ICOC posts major apology
The Christian Chronicle, March 25 2003
By Lindy Adams
A detailed 45-page examination of the failings of the of the International Churches of Christ – Boston Movement – by member Henry Kriete has prompted a sweeping confession of wrongs by the church’s leadership. The document was widely mailed and forwarded on e-mail.
The Chronicle received the Kriete document days before the “LA Elders, Super Regional and Regional Evangelists and Women’s Ministry Leaders” posted their statement Feb. 28.
The apology letter acknowledged that it was “in response to a conviction derived from Henry Kriete’s open letter..”
The letter’s key scripture was Ephesians 4:1-6, “… I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received… .”
It said, “We want to share our convictions of ways that we have sinned against you and others.” Listed and explained are:
- “Arrogance in the staff …
- Weakening other churches …
- Giving through compulsion …
- Authoritarian discipling …
- Improper teaching of the one true church …
- Not emphasizing the greatest commandments …
- Not fulfilling the role of the elders …
- Abusive accountability …
- Not teaching the Bible in depth …
- Discouraging older disciples …”
The letter said, “These sins have not just been isolated events, but a culture that was created and allowed to continue in much of the LA church. We are committed to changing this culture to become more Christ-like. We are deeply sorry for every sin we committed and every sin we tolerated.
“Some have asked ‘how could we have let these things happen?’ The things we have outlined here in this letter were certainly major contributing factors.”
Some members of ICOC and churches of Christ see this change as an opportunity for the groups to begin dialogue. One source from the ICOC said “I believe now is the time … to open the doors of dialogue and get things repaired between the two camps… .”
Further reading: Henry Kriete’s open letter and aftermath in the ICOC.
