Busy Day At UCG: Another Resignation!

Another resignation letter has hit my mail box.  This time it is Paul Carter.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Dear Denny,

I have known you and some of the men on the council and administration for many years. I now write to you the president of the United Church of God an International Association, with regret for the position we find ourselves in as an organization and body. When hired into the full time ministry of the United Church of God, I never imagined the Church or myself coming to a day like this.

For many years now the ministry of the United Church of God has not been walking together. It is clear that the differences go back long before the recent troubles began, but have escalated to a devastating degree, as men who longed for something different whatever that might be, finally achieved positions on the council or in the administration. These men, in a very short time, have proved they do not have the leadership ability to serve the people of God in a righteous manner. We are told in Matthew we can know individuals by their fruits. The fruits of these men have been shown, and are quite evident, and quite disheartening.

Not one of us can claim to be a perfect leader, and yet all of us as pastors were called to dedicate our lives to the work, and to the people of God. Some members of the current council and administration have shown by their own fruits they do not care for the people of God. Proverbs 26:28 tells us “A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.” The lack of concern became even more apparent with Latin America. Some council members have spoken very openly that Latin Americans will keep the Sabbath and have Feast sites of their own; they just won’t be with us. They ARE our church family! It is a disgrace how faithful members of the church and ministry have been treated. Council and administration, and some of those who support them, have continued to strive for power, pride, their own agendas, and even their own interpretations of doctrine, or the application of doctrine in the church, without adhering to our own policies.

The explanation of the crisis we find ourselves in has been “twisted” when expressed to the members. Some are told it is over “people” wanting one man rule. Others are told that it is over people wanting their former positions back. Still others are told that this is because of the move to Texas, when in truth and reality the Council and administration know otherwise. That is deceit.

You and others as leaders have accused many in the ministry of being “rebels,” “Korah’s rebellion,” and “wolves.” I have also been personally accused of “undermining the faith of the brethren.” For what reason? I have been told it is for not supporting the council. Yet it is simply for no other reasons than the following:

* I as a pastor and elder in good standing will not accept unethical behavior such as what has been displayed by the CoE, and the administration over the last few years.

* I and other ministers are labeled “rebellious” because 167 elders in good standing, wrote and appeal to the Council humbly asking for reconciliation with Latin America.

* Nearly 60 elders in good standing, and other smaller groups of elders, wrote appeals to the Council humbly asking that they address major concerns, and unethical behavior in the government of the church.

* Elders and members have shown concern for doctrinal integrity when the approved teachings of the church have been compromised. White papers written by men other than you and Melvin Rhodes were made available to the church without going through the doctrinal committee, and without recognizing that the doctrine (teaching) was contrary to what had been previously approved and taught. Melvin Rhodes and you signed your names to these, and thereby show your support of such papers.

* I have a responsibility to teach and to warn the flock, yet I am labeled as rebellious and undermining in doing so.

Does labeling men as “rebellious” and denying their requests for reconciliation, and asking that the CoE honestly look at unethical behavior, make individuals rebels? These are simply men who will not give up on personal and doctrinal integrity and hold fast to the truth!

Members of the Council and administration have refused to answer letters of concerns from members and ministers across the U.S. yet they simply tell those concerned that they have answered questions, and will not answer any more. They have refused meetings and resolutions presented to them to address the current situation. We have followed the principle over and over of going to our brother. The message is very clear that “our brother will not hear us.”

Well-respected men such as Leon Walker and others have had their names slandered by deceitful words, twisted reports, and direct lies. Other faithful men have been accused of things by false witnesses who speak lies. This is something that God hates. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The list of reasons why I cannot support the current Council and administration goes on and on. The last three years have been recorded in detail, and the substantiated evidence is almost surreal.

I was ordained, not hired, to be a shepherd. My responsibilities and duties as a shepherd are given to me through Gods Word, as you yourself also know. I have been called to feed and care for God’s sheep, and it is a tremendous blessing and privilege to do so.

As an employee of the United Church of God, I have responsibilities to my employer. I have carried out those responsibilities and duties with diligence. My first responsibility is to God and His people, and sadly my responsibilities as an employee is now in direct conflict with my calling, and the responsibilities given to me by God as a shepherd.

As an employee, I can no longer support the current Council or administration because of their actions, based on Gods standards and scriptural principles. I hereby tender my resignation as an employee of the United Church of God AIA effective immediately. My signature is affixed to this letter. I in no way resign as a minister of Jesus Christ.

I pray that God will grant repentance to you, the Council of Elders, and the current administration of the United Church of God. I will continue to pray that God will deal with all of us, including myself, with mercy as we strive to become more like Him and operate according to His way of life, and His government.

Respectfully,

Paul Carter