Responsible journalism requires that I take proper steps to verify information. In Open Source journalism others can provide tips and testimonies to fill in the story. What is your story 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 me in sexual sin. The full story was never revealed. There was no public confession by Ralph Rutledge and not 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.
There was a fiction book written on his ministry at Good Samaritan Church - an independent charismatic church associated before Rutledge with the name of Rev. Gordan Williams. Williams was a United Church minister who played a role in the early years of 100 Huntley Street. At the end of a typical program David Mainse would turn to Williams to provide a scriptural check-up.
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. This principle need to be applied to journalism as it is in the courts and in the discipline of science. According to Karl Popper, in science 'it is true' is replaced with it 'corresponds with the facts.'
I need witnesses to come forward to help establish the truth in our search to know the real Ralph Rutledge. I will post theories and allegations. You will help me by adding your witness - good quality testimony.
I am trusting that working together we can establish the truth and God who calls us to be children of light will aid us in bringing things to light.
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if you don't have the proff, you better stop make your theories and allegations. They are not valid without the proof.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. There is a big difference with people's theories and allegations and the word of witnesses.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible says: "a fact is established in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses." Courts were to operate on this principle of justice.
Since that time facts in science have been established in the same Biblical principle.
Journalism requires a similar standard.
I make every attempt to keep my comments in this blog factual or supported by journalistic sources - first hand witnesses. I dare do no other out of fairness to Rutledge, meeting Canadian standards of journalism, my own integrity and accountability before God.
I think it is about time somebody in the church stands up for truth,and is willing to go and dig it up if necessary, and if there is nothing to hide then there will be nothing found..... But if there is indeed this kind of thing going on and it has been covered up then thanks to the man who went looking.I will support you in prayer sir.
ReplyDeleteThat is very logical. Look for the truth and it will either clear the air or bring needed accountability.
ReplyDeleteThe wolf in sheep clothing - the pastor who is a sexual predator, for example - will not allow the kind of investigation we are suggesting here.
I was a member of Alderwood United Church and after I left I has ongoing associations with members of that congregation.
My friend Margaret S. was given a report by a young man, who stayed at the manse occupied by "Rev.' Harold Moddle. The young man reported that he had been approached in a sexual way by Moddle.
Upon investigation, I found out that here had been other reports - of homosexual advances to young men by Moddle - during Rev. Moddle's ministry at Alderwood United Church.
I reported this to the elders to whom Moddle was accountable so they could confirm or disconfirm these reports.
If they were true then there needed to be accountability for Moddle. If they were untrue then Rev. Moddle's name could be cleared and any rumours stopped.
Thank you for understanding that truth is of the essence. You are wise in saying: "If there is nothing of this kind of thing going on then" no harm is done in checking. There is nothing to hide.
If there is indeed this kind of thing going on and it has been covered up then in Christ we are to bring it to the light. There is a role of "exposing the works of darkness" Ephesians 5:11.
As for us we are to have 'nothing to do' with the fruitless deeds of darkness. We are not to 'be partners' with those who are doing the works of darkness.
One way not to 'partner' with the deeds of darkness of one, such as Ralph Rutledge, is to expose them.
One does not need to be angry with the man to fulfill these scriptural orders. Partnering with him in the cover up is hardly loving or merciful to him, God or the Bride of Christ.
Many ministers have disappeared with no explanation. I'm sure someone would have came forth by now if Ralph was guilty. I certainly hope that an organization can't just get rid of someone just because..... Some accountability is due to the congregations. I know he is a really nice and very caring man who was at my Mother's bedside when she died.
ReplyDeletethere are numerous guys that know about ralph's
ReplyDeleteactivities and so does his wife.