What do we know about Ralph Rutledge?

The topic of public interest is the person of Rev. Ralph Rutledge.  The public is interested because he has close connections to 100 Huntley Street; because not a lot is known about his ministry at Queensway Cathedral in Toronto or why the PAOC removed him from all ministry within this Pentecostal denomination.  The scandal - the rumours - suggest the abuse of the position of pastor to engage and confuse young men in sexual sin.  The full story was never revealed.  There was no public confession by Ralph Rutledge and no apology to a shocked and confused congregation.

In private confessions Ralph Rutledge pleads his case as a victim of abuse by the PAOC.  He minimizes his sin and his part in it.  He claims it was in the past.  He claims he was the victim.  He claims it was a minor one-time incident.  He claims he was hard done by by the PAOC.

The PAOC, for their part, feel bound for a variety of reasons not to expose the basis for their decision. This may be for legal reasons and may be the result of the settlement negotiated with Ralph Rutledge. My insider connections suggest that there were very real concerns and more than one report of sexual abuse of his position as pastor.

The Pentecostal Assemblies of God administrators that came to this tough decision were men of God who care and are careful with these kind of decisions.  The evidence suggests that they were not unfair; did not 'pick on' Rutledge or make a rash decision.

There may be good reason that the Bible says to "tell the church' when someone is removed from the church.  The community is informed and knows better than treat a sinner as a saint.

Rutledge's contends that there was a one time encounter initiated by another man and the whole thing is in the past. I believe it is much more likely that he is minimizing the evidence put before the elders of the PAOC. Biblical process requires two or more witnesses. To avoid legal liability the PAOC needs to have evidence that could go to court to show that this was not a decision biased against Rutledge.

On the contrary, my investigation adds new categories to the ways in which his behaviour as a professional minister of God has been irresponsible and out of control.  Ti now appears that he has manipulated congregations, followers, victims and church boards for his own selfish goals both sexual and financial.

The reports suggest that Rutledge uses and used every possible means to avoid confrontation. He would manipulate congregations, to control boards, and to harass victims who wanted to speak up.  I believe there is sufficient hard evidence to establish that in a court of law if necessary.  His phone call to me is just one example.

A Board member of Good Samaritan Church - an independent charismatic church associated before Rutledge with the name of Rev. Gordon Williams - wrote a book that is an accurate account in fictional guise describing one time period of his ministry.   I interviewed the author and members of the church board to verify that this book is an accurate and well documented account of Ralph Rutledge's ministry at the Good Samaritan Church.

The text is written by the Board Treasurer and supported by  the notes taken and minutes of the board meetings.

Information is verified by one or more independent witnesses to an event.  The Bible says that a fact should be established in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses.  I spoke to 4 or 5 board members who gave me their word that the book is quite accurate in it's account of the events in the church.

The book is 'Demons in the Sanctuary" by Miriam Bellamy.