This is all really sad. My pastor has been a part of both the AA and the UPC, and due to the turmoil over the 2006 vote in the AA and various problems within the UPC he decided to remain independent/non-denominational when the church was started last fall. Nothing against the two organizations, but it wasn't in our best interest or benefit for us to be a part of either of the two.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea
Press Release from the org's website: http://www.apostolicassembly.org/
For Press Release
June 27, 2008 – Concerning the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus (“AAFCJ”)
The following was provided by the AAFCJ world headquarters office, as a response to the many inquiries that have been received regarding some developing concerns.
This is written with a saddened and burdened heart. On Tuesday night, the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus (“AAFCJ”) world headquarters building was vandalized. It is unknown who did this but it is being investigated by the police.
Recently, many false rumors have been circulated through many sources, including internet blog spots that the AAFCJ is “excommunicating” up to 20 pastors as a result of the election lawsuit. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is true, however, that the AAFCJ has removed the four pastors who did sue the AAFCJ seeking court intervention to overturn the 2006 AAFCJ General Elections.
Regarding the election lawsuit, the Judge issued a final ruling on April 3, 2008, specifically stating:
• Plaintiffs’ (4 pastors) Motion to Set Aside the Election Dated November 24, 2006 and Ordering a New Election is DENIED with prejudice;
• The Court finds there is no evidence of any Church Constitutional irregularity in the selection of the Qualifying Committee;
• The Court finds that there is no Constitution prohibition against members of the Qualifying Committee using the CID or any other document or guideline, in considering the capabilities, qualities and rights of a nominee. It is extremely unfortunate that there is misinformation being spread about the court decision. It is true that the plaintiffs may appeal this ruling if they wish. AAFCJ has not been informed of an appeal at this time.
Now is the time for healing to begin. The AAFCJ is a church, first and foremost, and wishes to focus on its mission: Exalt Christ, Equip the Church and Evangelize the World. This is being accomplished through various avenues: The ‘Jesus Strategy’ HOME Groups lifestyle, the Church Roadmap- for a more effective mission execution, and the continual preaching of the gospel across the United States of America and around the world. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea
The man who lost his church in the video was Presiding Bishop of the org twice .... serving over 16 years.
He was give the title of Bishop Emeritus after his second term ended ..... That's big news.
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A few thoughts on this ...
1) The fact that a former two-time Presiding Bishop has seen enough wrong to file a lawsuit gives credibility to his side.
2) Personal experience has taught me that it doesn't matter what dumb pr paper someone puts out; nor what they say to try and publicly reassure those within their ranks that they're right ... the best way to defeat them is to record them whether through hidden or unhidden means. Get them on tape and on the record.
Shady people don't like being recorded. They want things off the record. It's for your own protection to go to radio shack or best buy, spend $50 and get a micro-tape recorder and mic ($100 for a good digital recorder), and wire yourself up before either meeting individually with someone or corporately as a church board or body.
Last, this could happen in the UPC if your church is affiliated and the District Board isn't on the level. Many licensed ministers I know keep their churches unaffiliated to protect the church from things like that.
My fathers church was affiliated and when he began the search for someone to replace him before he retired, the db stepped in and took it over. The Presbyter of that area convened a vote in which he led. My parents (the retiring Pastor of the church for over 30 years) were told they had to leave the church premises before they began. They were not allowed to stay and vote, nor even just stay and witness the event.
Thankfully they didn't stay. It wasn't decent nor in order.
My brother and I tried arguing twice when a rule was changed halfway through, allowing a 3rd name to be in the final vote, even though everyone voted that only the top two names would be selected for a final vote.
There was not a vote on this rule change, it was arbitrarily done by the Presbyter.
Of the final three ministers, only one was known to the church (and not well accepted by some). Another had been there a couple times to preach and had been in the district for a year or so. The last was largely unknown and had just been there a few weeks previously to preach and have his name put in for the position.
In the end, the minister within the district mentioned second above, who had close ties with the Presbyter ... who was running for district superintendent ... was the one who was voted in. He voted for the Presbyter in the district superintendent election afterwards.
It's not been said which of the three was the one whom the Presbyter broke the rules to keep on the ballot.
I believe there are good men and women in both the AA and UPC, but I'm glad to not be a part of any organization where politics and power corrupt and destroy good men.
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