Bunny Watch is Over! The Posted Text of Marie's June 30 Letter (the First of Five) to the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board and Officers

(Slightly modified for web presentation)

This letter was faxed (and sent by mail) to the Executive Board of the Missouri Baptist Convention (% Interim MBC Executive Director David Tolliver) on Monday, June 30.

A copy of this correspondence was also faxed (and sent by mail) on June 30, 2008 to the current MBC Executive Board officers:

Gerald Davidson, Missouri Baptist Convention president;
Bruce McCoy, MBC first vice president,
John Marshall, MBC second vice president
and Chadd Pendergraft, MBC recording secretary
% Pastor John Marshall Second Baptist Church
3111 East Battlefield Rd.
Springfield, MO 65894
Fax: (417)-887-2131

A copy of this correspondence was also faxed on June 30, 2008 to the staff of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri:

Pastor Billy Russell,
Former Pastor Ray Leininger
and the Staff, Trustees and Deacon Board
of First Baptist Church of Bolivar
316 North Main Street
Bolivar, MO 65613
Fax: (417)-326-4706


A printed copy of this correspondence -- with a private, accompanying letter -- will also sent by mail to the staff and congregation of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar.


_________________________________________________



Monday, June 30, 2008

From the Desk of Marie O’Hara
Mailing Address
Bolivar, MO 65613

The Executive Board of the Missouri Baptist Convention
% David Tolliver (Interim MBC Executive Director)
Baptist Building
400 High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Fax: (573)-635-0904

Dear Dr. David Tolliver:

This is to inform you that over the next two weeks you will be receiving – through your Jefferson City office – both a faxed copy and a printed copy of four letters directed to the Executive Board of the Missouri Baptist Convention and the current elected officers of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

These letters will address four issues:

1. The investigation and possible disciplinary action and/or dismissal of Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board members (current and former) for antiscriptural, unethical, immoral and potentially criminal conduct.

2. The investigation and possible disciplinary action and/or dismissal of Southwest Baptist University Trustee Board members, administration, faculty, legal and medical personnel and other employees for antiscriptural, unethical, immoral and possibly criminal conduct – a portion of which has been publicly confessed.

3. The investigation and possible disciplinary action and/or censure against the First Baptist Church of Bolivar for antiscriptural, unethical, immoral and potentially criminal conduct in collaboration with Southwest Baptist University.

4. A brief letter accompanying a copy of my formal complaint to The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools against both Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention for numerous violations of the Higher Learning Commission's Criteria for Accreditation.

I request that you make a copy (either electronic or printed) of each of these four letters available to each member of the current MBC Executive Board and each of the officers in advance of the July 14-15 meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board.

Over the next two months, I will be attempting to mediate these situations by means of a Restorative Justice process involving the First Baptist Church of Bolivar.

Nonetheless, it is imperative that the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board members and officers shoulder their share of the burden and responsibility in dealing with Southwest Baptist University, an agency for which the Missouri Baptist Convention claims ownership.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

The Lord grant you wisdom, peace and integrity.

Sincerely in Christ,

Marie O’Hara

Defining Love: Do You Still Love Southwest Baptist University?

A Letter to Friends from Marie O'Hara

Dear Friends:

A friend asked has asked me (rather forcibly):

Do you still love SBU [Southwest Baptist University]? How can you possibly love them after all that they have done (and are doing) to you?!

I didn't have the opportunity to answer then, but I would like to do so now by relating an incident that occurred this afternoon.

While I was praying, a curious thought crossed my mind: Must love, in the hearts and hands of Christians, be so pathetic?

"Pathetic?" I thought to myself. "Unfortunately, that's probably disturbingly true."

But as the question resurfaced several times, I was drawn to investigate the meaning of this word "pathetic" at Dictionary.com Unabridged :

PATHETIC -- adjective (reference here)

[Origin: 1590–1600; <>pathéticus <>pathétikós sensitive equiv. to pathét(ós) made or liable to suffer (verbid of páschein to suffer + -ikos]

1. causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness, sorrow, etc.; pitiful; pitiable: a pathetic letter; a pathetic sight.

2. affecting or moving the feelings.

3. pertaining to or caused by the feelings.

4. miserably or contemptibly inadequate: In return for our investment we get a pathetic three percent interest.

"Aha, a Greek-rooted word, " I thought. "My favorite!"

As I reviewed each of these four meaning in turn, I realized how aptly these definitions fit most demonstrations of "Christian love" that I have seen within the Christian community.

Such love, sadly is based solely on emotion -- or as the Greek word root indicates sensitivity (Gk pathétikós - sensitive).

Browsing through the associated words, I came across a reference to a another Greek-based word: EMPATHY.

A related word in meaning, yes, but not from the same word root.

I clicked over to the definition of EMPATHY:

EMPATHY - noun (reference here)

[Origin: 1900-05; from Gk empatheia affection, equiv. to em- em-2 + path- (base of paschein to suffer) + -eia -ia; present meaning translates G Einfuhlung]

1. the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

2. the imaginative ascribing to an object, as a natural object or work of art, feelings or attitudes present in oneself: By means of empathy, a great painting becomes a mirror of the self.

Yes, not the same root at all. EMPATHY is formed from the word root for affection (Gk empátheia), not merely emotion or sensitivity, but affinity, affection and intellectual identification.

A brief mention at the end of the EMPATHY entry advised that I look into another Greek-rooted word:

-- Synonyms 1. See SYMPATHY.

And so, I did:

SYMPATHY -- noun (reference here)

[Origin: 1500-70; from L sympathia from Gk sympatheia, equiv. to sympathe-, s. of sympaths sympathethetic (sym- sym- + path(os) suffering, sensation + -es adj. suffix) + -ia -y3]

1. harmony of or agreement in feeling, as between persons or on the part of one person with respect to another.

2. the harmony of feeling naturally existing between persons of like tastes or opinion or of congenial dispositions.

3. the fact or power of sharing the feelings of another, esp. in sorrow or trouble; fellow feeling, compassion, or commiseration.

4. sympathies,
a. feelings or impulses of compassion.
b. feelings of favor, support, or loyalty: It's hard to tell where your sympathies lie.

5. favorable or approving accord; favor or approval: He viewed the plan with sympathy and publicly backed it.

6. agreement, consonance, or accord.

7. Psychology. a relationship between persons in which the condition of one induces a parallel or reciprocal condition in another.

8. Physiology. the relation between parts or organs whereby a condition or disorder of one part induces some effect in another.

Ah, and, here we have something altogether different: a love built on SHARED SUFFERING (sym- (same) + páth(os) suffering, sensation).

Do I still love Southwest Baptist University?

Yes, I do.

My love is not derived only from emotion, affection or intellectual identification, but from compassionate sym-pathy.

I suffer with them.

The psychological and physiological definitions of SYMPATHY are particularly instructive and poignant:

7. Psychology. a relationship between persons in which the condition of one induces a parallel or reciprocal condition in another.

8. Physiology. the relation between parts or organs whereby a condition or disorder of one part induces some effect in another.

Southwest Baptist University's sufferings, pains, failings, and misery have been, are and will be -- in a very real sense -- mine.

I am bound to suffer with them, literally and figuratively, whether I choose to or not, which is why the actions that I must undertake over the next month are all the more arduous and grievous.

Those who claim that I act out of vindictiveness, enmity, or anger, judge me falsely and slander me.

I struggle, as I always have, to love them to the best of my imperfect ability as the Lord has commanded us all: I do strive to love them ... as I love myself.

Misgivings over "Truth in Love": Misplaced Trust in Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention and First Baptist Church of Bolivar

This Sunday morning (June 29), Marie listened to Pastor Billy Russell's sermon to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar on "Speaking the Truth in Love" ... and she now has some profound misgivings about his ability to handle this situation maturely.

As Marie writes:

Perhaps I have misunderstood his inherent meaning, but it appears that Billy Russell wants to define Truth in terms of the "facts" -- that is, what did or did not happen, what was or was not said or done ... and the blame and punishment that is to be placed as a result of that reality.

If Mr. Russell knew all the facts of what has happened here, I am certain that he would not want those facts recited before the known world -- both for the sake of particular institutions and for the sake of the friends whom he loves, both living and dead.

As for me, I believe that Truth (with a capital T) exists as a reality which, while encompassing the facts, is, nonetheless, beyond the facts and beyond the petty and mundane scrabble of life.

Defining Truth, as I do, as not only the terrestrial facts, but also as the personification and embodiment of the Living Word of Christ Jesus, opens up whole new heavenly worlds of possibilities and fresh vistas of opportunities.

For many years, I have sought to speak Truth in Love to these individuals and entities, while withholding vast troves of unspoken facts and realities ... for the purpose of protecting others.

They (including many of the others I strove to protect), however, seem only to have earthly ears and eyes for "truth" as they perceive it: "truth" that will best suit them and their agenda and objectives, that will make them look or feel good, that will ease their consciences, minds, hearts, or pocketbooks ... and that will obfuscate or conceal the facts.

If this is their deepest perception of Truth (and, incidentally, of Love), is there really any possibility of communication?

Or, have I misunderstood their meaning or intent?

Perhaps the best I can do is present the facts publicly and pray that other students, at least, will be protected and warned away from making my mistake, from wasting their lives (as I have apparently done) by vainly hoping that someone at Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention or its affiliate institutions would learn of Truth ... or of Love ... or of God.

Maybe there is no Justice and no hope of Justice at Southwest Baptist University because God is no longer there.

Or, if He does still dwell in some abysmal corner, He will never be permitted to embody Himself through Truth ... or through Love ... or through Justice.

Rescheduling: New PRIVATE BLOG for First Baptist of Bolivar

PLEASE NOTE:
Due to the vacation/mission trip absences of Pastor Billy Russell and several other key individuals, the launch of our NEW PRIVATE BLOG designed to allow more complete communication with the pastors, deacons and church leaders of First Baptist Church of Bolivar has been rescheduled until at least July. ...

Please see post: Summer Re-dreaming and Revisioning for further updates.

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Project Packet: Special Delivery for First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri ... and CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Marie has written
First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri
to give instructions for the retrieval
of a special package
and packet of documents for the
CHRISTMAS IN JULY Celebration!

Details to follow ...

A Consession to Reality - July's Posts: Illegitimate Education ... What is ChristKind? ... House Church Homewarming ... and the Bunny Watch

A Concession to Reality

Over the last several months,
Marie had believed that
she would be able to participate
more fully and actively
in the restoration process.

However, it has become increasingly
evident that Marie's health
will not permit a more
participatory communication.

As a result, this weekend,
Marie has conceded
that communication
with the various parties
must be solely
through written correspondence.

A number of these correspondences
will be posted this coming month ...


Postings for July

What is ChristKind?



House Church Homewarming

AND

THE BUNNY WATCH IS OVER!

WE WERE ALL WAITING LIKE BUNNIES IN THE WILDERNESS ...

for ... Marie's Letter
to the Missouri Baptist Convention
Executive Board and Officers,

(described -- in purple -- at the end of the post here) --
which has now been posted (here).

Going Home: Condolences to Southwest Baptist University's Corporate Attorney Kerry Douglas and Family

Our condolences to Kerry Douglas, Southwest Baptist University's corporate attorney, and his family in the loss of his wife, Sydna.

Synda Lou Douglas, 60, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at the home she loved located on the first fairway of Silo Ridge Golf Club in Bolivar with her husband, sons, sister, brother and mother at her side. ...

Please see the remainder of the Bolivar Herald Free Press Memorial (here).

detail from "The Found Sheep," The Jesus Gallery at www.art.com

Update -- Growing Underground: Nourishing & Stabilizing Roots in Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist of Bolivar

~We Are Growing Underground~

We are working behind the scenes on a number of issues related to Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar.

Pastor Billy Russell (First Baptist of Church of Bolivar) and several other key individuals have returned from their vacations and/or mission trips this past weekend.

We are planning to resume posting -- a considerable number of posts -- shortly.

"Time Arrogance," the Missouri Baptist Convention and Southwest Baptist University: Summer Re-dreaming and Revisioning of the Unicorn Principle

Due to vacations and irregular timetables during the summer months, several posts and events have been rescheduled.

Within the Missouri Baptist Convention, especially at Southwest Baptist University, there exists an almost universal sense of what we have come to call "time arrogance."

Time arrogance is the belief that they -- as trustees, administrators, ministers, faculty or staff members -- are too busy/important, or are not the designated committee member or employee to handle the task ... or are simply not a person that needs or wants to bother with concerns, challenges or complexities of ... some other person.

The implicit underlying philosophy of this behavior is that the other person, who is not an individual from their family, community alliance or socio-political confederation, is, therefore, NOT of any real value or worth to them and, hence, not worth their time.

In order to avoid these evasions, Marie has agreed, this past weekend, to accept the assistance of an intermediary consultant -- an individual who is well- acquainted with the principal participants and will be able to see that all pertinent documents are delivered, read and answered promptly.

Also, we have heard a lot of questions ... about how this is all going to work.

We've tried to answer some of these questions in a substantial post entitled: "Re-Dreaming: The Unicorn Principle as Applied to Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention ... or How Is This Going to Work?," which is scheduled for publication early this week.

An additional update on Marie's formal complaint with The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (here) against both Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention for numerous violations of the Higher Learning Commission's Criteria for Accreditation will be posted as soon as possible.

Coming Soon: Wanted Very Alive!:Southwest Baptist Trustees Cary Summers, Wayne Gott, Rebecca Randles & Missouri Baptist Con. Exec. Dir. David Tolliver

Wanted Very Alive!:
The Southwest Baptist University Gang of Four

Southwest Baptist University Trustees
Cary Summers, Wayne Gott, Rebecca Randles
and *David Tolliver
Who Are These Dudes?

To Be Posted Soon!
(All current Southwest Baptist Trustees list here.)

AND

HOUSE CHURCH HOMEWARMING

A SMALL NOTE!: Because of the need to await the decision of First Baptist Church of Bolivar (see detail here), Marie's letter to Rebecca Randles (see info here) will likely not be sent until at least June 1 -- although this is subject to change, if the circumstances should require.

Yes, Marie will be communicating with the First Baptist Church of Bolivar for the next two months -- July and August 2008.

Please see post: Summer Re-dreaming and Revisioning for further updates and scheduling.

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Implications of An Answered Child's Cry for Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention: SBC LIFE Special Report

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Baptist Press) --The June/July issue of SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) Life features an eight-page pull-out special report on child sexual abuse aimed at urging churches -- and assisting them in doing so -- to take steps in protecting children from sexual predators.

Marie's correspondences to the the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (SBU's accrediting agency), Missouri Baptist Convention, the Southwest Baptist University Trustees and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar -- which will be posted shortly -- make extensive reference to this SBC Life Special Report ... and its implications for Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention.


From, "Distorting the Grace of God: Reflection on Jude 4," (one of the seven articles in the SBC LIFE Special Report) by Dale Ingraham:

Therefore, we are faced with this question: “How do we as believers deal with this sin?”

Here are five essentials steps we must take if we are to ever succeed in confronting and removing this cancer from our churches.

We must stop:

• denying the sin,
• excusing the sin,
• minimizing the sin,
  
• breaking the law,
  
• and hurting the victims. ...

And, from "God’s Passion Compassion for the Abused Observations from Isaiah 1:17" by John Revell:

Relieve the Oppressed, Correct the Oppressor

In the opening of his famous declaration in Isaiah 1:17, the fiery prophet demanded that God’s people embrace His standards of justice, but then he continued with three commands that naturally flowed out of God’s standards of justice.

First, he commanded the leaders and people of Judah to: encourage the oppressed (relieve, kjv) or correct the oppressor (hcsb).

There is some debate among scholars as to the correct translation of this phrase. Actually, there is good support for either translation, and in fact, both ideas may be satisfied in this command.

To relieve the oppressed requires a proper legal response to the oppressor. And, to correct the oppressor is to relieve the oppressed.

When Isaiah presented this mandate, he could have had at least two different groups of oppressed people in mind. The first group was the poor who had been abused by the rich. He rebuked the leaders of Judah for plundering and crushing the poor (3:14, 15).

In their day, the rich were illegally seizing the land of the poor, and when they attempted to respond by taking the rich landowners to court, the corrupt courts and civil leaders sided with the wealthy, leaving the poor with no legal recourse.

Consequently, God in His concern and compassion for these victims stood as their advocate and boldly demanded relief from their oppressors.

In addition to the needs of the poor, God also showed a special concern for those who were victims of violent crimes. In verse 15, He accused the worshippers of raising bloodstained hands in prayer and accused some of shedding innocent blood.1

These references, and others, seem to picture a general condition of widespread violence in the land. Victims suffered at the hands of the ruthless, but because money could buy acquittal, the victims had no legal recourse.

However, God was deeply concerned for those who suffered unjustly, so He stood in their defense and demanded relief.

Beyond the picture of general violence was the very specific travesty of child sacrifice to the pagan deity Molech, which had not only become acceptable in the land, but was practiced by their very own King Ahaz.

The atrocious act defiled the very heart of God’s direct commands, and in His response we see a glimpse of God’s deep compassion for those who suffered mercilessly at the hands of adults who chose to ignore God’s timeless commands and principles.

Through Isaiah, He boldly and passionately demanded relief for these innocent victims of violence, and appropriate action toward those who were guilty of oppressing them.

Defend the Helpless

The final two commands of verse 17 further illustrate God’s loving concern for those who were supposed to be served by justice.

Here, Isaiah commanded the people of Judah to defend the rights of the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

God’s focus on these two groups (orphans and widows) demonstrates both His concern for them and their particular plight during the time of Isaiah.

According to the standards God instituted when He established the nation of Israel, each individual in Judah was due fair treatment and protection, regardless of sex or age.

Sadly, that protection broke down in the cases of orphans and widows. For generations, neighboring cultures had restricted the focus of their respect and protection to the men of the land.

In these male- dominated societies, women and children were dependent upon the men for both food and protection. Apart from the security of a husband and father, widows and orphans were defenseless against the ravages of brutal human predators. In essence, they had no legal voice and were denied individual human rights.

But God knew of this potential neglect and abuse. As He prepared His people for life in Canaan, He was careful to specifically and intentionally address the needs of all who could be victimized, including aliens, women and children, and especially orphans and widows. He commanded the nation to provide for their needs and protect them from injustices.2

God’s loving design transcended the male- dominated cultures of the day and granted these helpless ones a legal voice when faced with injustices.

Tragically, when Judah rejected God’s design and embraced practices of neighboring cultures, God’s concern for orphans and widows was ignored. What God warned against had become reality in Judah, and this unprotected group no longer had a legal voice— they were no longer protected and were defenseless under the attacks of the ruthless.

They were no longer treated as precious and protected individuals as God viewed them, but rather viewed as disposable objects available to the wicked for personal exploitation.

And so God came to the aid of the victim, demanding protection for these orphans and widows. He called for the leaders and courts of the land to stand in defense of the helpless. And as they did, they would once more reflect the true nature of justice as God intended it to be.

These verses from Isaiah provide a glimpse into the heart and passion of a loving God who cares deeply for the helpless and oppressed. He called His people to return to the principles and application of true justice. He called on the leaders of Judah to relieve those who had been oppressed and to defend those who were legally helpless.

Why God’s People Should Be Concerned

When God delivered Israel from Egypt, He took them into the wilderness and established a covenant with them in which He would view the people of Israel as “His people” and they would view Him as “their God.” In this relationship, God would treat them as His own “treasured possessions,” pouring His affection, blessings, and love upon them (Deuteronomy 7:6-9).

They, in turn, were to focus their love and obedient faithfulness upon Him (Deuteronomy 6:1-9). In this unique and loving relationship, God identified them as His special, chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6).

Their deliverance from slavery and very existence as a nation was a demonstration of the special relationship they shared. The nature of the Jewish people was that they had been lovingly chosen.

Furthermore, in God’s instruction to His people He indicated that because of this special and unique relationship, they were to be like Him. God identified Himself as holy, and so He called His people to be like Him in holiness (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2).

The Lord identified several areas that He viewed as “detestable,” and He expected His chosen ones to view these same things as detestable. God’s deliverance from bondage and the establishment of this special relationship should have moved God’s people to eagerly embrace His concerns and values.

Finally, God expected His people to reflect the nature of God to the neighboring nations. When God instructed His people to obey His commands, He told them that the neighboring nations would see their obedience and realize that they belonged to God (Deuteronomy 28:9-10).

He also pointed out that if they obeyed and followed Him, other nations would see and respect their wisdom (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). This pointed directly to God, for it was the Lord who gave them wise commands to follow. The people’s actions were supposed to send a message to the world about God’s greatness and love.

Because of His nature and relationship with Judah, God’s people were supposed to reflect His concern in these areas of relief for the oppressed and defense of the helpless. When the world looked at their behavior, it should have viewed a living illustration of God’s love and compassion in each of these areas.

So, how does this apply to our responsibilities as Christians in today’s world? Does God expect us to reflect His priorities in the same manner?

When we look to the New Testament, we find some striking similarities and expectations. It teaches that through the blood of Christ, God has delivered us from cruel bondage to sin (Romans 6:15-18) and established a “new covenant” with us (Luke 22:20).

Those who have been miraculously delivered from this slavery to sin are also called a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9, NIV).

Also, in the same way that Judah was to embrace God’s priorities, we, too, are to embrace His priorities. He instructed us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16) and to love each other because He loved us and because He is love (1 John 4:7-8).

God calls His chosen ones to hate what is evil, cling to what is good (Romans 12:9), and to seek first His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

God still expects His chosen people to share His concerns and embrace His priorities.

Finally, in addition to our status as His chosen people and our responsibility to embrace His priorities, we too are to reflect His nature to the world around us. When the lost observe our behavior, they should see an accurate picture of God’s glorious character (1 Peter 2:12).

When they watch us relate to each other, they should learn of the Lord’s love (John 13:34–35; 17:23). When the world views our marriages, it should see a picture of the relationship that exists between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33).

As God’s people, our priorities, actions, and affections should serve as a consistent reflection to the lost of Who He is and what He is like.

God has indeed delivered us from bitter slavery and brought us into a loving relationship with Him.

Because of this incomparable love and grace, we should respond by eagerly embracing His concerns and actively reflecting His nature. ...

And, from "Silence is Not Always Golden: Some Secrets Must Be Told" by Hope Graham (name changed for protection)*:

The slogan “What Would Jesus Do?” has become very popular over the past few years. Let’s apply it to this situation.

If Jesus were to visit our churches, what would He do? Would He ignore and excuse criminal behavior because He would not want the church to suffer the embarrassment of dealing with prominent church members who are involved?

Would He confront the victims and tell them that they should just forgive those who have stolen their innocence, childhood, and trust?

What would He do?

Scriptures indicate that He confronted religious abusers and expected them to face the consequences of their sinful lifestyle.

Jesus was not afraid to confront religious leaders while He walked upon the earth. In Matthew 23, Jesus repeatedly rebuked the Pharisees, calling them blind hypocrites and white-washed sepulchers.

They looked good on the outside, but inside they were filled with evil. He confronted them about their pride, selfishness, and sin. He did not ignore or excuse their ungodly behavior.

We live in a day of grace, and Jesus has paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be forgiven of our sin. He lovingly offers forgiveness.

In 1 John 1:9, we are told If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

However, there are people in our churches today who are claiming that verse as a license to sin. In the book of Jude, we are warned about such men. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you.

They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord (verse 4, niv). The rest of the chapter goes on to tell of God’s condemnation of such behavior.

Others have mistakenly equated God’s grace and forgiveness with the removal of all consequences. But we need to remember the examples in God’s Word of Moses and David—godly men who sinned and who had been forgiven of their sin yet still faced the consequences of their actions.

God will not bless our churches if we allow immorality and sin to reign. We sing of God’s never-changing attributes, but we expect and pray for God’s blessing when there is sin in the camp.

Can we expect to be victorious in our spiritual battles if we are harboring and protecting criminals?

The SBC Life Special Report section consists of seven stories, including a heartbreaking testimony from a woman who was sexually abused as a child, a testimony from a former social worker who worked on child abuse cases and an article from the co-founder of a ministry that seeks to educate churches about the problem.

The SBC Life Special Report in its entirety can be downloaded (here) in pdf format.

Update Thurs, June 12: Formal Complaint Filed Against Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention with SBU's Accrediting Agency

Although Marie has done so with many tears and great reluctance, she has filed a formal complaint with The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (here) against both Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention for .numerous violations of the Higher Learning Commission's Criteria for Accreditation -- which may be downloaded (here).

A new Informational Blogger Blog will be automatically launched updated this weekend -- Saturday, June 14 - Sunday, June 15, 2008.

If within the thirty days allotted for a response from Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention, Marie's complaint goes unanswered, as was the previous case (see here), additional information will be automatically uploaded to the new blog on July 1, 2008.

On July 1, 2008, Dr. Sylvia Manning (info here; pictured on the right) will assume the presidency of The Higher Learning Commission -- replacing long-time president Steven Crow.

Marie does not do this lightly! We all pray that Marie's complaint will be handled justly and appropriately within the next thirty days -- before The Higher Learning Commission must investigate and intervene.

More details (including the new blog url and a copy of the complaint) will be posted shortly.

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