Abuse. Grooming. Child rape. Child sexual abuse. Abuse of authority to prey on women and children in particular. These are among the most EVIL and HEINOUS crimes that a person could ever commit.
These are crimes that damage a person for life.
To write what amounts to “we are all hurting from these things”, for the victims of these cruel crimes, is the most indignifying slap in the face, to equate the pain of a damaged reputation, with the pain of being physically violated and abused.
If there was ever a time for leadership, this would be the time, and yet in the face of a real crisis, our “leadership” hides in what many are perceiving to be cowardly silence for weeks on end, while more and more victims come forward. It leads us to wonder if those in positions of authority are wishing that things are ignored long enough so that they will disappear, like in the “old days”.
Let me be clear, that will NEVER happen again.
The conversations ARE happening. They are happening everywhere EXCEPT between workers and friends in this part of the world, it seems. Among MANY of us “ordinary” friends and we are going to sources outside the fellowship because those are the people who have often been hurt the most, silenced and even excommunicated for the crime of speaking out. They’re the ones angry and hurt enough to speak loudly, no longer fearing retribution, and we are learning more and more about the depth of corruption and betrayal that has been plaguing this fellowship for decades.
Now the stories are in the light for ALL to see. And every single person in a position of authority who has been engaged in criminal activity is having their crimes brought to light, including the ones who have for years and decades, swept things under the rug.
I have been warned by others that if I speak up too bluntly, I may find myself “excommunicated”.
And, when I heard that, I first thought “Probably not very likely”. But, I also thought to myself “excommunicated for what?” For taking a vocal stand against child sexual abuse and the complicit coverups within this fellowship?
Looking back, I remember hearing whispers, even as a child, decades earlier, and being told that we don’t speak about these things because it might upset the faith of others.
Alberta in particular, has been the place of many excommunications in the past, which in light of this current state, are absolutely trivial and rooted largely in religious legalism, and when faced with true criminal behaviour, from people in high places, the only time serious action is taken is when people shout so loudly they can’t be ignored, or law enforcement becomes involved.
Regardless of the consequences of my speaking out, what cannot be taken from me is the foundation of my faith, which is rooted in Christ. Not in an institution established by men.
A very simple question to ask is “Where would we find Jesus?”
Would he be dining with workers of high status, would he be engaged in secretive conversations among a privileged few, aiding them to retain their positions of authority before men?
Jesus RAILED against religious hypocrisy. Silence IS being complicit, enabling and allowing abuse to continue.
In Alberta, is there a worker’s code of conduct? Or one being developed? How about a child safe policy?
If they are, why are we hearing NOTHING? Why are we who are parents not being consulted?
Let’s be clear. We know these policies will NOT change the heart of a predator, especially one that is incapable of empathy or compassion for their victims.
But, at least what it WILL do is it will allow those who are or have been victims, and those who could be potential future victims to KNOW what is and what isn’t appropriate, and to know if they have been victims.
What about steps to take when a crime has been committed? What should victims do and where should they go?
Why are we not being alerted to potential predators and criminals in our midst? How are we to keep our children safe? (Yes, we ARE finding out this information, but NONE is coming from our “leaders”)
The appalling lack of TRANSPARENCY continues, and there is NO good justification for this. Time and time again we have seen predators protected and moved around, and victims silenced, shamed, ignored or worse kicked out for being “troublemakers”.
If we were to rely on our overseers, or the workers in our field to communicate to us all that has come to light in the last 3 months, we would know virtually nothing. We would still be in the dark.
Is it any wonder that any semblance of confidence we once had in our ministry as “led by the Spirit of God” has been reduced to almost nothing? Lack of transparency and open communication is a continued betrayal of our trust in “oversight” to help to keep our fellowship safe.
Conventions. Are they just going to carry on as normal, and we pretend that none of this has happened? How many abuses have been carried out at preps and convention grounds? Are there going to be precautions or safeguards put in place? If so, what are they?
My own (controversial) opinion is that conventions should be cancelled this year, with all of this hanging overhead.
It is abundantly clear that a problem of this magnitude cannot be solved within our fellowship in its current state. And, so we wonder, where do we go from here?
And right now, to be honest, I’m not really sure, because I don’t know how serious those in leadership positions in our ministry are about creating REAL change.
Maybe a more fundamental question is: “How do we obtain salvation?”
It does not come from an institution established by men that is rooted in religious legalism, blatant hypocrisy, and complicit in hiding criminal behaviour. It does not come from men who behave like cowards that are more concerned with appearances than Godly righteousness. The Pharisees were the ones who Jesus called “whited sepulchres full of dead men’s bones”.
And in this trying time, one of the positives that has come from all of this terrible turmoil has been for me to ask “What is my faith in?”
Our salvation comes by the grace of God, through JESUS who is THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life.
Where does our Ministry go from here? Is it even possible to restore trust?
At the very least, the absolute first place to start would be a place of DEEP sorrow, humility and genuine REPENTANCE.
And because I don’t believe I should only speak about the problems without offering some kind of solution or assistance, here is an example of a statement I would make to our province if I was in the shoes of an overseer:
To our dear friends and servants in this fellowship and more importantly, the deeply wounded ones who have departed this fellowship because of the trauma they have endured,
God has made it abundantly clear that it is well past the time we must address the shameful open secret that has plagued our fellowship and ministry for decades: that of sexual abuse and in particular, of child sexual abuse.
There is no easy way to discuss such a sensitive topic that is filled with pain, sorrow, shame and guilt.
But it is this very reticence to openly and frankly address this reprehensible evil that finds us in this very distressing situation we are in today where friends, family and fellowship are being torn apart as the true magnitude of this evil within our fellowship comes to light.
It is abundantly clear that efforts to address this in the past have been woefully inadequate as evidenced by the outpouring of angry, painful and traumatic stories that have come to light following the investigations into the lengthy and horrific crimes committed by disgraced former overseers, workers, elders and friends, who have terribly abused their position of influence and authority to commit the most heinous of crimes.
For far too long, these situations have been swept under the rug or hidden in the shadows for fear of what might happen of they were to come to light. Hushed conversations, secretive letters, communication only for the privileged few.
Victims of these crimes not only had to suffer the deep trauma of being sexually abused, but also the galling indignity of being disbelieved, shamed or even blamed for what transpired and in some cases even looked down upon as they angrily departed the fellowship.
We who remain in positions of responsibility in this ministry find ourselves overwhelmed as we are wrestling with the deepest of sorrow, guilt and shame for how we have failed our most precious friends and the most vulnerable among us, our children.
And so this letter marks a beginning and an end. We MUST begin an era of unprecedented transparency within this fellowship and ministry.
We recognize that every relationship within this fellowship is built on a foundation of trust, and where there is no trust, there is no fellowship.
If we are ever going to be able to restore the trust of our friends, our workers, and those who may want to be a part of this fellowship in future days, we must be absolutely united and unwavering in our commitment to taking every measure possible to ensure that the abuse of decades past can NEVER happen again.
Please understand that we are human and we may never be able to entirely eradicate this evil, as there will always be those with evil in their heart that seek to prey on trusting, kind, God-fearing souls, but we will take every measure possible to ensure that never again will these crimes go unreported. Never again will we allow these crimes to be swept under the rug.
While we do not yet know every step forward, we want to provide you with the strongest possible reassurance that we are committed to putting safeguards and transparency in place in such a way that our friends can begin to feel safe again with our fellowship and ministry, and will KNOW how to recognize abuse, and WHAT steps to take to ensure that the cycle CANNOT continue.
We write this with the utmost of humility, and we pray that you will be able to forgive this ministry for our terrible failures both in recent times and decades past, and plead that we will again be able to be united in fellowship that we may be able to turn our hearts again to that which is most important, our salvation that is rooted in CHRIST.
I wrote this a couple of months ago but didn’t send it your way because I was waiting to see what the communication might be as this all played out. I didn’t anticipate almost total silence.
There is so much more that could be said, and there are many scriptural references that could be included, but instead, I will link a letter written by a very good friend of mine, Daniel, which was sent out to all of the N. American overseers, as there will be many friends who have not, as yet, read this exceptionally well-written letter, so in the event that this email is forwarded on to them, they would benefit from reading it,
Lastly, a part of me wants to write “I’m sorry” for the blunt nature of my words. But, I’m not sorry for that. I’m sorry for all of the victims who have suffered unimaginable pain at the hands of heartless predators, enabled by an institution that refused to take them seriously.
And I’m sorry for any times in the past that I failed to speak up, whether due to fear, or ignorance, I won’t remain silent anymore,
Jonathan
PS – For anyone reading this, feel free to share or forward it on if you feel it would be helpful for others to hear
Discover more from WINGS for Truth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
WINGS for Truth 
So many faithful friends are writing heartfelt letters that I can find no fault with. Same cry, from many different fields, from people who have never thought that they would be in this position.
SILENCE can only come from guilt.
Questions:
Why can’t all the honest workers stand together in each area for GOD and dismiss an Overseer?
How can one man hold so much power that the Workers in their area are silenced?
It is showing that the current setup with one Overseer in the future is no longer tenable.
There should be at least 3 in every area with Elders appointed also.
Appreciated what you said!
I would suggest that they change the leadership to what we see in the 1 century churches.
In each church you had multiple elders that made up the leadership of each church, they were the overseers as Paul said.
When big decisions was made they all came together, diciples, apostles etc. and made a decision on mutual consensus.
I don’t see any solo person having authority over a field as we see in the fellowship.
Paul was a missionary and sent letters to his newly won converts to Christianity, explaining to them Christianity since there was no Bible to refer them to, but he wasn’t a autocratic authority over them, Jesus was their autocratic authority.
Someone said” if the body of Christ doesn’t follow the head, Christ, the body will be sick.”
I do believe that is what we are seeing now revealed in the fellowship, the body in general was following the worker’s instead of Christ.
Someone said ” sheep don’t eat sheep, wolves eat sheep” that is exactly what happend in the fellowship aswell, sadly the wolves were not dealt with and was allowed to roam free, devouring the sheep.
exactly
To Louise concerning Jonathan’s letter; your comments are the closest to scripture. Yes; you are correct this ministry of the 2×2’s is not of God or by God; but is only “tradition of men by men”. Many allude to this in comments as we so desperately try to heal our broken hearts and minds. Thankful, as we were so broken and desperate; somehow we started to read our Bible as written. What we were reading was NOT what we had been taught. Yes, God has left a very plain, simple word by word for our learning. We made the choice to give counterfeit ministers control because we had generations behind us who knew it was the only true way.
But remember Paul was not sent to preach or minister as the 12 apostles were sent(whom the workers claim to follow). Jesus sent the 12 to bring that Government of his chosen Nation of Israel back to their God. They would NOT. Yes; God left a very simple, record which cannot be twisted if known.
That Nation rejected the Trinity. Israel had rejected God the Father; then demanded God, the Son’s death(that is when the 12 apostles are sent). And then with their very own hands, that government of Israel, stoned the very God, the Spirit(which could not be forgiven, Math. 12:31-32)which was Acts 7 Stephen. God withdrew his Good news to Israel. Then 12 did John 21:15-17 as they wrote to those believers had been scattered; James, Peter, John, Jude.
Acts 9: explains God’s molding of a new ministry – Ephesians 3: that God had kept hid in his heart :5; :7-9. God through Paul; Galatians is the explanation of why and the evidence that the 12’s preaching was ending because God had blinded Israel. Romans 11:25 explains for a season until God’s Church, Body of Christ (Gentiles) is come in. THEN and only then will God :26 and :27 .
Understanding God’s heart and plan will restore our broken trust and confusion and allow us to put God with his infinite love, back in first place. But the CSA has an impact that breaks the human soul. That damage, colors all of our future life and impacts our very family negatively. Our prayers are with you; daily.
To Sadfriend
I understand that these are rhetorical questions you are asking but I’ll answer just to clarify for any who really don’t know:
Your first question – “Why can’t all the honest workers stand together in each area for GOD and dismiss an Overseer?”
There are probably several possible reasons. The most likely is that there are very FEW workers who aren’t so enmeshed in this distorted worker culture that they would far rather support the hierarchy they have been indoctrinated into than to acknowledge the real harms that are being perpetrated against the vulnerable. In fact, there may be NONE. Those that feel bad for the atrocities perpetrated and covered up may be still convinced that “overseers” know best, or are doing positive, restorative things behind the scenes. Restorative would be directly connected to the support and healing of victims, so it’s clear that’s not happening. IF any are honest and are not paralyzed by fear, their health has been destroyed and they have had to get away from the toxic, violent, treacherous environment, for example Clint Bechdolt. And probably no one knows the full story there yet, including Clint.
Have a question on how to know who the honest workers are – up until three months ago, Dean Bruer was considered the best of the best. His funeral had more big name workers in attendance than probably any other in the history of the group, except for maybe George Walker or Eldon Tenniswood. Overflowing attendance by the friends. Bruer was a very bad person.
Johnathan, thanks so much, i couldn’t agree more. For your reference, this was my June 1 e-mail to Merlin and Michael:
Merlin and Michael,
Why was it necessary to write of you that it is “evident that new leaders who are willing to be ethical, transparent, caring, and operate with integrity are necessary.” Of all people shouldn’t you possess those character traits? Why are you lacking in care for us, specifically victims? Where is Godly love towards us in this man-made disaster? Why are you unethical, not transparent and lacking in integrity?
You appear to be playing coy with a team that is so selflessly helping us. What would motivate you in the middle of this mess to handle it that way? God is using many of us inside and outside to drive change. He doesn’t feel patience, meekness, temperance or joy with this mess. Neither do we.
Talking with a Canadian brother I hear at least one of you has an arrogance problem. Do you feel you are better than those trying to help us? If so, I disagree. COOPERATE WITH THIS TEAM FULLY OR RESIGN! We don’t need leaders who mishandle abuse cases against the guidance of scripture. Can you be trusted? I hear some people in Canada don’t think so.
Change with us, resign or be fired – your choice.
This is already posted online. You should be aware that many have floated the idea of scrapping all overseers worldwide. There are just too many abusers and people with a history of coverup. We will not accept anything like the status quo going forward. Parents, professionals, victims and others are organizing all over North America. Changes will be made.
-A parent, elder & professing many years
Emails to/from Merlin Affleck and Michael Hassett re Burkinshaw and McChesney allegations – WINGS for Truth
Following Advocatesforthetruth.com call for resignations, this was my June 2 email to them. Merlin’s Acts 6 response to Faulkners looks familiar, which is a good thing – we need momentum and follow through on that idea:
Merlin and Michael,
Given Cynthia’s prior experience working on the Catholic, Mormon and Boyscout scandals on a national level in the U.S., I’m going to defer to her experience here in just calling for your resignation by June 8th in writing (link below). Her team has more insight than we do on the depravity of these 400+ perpetrators and coverup people. In a business with this much scandal, all the leaders would have to be sacked for meaningful change to have a chance. My overseer is a good man and doesn’t deserve that, but is likely humble enough to comply regardless [none of them did]. He didn’t want the job in the first place, but has been really helpful and working hard in that role. The real numbers and depth of depravity are likely to be much worse than we’ll ever know. I’ve heard first hand accounts of victims, and cannot wrap my head around what overseers were willing to cover-up at all costs. The lack of character values it takes to willfully cover up what has happened is unfathomable. Just resign!
We’ll build regional teams of parents, professionals, advocates and workers in the spirit of Acts6 instead. Did you know professing couples have had oversight of the ministry at times in our history? Are you aware a married ministry is both biblical and historical in our group? There were over 50 married couple workers recorded in the past 100 years in our group. There are married workers in the bible too. Paul wrote about it in 1Cor9 . In fact if you read ICor5-9 in a modern translation it should help explain why it’s so clear we as a group haven’t had our heads on straight the past few decades. These Acts6 teams will collaborate, deal with issues, make decisions, clear people moving between regions, collect evidence and report to authorities as required by law. There is no other way to obtain the changes our people expect and deserve. I was going to publicly list all the ways you appear to have skirted your responsibilities from the Wings post and comments, but I won’t even bother. The real dirt is so much deeper. It looks like overseers who don’t cooperate and have participated in skirting the law can expect prosecution. I understand a notice like the link below can be used as one step in that process. Someone mentioned overseers have been advised to clam up in anticipation of prosecution. Best of luck to you – it appears we are not friends on this issue. It’s unclear at this point whether we can ever be friends again, unless you are willing to change with us.
-A parent, elder & professing many years
Public Letter to All Overseers Worldwide — Advocates for The Truth
Jesus Counsels the Powerful Ruler (Modern Version for today’s Overseers)
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love CSA victims as yourself.’ ”
20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth except for bearing false witness and loving CSA victims as myself. What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, resign your lofty position, abandon your bank accounts and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22 But when the man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great power and money.
Astounded. to justice4all You know what happened in Acts 6: when there were murmuring of the Greek speaking Jews “”believers”” who had sold all their goods and had everything common AND did what??? in the Temple continually!! (Acts 2:44-;46(you sure must have read this also). yes, believers in the Good News Peter was preaching)WOW! IS that what we NOW DO? Why NOT? we follow the 12 apostles?))
AND Acts 6 :3-:6, 7 men of honest report were chosen
OOPS! Opposition! :9-15 That Government of Israel got false witness! and :15 and those on the council the (Supreme Court of that Nation of Israel) saw the Holy Spirit in Stephen’s face and inspite of knowing what that meant Acts 7:59 with their very own hands; that Government of God’s chosen people—-stoned Stephen. AND DID the “unforgivable SIN” Jesus warned them about in Matthew 12:31-32.
So do you want to be part of that group appointed to oversee the fellowship.
AND get stoned?? O.K.; O.K.; The object is for you to see Acts 7 is Stephen’s record of history of that Nation of Israel (( that must also be the history of the 2×2’s)). IS IT? Do you understand when the ministry is wrong, man’s wisdom of the ministry is only of man.
What a travesty of abuse for all our little ones; AND for all of us big people!
This action by that very Government of Israel; whom the 12 apostles were sent to bring back to God HAD NOW
1. Rejected God, the Father: God was silent to that nation 400 yrs
2. Rejected God, the Son: Israel’s very Government, appointed by Law of
Moses: demand their King, their Messiah, their Judge’s crucifixion
3. Rejected God, the Holy Spirit: AND now That chosen Nation of Israel’s
very government by their very hands killed Stephen with the Holy Spirit
God turned from His Chosen Nation: Romans 11:7-:11 explains What God did to that nation of Israel. And :12-:15 explains WHY.
Romans 11:25 gives hope to that Nation of Israel but has not happened for more than 1900 years. God is still doing Ephesians 3:1-9.
But Romans 11:26-27 that God will fulfill his covenant to Israel; Jesus their Christ as their King of their promised Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
Jonathan,
Your letter is great !! Thank you so much for every word that your said !!
How may I contact you ?
I have something to share with you .
Thank you
@mods: I’m comfortable with my email address being shared, but I don’t know where that can happen or what the policy is so, if you’ve got a way of reaching me, feel free to
Thanks! Best way to reach us is at wingsfortruth@googlegroups.com
We have your email address and can edit the post. When in doubt, we redact.
Great letter, very articulate and meaningful.
Feel free to add my email address in the post
Done
I am beyond the “parent” age but I look back and realize I put my children in some dangerous situations because I like so many others thought the workers were sent and guided by God. I realize now that was foolish because they are human. To revere them is not good for them and not wise on our part. Protect your children 24/7. That means wherever you are trust no one and be on guard.
Reply to Pj. Pj, we respect your learning curve. However, you must do more. Make up your mind to know and understand God’s word. 1 Peter 1:11 explains our Holy Bible is the very “Spirit of Christ”. With this in mind, understand God through Paul assures us that wisdom of God 1 Corinthians 2:6-10: yes, we can UNDERSTAND even the deep things of God.
So do not give up. You are capable of Learning to whom and why Jesus was sent in the flesh and to whom; how and why Jesus sent the 12. Your understanding will free you from the need to protect you and/or your little ones from a ministry that God did NOT put in place nor sanction. Acts 2:42….
That will free you to really study and learn, what God DID put in place after the ministry to that Government of God’s Nation of Israel was put-on-hold until Romans 11:25; then :26-:27. Oh, so much to learn and understand; but your hearts must not live in this forced and abusive ministry that demands your complete submission or you are flicked-off as a fly in the ointment. Now is Ephesians 3:1-9; Romans 3:21-27; Corinthians 15:1-4 and Ephesians 1:12-23.
LK – where do you suggest we go for fellowship?
I’ve worked with churches and ministers all my life and have never seen an alternative that I would go too.