Several ex-members of Christchurch Durham (CCD) have expressed anger at news that an internal review into the conduct of former pastor Tony Jones has been dropped amid fears of litigation.
One former member, who wishes not to be named, said: ‘It is unacceptable that legal threats should be able to quash a review into potential spiritual abuse and coercive behaviour. Risk (even legal risk!) or cost does not make obedience to Christ optional, and Jesus seemed to regard protection of His sheep by under-shepherds as rather important.’
In early 2022, 167 people signed a petition calling for an independent review into Jones’ conduct, including allegations of abuse of power, domineering leadership, and coercion and control, but this was resisted by the leadership. Last summer, interim minister Richard Rendall began an internal review.
However, at the start of May this year he informed complainants of the decision not to conclude his review or to make findings – even though many had already participated – because of concerns around litigation.
In his letter (seen by en), Rendall said he tried to engage with Jones and his former leadership team, but their lawyers barred him from having any direct contact with their clients.
He wrote: ‘I deeply regret and apologise that it did not bring about the desired outcome.’ He added that steps have been taken to ‘help the church move forward’ and a new leadership team was appointed last November.
Rendall apologised for the poor level of communication and committed to improving it. He also invited the recipients of his letter to be part of a group receiving regular updates from the new leadership.
A former member and employee of CCD said: ‘Once again people who have been hurt are being sidelined. We aren’t being included in any discussions about releasing the report. It feels like being silenced all over again.’
In a statement to en, David Buckley and his fellow elders at CCD said: ‘We recognise the importance of the way we respond to all that has happened here and want to reassure you that we are praying fervently for everyone involved. We are keenly aware of the hurt people are feeling and are striving to move forward with humility, integrity and love.
‘As a whole church we are currently considering a specific proposal… while we work through this proposal as a church, we are concerned not to cause any further hurt to anyone involved by speaking publicly too quickly.’
Another former member said: ‘I think all of what’s happened since 2021 has underlined the need for things to be brought fully into the light. Tony and other former trustees kept the church in the dark in 2021 and then last year managed to block Richard’s review, leading to months of silence and confusion. This has left everyone affected in limbo and the serious impact of their experiences remains unacknowledged.’
Tony Jones has been contacted several times by en since February 2022 but has not responded to any of the inquiries.
● Tony Jones banned much-loved worship songs including 10,000 reasons, Cornerstone and Nothing But The Blood of Jesus at his Pennsylvania church, en has been told.
Jones resigned his pastorate at Immanuel Leidy’s Church with immediate effect in April after just 14 months, shortly after being presented with a petition signed by nearly a third of the membership.
Gary Filson, a member and choir director at Leidy’s for more than 30 years, said he was fired as praise and worship leader after formally raising concerns with the leadership. He said things started getting ‘a little weird’ in Spring 2022 when restrictions were imposed on what songs could be sung in church.
On 11 April Jones resigned, along with assistant minister Michael Nowling and several elders. In his lengthy resignation letter (leaked on Twitter and confirmed to be genuine), Jones referred to ‘strong resistance to Biblical leadership’ and said he could no longer lead a divided church.
Jones’ stated reasons for resigning with immediate effect related to the upcoming congregation meeting which ‘will be corrosive to the health of the church’. He said he would be in dereliction of duty to subject the congregation to ‘such harmful division’.
Less than two weeks later, on Sunday 23 April, Jones preached – and Nowling gave out the notices – at the newly formed Trinity Central Church, Telford, an address less than five miles from Leidy’s church. The domain name for the church’s website (not yet live at the time of writing) was registered on 5 April 2023.
