charismatic episcopal church scandal

We, the bishops of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, stand in unity under Jesus Christ, who makes us one by the Spirit of his Father. An anonymous former parishioner said, I remember thinking, this is starting to feel a little bit more like a, I dont want to say personality cult, but more of a rallying around a particular leader, in this case (Bishop) Stewarts charisma.. NGFlNzEyN2ZhMTJiZjAyODQyZmUxMGU4OWI5MDNlOGFhNWU4NmM2NGE0ODZh YjkwZjc2NzMyZTYzMzUyNjNlNDZhYTY1MTU4YmM4YzAxZjcwMzlkYjhiMWE1 At St. John's Church in McLean, Lee met with lay leaders to encourage them not to allow this to disrupt their church's ministry, Lee's statement said. Archbishop Hines of the Philippines, as senior bishop on the patriarch's council, was appointed as acting patriarch (supervising bishop) for the ICCEC until a formal election could be held. We believe that we are saved by grace alone and justified by faith in Christ who is calling us to a personal relationship with Him. All rights reserved. He described the crisis as a challenging and emotional time for both members and leaders. [2] Clergy dress in traditional clerical attire and vestments (alb, stole, etc.) Consider Jesus' repeated violation of law, a reality so scandalous most Christians won't admit it even happened. The Episcopal Church on the other hand, has embraced the entire panoply of sexualities - LGBTQI - with devastating consequences to its future. In a follow-up meeting at the Ruchs house, Stewart Ruch allegedly instructed John to apologize to Damiani for questioning his decision, suggested John was idolizing church planting and said he and Jenna were too dependent on one another in their marriage. February 17, 1995 The Episcopal Church -- already shaken by budget shortfalls, the recent suicide of a philandering bishop and dissension over ordaining homosexuals -- says it has discovered. This difficult season has sparked conversations that we should have been having as a church for a very long time, he said. The council accepted his request, expressing gratitude for all he had done in the formation and launching of the vision which led to the ICCEC. The Communion has its apostolic succession within the historical episcopate through the Rebiban line via Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa, who founded the Brazilian . We are men and women of faith gathered from diverse backgrounds seeking an expression of the church that is fully sacramental-liturgical, evangelical, and charismatic. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In contrast, the Church does recognize as valid the episcopal ordinations of the Eastern Orthodox Churches (CCC 1399) and the Polish National Church (see also theCode of Canon Law, can. And the last year has been a lot of painful work around trying to decipher what was God and what was Stewart., Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois. In the last four years, the church's national office has been forced to cut its staff by about one-third and has revamped its mission to serve the goals of local parishes and dioceses. From left, Bishop Stewart Ruch III, John and Jenna Perrine, and Aaron Damiani, rector at Immanuel Anglican Church in Chicago. I cant think of a church in the English-speaking Western world with as broad a global reach as Hillsong, said Ed Stetzer, the executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center in Illinois. Christian denomination established in 1992, Emblem of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, Summary of the Patriarch's Council, Spring 2007, were calling Christians back to their roots in the primitive church, Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches, Charismatic Episcopal Church Patriarch Answers Questions About His Church, "Find a Church Near me | Pentecostal, Evangelical, catholic", "History of the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch", "Local man ordained to Anglican ordinariate", "The International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church", "Catechism of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (2014)", Official CEC news, information, and resources, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charismatic_Episcopal_Church&oldid=1127776231, Christian denominations founded in the United States, Christian organizations established in 1992, Evangelical denominations in North America, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. We are committed to the preaching of the Gospel to fulfill the great commission. Solheim said they also were drawing on the positive reaction they received last month for publicly acknowledging that David E. Johnson, the former bishop of Massachusetts who committed suicide a month ago, had sexually abused several adult women during his ministry. At the center of worship is the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) which we believe is the real presence of Christ. -----BEGIN REPORT----- Independent charismatic groups such as the newer Maranatha Fellowships, Word-Faith Churches and Vineyard Ministries promise fewer institutional restrictions. relationship with money, sex, and celebrity. [11] The Charismatic Episcopal Church also forbids the ordination of women. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android. We believe that through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, all believers are empowered to participate in the fullness of ministry. Jenna said she declined another job offer to apply. [10] On July 30, 2008, during the ICCEC's 4th International Convocation, Bates was enthroned as the second patriarch and primate of the ICCEC in North America. Convergence worship is fully charismatic, evangelical, and liturgical/sacramental. Church leaders decided to go public with news of the church's latest trauma because "it was the strong feeling . Prophetic messages from respected leaders & news of how God is moving throughout the world. eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiNjgwYzI2ZTE5MjM3MzlhMTViNWU0YWM0YzVlMmQ0OGM3 Out of deep love and respect for their brother, and for the clergy and people of the Great Lakes Diocese, Archbishop Adler, Archbishop Sly, and Bishop Bates traveled to Detroit this week to meet with Frederick Fick, and with those clergy of the diocese who were able to meet with them on such short notice. Former members also said church leaders pressured them to stay in abusive relationships, subjected them to conversion therapy and denied them leadership positions for voicing criticism. Adler was consecrated on June 26, 1992. The Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC), officially the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC), is a Christian denomination established in 1992. We believe that through the baptism of the Holy Spirit all believers are empowered to participate in the fullness of ministry. We are a church open to the continued working of the Holy Spirit. Photo courtesy Jenna Perrine. Uniquely, the ICCEC is not a schism or splinter group from another denomination. They didnt want me to have any relationships or influences that werent under their control, he said. They describe a culture of censorship and controlling behavior, all packaged in overtly spiritual language. To contact us or to submit an article, click here. Its newer dioceses, such as the Upper Midwest and others that make a priority of planting new churches, at least anecdotally appear to attract migrants from charismatic traditions and nondenominational churches, according to Jeremy Bonner, an honorary fellow at Durham University who has studied ACNAs growth. A Church fully Charismatic We are a church open to the continued working of the Holy Spirit. In San Clemente, California, in June of 1992, the Charismatic Episcopal Church was born. Back to Glossary The church has blamed medication and alcohol for Mr. Houstons actions. [citation needed] These allegations were heard and adjudicated in June and September 2006 by the Patriarch's Council. We cannot continue in our global family, as much as we love it, Mr. Crist told his congregation in an emotional sermon on Sunday, citing, among other reasons, the recent resignation of Hillsongs global leader under a haze of scandal. Adler, who retired in 2007, preached in 70 countries during his career, according to his son, Ken Tanner. Tanner said Adler impacted tens of thousands for Jesus. We live to show forth Gods praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to His service, and by walking before Him, in holiness and righteousness, all our days. Mr. Crist expects to begin holding services June 1 under a new name to be determined. At the center of worship is the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion), which we believe is the real presence of Christ. The ICCEC believes in the dogmatic statements of the seven ecumenical councils of the state church of Rome, apostolic succession, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the authority of scripture, and the validity of the charismatic revival as a genuine movement of God. The Patriarch for the Charismatic Episcopal Church is the Most Rev. "He was also a tireless witness of a God that loves the world.". Who We Are: We are men and women of faith gathered from diverse backgrounds seeking an expression of the Church that is fully sacramental-liturgical, evangelical, and charismatic; a Church that is submitted to the authority of scripture, as interpreted by the continuing witness of the ancient Church and governed by consensus. Our worship is biblical, liturgical, and Spirit-filled, ancient and contemporary, holy, and joyful. All baptized Christians are ministers of the church. Music is often contemporary and lively, but ancient hymns and chants are also incorporated in most parishes, reflecting a broad church attitude in contrast with the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches more low church worship. Saddleback Church doubles down on support for female pastors, Mormonisms slow shift away from demonizing working mothers, Faith leaders urge Biden to sign executive order for reparations study by Juneteenth, For many congregations, wiping out medical debt has become a popular calling, Conference on religious trauma aims to equip survivors for recovery, Mark Rivera, a former Anglican lay pastor, found guilty of felony child sexual assault, Anglican church informs parishioners of sex offender attendee after three years, Returning from self-imposed hiatus, ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch works to regain trust, ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch, accused of spiritual abuse, ends voluntary leave, Copyright 2020, Religion News Service. We are a church holding to a high view of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, believing them to contain all things necessary for salvation; nothing can be taught as necessary for salvation that is not contained therein. NTVmMzU3ZDBjM2MxOWEzYzUyMzAxMWZjYjY5YTIwMWNkODNjMzIzMzIxYTRh Frederick Fick, and his auxiliary bishop, The Most Rev. Hillsong took a more accessible approach. But anyone who has been victimized in our church needs to be seen and heard.. The Apostles Creed as the Baptismal symbol; and the Nicene Creed as the sufficient statement of the Christian faith. -----END REPORT-----. The Upper Midwest diocese Bishop Stewart Ruch III, who has been rector at Rez since 1999 and became bishop in 2013, took a leave of absence in July after admitting to regrettable errors in handling sexual abuse allegations in the diocese. It can exist through worship music alone or encompass many parts of the service and life of the believers. Disputes over the interpretation of this resolution have occupied the church ever since. Concerning gifts of the Spirit. MWE5Njg3NDQ3NzE3ZTEzM2I4NDI2ZTFmY2U0ZjBlODk5YWYxZjhkMjQ3MGZm The additional deuterocanonical books may be read in public worship, but are not used to formulate dogma or doctrine. The Charismatic Episcopal Church began when a variety of independent churches throughout the United States, as part of the Convergence Movement, began to blend evangelical teaching and charismatic worship with liturgies from the Book of Common Prayer inspired by the spiritual pilgrimages of modern Evangelical Protestant writers like Thomas Howard, Robert E. Webber, Peter E. Gillquist and the ancient Christian writers and their communities. The former treasurer, Ellen Cooke, moved here from New York last month when her husband became rector at the prominent St. John's Episcopal Church in McLean, whose 1,400 members include Sen. Charles S. Robb (D-Va.) and his wife, Lynda; Sen. John H. Chafee (R-R.I.); former senator Malcolm Wallop (R-Wyo. AfghanistanWhere Faith Is a Matter of Life and Death. The Historic Episcopate in Apostolic Succession, the gift of Christ's authority to the Church and the trustee of the Church's fidelity to apostolic teaching. NTYyYmU0NjRlMTk1YTAwNGNlNTgyOGI1YmM3OWViN2M1NWRjYjgzZTc1ZDU2 She was affiliated with the ex-gay movement, and her book, Crisis of Masculinity, says gay and lesbian individuals have a cannibal compulsion that desires others of their sex to fulfill their own unaffirmed masculinity or femininity. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It was Rezs combination of charismatic preaching and dramatic liturgy with priests wearing traditional robes and reading from the Book of Common Prayer that attracted the Perrines. He could not be immediately reached for comment. It features interviews with critics, former employees and members, and a woman who has said she had a monthslong affair with Carl Lentz, at the time the celebrity lead pastor of Hillsongs East Coast branches. The Policies and Procedures (to include sexual harassment) of the Charismatic Episcopal Church of the North America. . He publicly stated his loyalty to his brothers and pledged to work together with us as we built this church for the next generation. Bates began meeting regularly with Father Brett Crull and Dean Val McIntyre, head of pastoral care at Rez, to begin what Bates said they called his path to healing. Bates said McIntyre and Crull told him to cut off contact with all other queer people and to rely on the church as his support network. We are a church open to the continued working of the Holy Spirit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He objected a few years ago, he said, when a global church restructuring disbanded his board of local leaders and put him directly under the authority of the Australia-based global board. As bishops we bear responsibility for all that happens within the Charismatic Episcopal Church and we ask your forgiveness for any errors or injuries real or perceived, known to us or unknownwe have committed by omission or commission. The celebration was presided over by Loren Thomas Hines, Archbishop of Manila and the ICCEC's primate in the Philippines and Asia. The charismatic movement stems from a group of spiritually zealous people who seek to manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit within some mainline and non-denominational churches. who studied, prayed over, and witnessed this need for a house of convergence. Pentecostalism, a charismatic movement, often features practices like speaking in tongues and faith healing. Bates said Crull instructed him to stop painting his nails, dressing in soft fabrics and wearing pink. The Charismatic Episcopal Church is comprised of men and women of faith gathered from diverse backgrounds seeking an expression of the church that is fully sacramental liturgical, evangelical, and charismatic; a church that is submitted to the authority of scripture, as interpreted by the continuing witness of the ancient church, and governed It felt like all of our previous ministry experience was unimportant, our education almost needed to be deprogrammed and reprogrammed, said Jenna. Though the CEC and its parent body the ICCEC claim valid apostolic succession through some schismatic Catholic bishops, notably Carlos Duarte Costa, there are serious doubts as to whether valid apostolic lines and doctrinal belief have been maintained, both of which are essential for the valid ordination of bishops. [12][13], In 1999 the ICCEC issued The San Clemente Declaration, a statement of principles governing the CEC's communion with other Christian bodies. As treasurer for the last nine years, Ellen Cooke was the equivalent of a corporate chief financial officer, supervising the cash flow, investments and trust funds of the church. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In 1997, the ICCEC sought and acquired consecration and ordination of all of its clergy by the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church through the episcopal genealogy of Carlos Duarte Costa.[8]. NGI0YzFiNzUyODQxODFmNDU3NmYxZmZjN2MwY2RjMTk2ZjNmYjc5OTVlYjRm The International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (also known as the ICCEC) is an international Christian communion established as an Autocephalous Patriarchate in 1992 with over 1,000 churches worldwide. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. OTE5MWQ0MmJmN2IwZTgwZmMzMGIyOWYzZmE2OGU0MTU4M2U1NTAxMTBkYzA1 Done! At the invitation of friends, she visited the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Houston's blighted East End and fell in love with its gorgeous music and charismatic worship. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Terry Crist, a fifth-generation pastor in Phoenix, joined the global megachurch Hillsong in part because of what he describes as its distinctly joyful approach to church life: Hillsong was an institution where leaders seemed light and free, offering a church experience that attracted tens of thousands of people around the world. We are truly sorry for this tear in our unity and accept that we bear, as the spiritual heads of our communion, this burden. You should receieve a confirmation email shortly. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. YTAyYjNkMjVjZTQ2OWYwYTUyMzczZmM2MzIxNWY0MGJhNDE0ZDliYjM2YzY0 Far more potentially divisive is a recent challenge in the church's long internal tug-of-war over the ordination of homosexuals. "Dad had many gifts, but the most important was an ability to connect with anyone, anywhere. While the ICCEC is a relatively young communion, it occupies a position within the crucible of historic faith through both Anglican and Catholic [i.e., Catholic Apostolic Church of Brazil] lines; receiving its apostolic succession through pure lines of undisputed orthodox Christianity. Some progress was achieved in a spirit of reconciliation, but there is yet more work to be done. Hillsong, Once a Leader of Christian Cool, Loses Footing in America. We Value Prayer We have these tools to help you Daily Prayer (Traditional) Daily Prayer (Individual) Evening Prayer The Episcopal Church, like several other mainline Protestant denominations, has seen a decline over the last decade in contributions from local churches and dioceses. This decision wasnt arrived at lightly, and it was made calculating the significant cost, Mr. Crist said in an interview, mentioning the possibility for disillusionment and pain. The charismatic movement, launched in the 1960s, argued that fruit came from a special "second-blessing experience", attested by so-called "speaking in tongues". "He brought peace between Christians in East Africa long separated by intractable tribal conflicts," Tanner said. On Aug. 28, ACNA announced the eight members of a Provincial Response Team that will oversee an investigation into the dioceses handling of the allegations. The only reason we had to depart was that we questioned the structure and authority system with constructive concerns. They were burdened for a church that not only exercised apostolic authority within a liturgical framework but operated under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Charismatic Episcopal Church of North America A Church fully Evangelical We are a church holding to a high view of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, believing them to contain all things necessary for salvation; nothing can be taught as necessary for salvation that is not contained therein. Those who have studied the trend say it reflects local alienation from the national church hierarchy over theological and political issues, as well as the tendency of local churches to concentrate spending on programs for their own members and the poor. And it was always pushed back on us as a reflection of spiritual immaturity on our part to question the system, said John. The press office for the global church said the two parties made a mutual decision to separate before Mr. Houstons departure. It was a unique work of God borne into the hearts of dedicated and faithful clergy from a number of denominations (Pentecostals, Baptists, Anglicans, Lutherans, Independent Charismatics, Wesleyans, etc.) If those demons were to be cast out, I would be cured and would be straight.. The movement is not a separate denomination . ZTcxNjFmNzZiNTA1MDAxMmIyZGFkZjQyYjdmNzk2MTdlZDg4MGMzNjlkYzI3 The Organization that overseas all the Charismatic Epsiscopal Churches in the World. Anyone can read what you share. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The current upheaval at the church is a very big deal and will have ramifications not just for Hillsong, but for contemporary evangelism around the world, he said. The church press office described the agreements as standard elements of their general contracts with church leaders. YTBiMGVlYTNjNWQ5NjhhYmY0Nzg4YmZiYTM5MDQ5YzI5OTZhMzQ3ODY5NjY3 The couple soon launched their training as church planters at Rez, which belongs to the Anglican Church in North America, a small denomination that spun off from the Episcopal Church USA a decade ago, largely in response to the Episcopal Churchs acceptance of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriages. Charismatic Episcopal Church50 Saint Thomas PlMalverne, NY 11565, Sign Up for the Sursum Corda, Our Newsletter, Church website mobile friendly fast and easy. Bates said that on his first Sunday at Rez, Ruch assured him that hed found a safe place as a queer person. On January 9, 2008, Archbishop Hines announced that the patriarch's council, in accordance with the canons, had elected Craig W. Bates as the ICCEC's new patriarch. Does the Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC) Have validly ordained bishops? the AG felt the impact of new charismatic ministries and the effect of the televangelism scandals. We celebrate the living historic forms of the liturgies of the church and the seven Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion), Confession, Healing, Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony. Consider Joshua's men being saved by the prostitute Rahab: scandalous. A conference Church is a New Testament church. We are a church governed by bishops in apostolic succession who are humbly submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to each other. We are committed to advancing God's kingdom by proclaiming the Gospel to the least, the lost, and the lonely. In contrast, the Church does recognize as valid the episcopal ordinations of the Eastern Orthodox Churches (CCC 1399) and the Polish National Church (see also the Code of Canon Law, can. Photo via ChurchRez.org. The Catechism of the ICCEC has been made publicly available through the internet. A few may have received reports that the Most Rev. Beginnings of convergence: 1976-1991 [ edit] The 10 bishops have said they also plan to ask for church trials of four other bishops for ordaining homosexuals, including Bishop Ronald Haines of Washington. Philip C. Zampino and the clergy and laity of Life in Jesus Community in Maryland have also resigned from the CEC. Their messagea recovery of our common and apostolic roots for the faithful transmission of the Gospelbecame the catalyst and heartbeat for our church. MzM1ZDFjZjU0N2ViZDg1MGE1OWY1OGMyMGE0NGEyM2Q1NTMzNzI3M2FkOGY3 And he bristled when he and other lead pastors were asked to sign noncompete and non-disparagement agreements in the wake of the scandal in the East Coast branches. The term is derived from the Greek charisma, "gift.". Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our. Mr. Houston and his wife, Bobbie, are towering figures in Australia. Mr. Houston once instructed pastors in Australia that a Hillsong sermon leaves people feeling better about themselves than when they came in.. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. But the spiritual impact was perhaps even more devastating. At all levels of government, we are a house of prayer, desiring to hear the voice of God. By the 1990s, the charismatic movement in the Episcopal Church was largely organized through Episcopal Renewal Ministries. It was removed almost immediately. The Perrines joined Immanuel Anglican Church in Chicago in 2019. In contrast, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvres consecration of four Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) priests as bishops in June 1988 was illicit but undoubtedly valid. As bishops of the People of God it is first and foremost our duty to guard the faith, doctrine, and unity of the Church. In an email to RNS, Damiani said, Our hiring practice for senior staff roles involves delegating staffing decisions to an appropriate ministry team. The Episcopal Church -- already shaken by budget shortfalls, the recent suicide of a philandering bishop and dissension over ordaining homosexuals -- says it has discovered evidence that its former treasurer stole tens of thousands of dollars from the church's coffers. The churchs search process is rigorous, including an initial screening, interviews, and auditions for worship leaders. Decisions are made in the council upon coming to a consensus. We are pleased to announce that Bishop Frederick Fick and Archbishop Adler have mutually withdrawn Bishop Fick's resignation from the Charismatic Episcopal Church. All the challenges and the speculation and the scandal and the articles and all of the above, it got to a point where the people in our church just did not want to deal with it anymore, Mr. Collier said in an interview. The churches of Bishop Zampino's diocese, with the exception of one parish and one new mission, remain committed to the vision and work of our church and are not leaving. ZDhiYzg3M2IzYzc0OGZkNmIxYjlhNzVkYjk0YzdlYWE2ODdhMjEwZmQ5YTkz Last week, 10 bishops delivered a formal letter announcing their intent to seek a church trial of retired bishop Walter Righter of Iowa, accusing him of teaching erroneous doctrine when he ordained an openly gay man as a deacon five years ago. Charisma News - Informing believers with news from a Spirit-filled perspective, Charismatic Episcopal Church Founder Dies at 71, Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. When Bates refused, he said, Ruch became agitated and claimed to be speaking on behalf of God. in liturgical worship. At all levels of government, we are a house of prayer, desiring to hear the voice of God. MWU3NDFiYTA4MWFkZDljM2YyZjFiZWIzMzI3NzRiMzM0MDg4MzViNmQwMmNh The damning report on child sexual abuse last month reported that clergy had abused nearly 5,000 children since 1950. We are thankful to God for the reunion achieved this week and ask for grace from the Throne of God to make our reconciliation complete and lasting. What to Expect When you attend our service you may find us similar in some ways, and different in others, than churches you have already attended. Its churches near Chicago have drawn faculty and students from evangelical Wheaton College and editors from Christianity Today magazine. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". She taught that masculinity and femininity were archetypal and that healing prayer would help people achieve true womanhood and manhood., In a statement to RNS, Church of the Resurrection said: The church, Diocese, and Province affirm the traditional view of marriage between one man and one woman and the importance of fidelity to the vows of marriage. When lawyers hired by the church unearthed additional evidence, Browning confronted Cooke and her husband, the Rev. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. On Thursday, a day after Mr. Houstons resignation, the streaming service Discovery+ released a three-part documentary, Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed. The documentary depicts the megachurch as a toxic institution obsessed with image, control and growth at all costs. MWRlZjUwMGU0NGI5Mzg2Mzg3MjA0YjBlMzNiOGFhNmE0OTNjMDgxOTg0OWRl And thats where its dangerous. A person who answered the phone at Kingdom City last week said the church had no comment. Last week, the lead pastor of Hillsong Atlanta, Sam Collier, emailed his church to inform them that he was withdrawing his church from Hillsong in the wake of consistent media attacks, slander, and accusations against Hillsong some of which, he acknowledged, were true. In the email, Mr. Dooley said Mr. Houstons resignation came as a tremendous surprise to many members of our community. The church press office did not respond to questions about whether Mr. Houston would receive a severance package or any future financial compensation from the church. Church leaders, the couple said, put their residency on hold for nearly two months. We are a church governed by bishops in apostolic succession who are humbly submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to each other. But after three years of what they call spiritual hazing, the couple was left financially, professionally and spiritually devastated. Today, clergy and laymen of the ICCEC, traveling from their heritage in Evangelical, Pentecostal/Charismatic, Anglican, Roman, and Eastern Orthodox expressions, now have the common vision of making the Kingdom of God visible to the nations of the world. The 2.4 million-member denomination has a national budget of $42.6 million for 1995, a decline of more than $3.6 million from 1994.