Reformed Churchmen

We are Confessional Calvinists and a Prayer Book Church-people. In 2012, we remembered the 350th anniversary of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer; also, we remembered the 450th anniversary of John Jewel's sober, scholarly, and Reformed "An Apology of the Church of England." In 2013, we remembered the publication of the "Heidelberg Catechism" and the influence of Reformed theologians in England, including Heinrich Bullinger's Decades. For 2014: Tyndale's NT translation. For 2015, John Roger, Rowland Taylor and Bishop John Hooper's martyrdom, burned at the stakes. Books of the month. December 2014: Alan Jacob's "Book of Common Prayer" at: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Common-Prayer-Biography-Religious/dp/0691154813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417814005&sr=8-1&keywords=jacobs+book+of+common+prayer. January 2015: A.F. Pollard's "Thomas Cranmer and the English Reformation: 1489-1556" at: http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Cranmer-English-Reformation-1489-1556/dp/1592448658/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420055574&sr=8-1&keywords=A.F.+Pollard+Cranmer. February 2015: Jaspar Ridley's "Thomas Cranmer" at: http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Cranmer-Jasper-Ridley/dp/0198212879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422892154&sr=8-1&keywords=jasper+ridley+cranmer&pebp=1422892151110&peasin=198212879

Thursday, April 10, 2014

SGM-Mahaneygate: Photo-Promo of Mahaney at Together for (Anabaptacostal) Gospel

http://www.brentdetwiler.com/brentdetwilercom/the-photo-promotion-of-cj-mahaney-at-together-for-the-gospel.html


The Together for the Gospel (T4G) conference is currently going on in Louisville, KY.  This photo shows Al Mohler, John MacArthur, Thabiti Anyabwile, John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, and Kevin DeYoung sitting together in the front row (left to right).  The other men are all speakers.  C.J. is not.     

Nine months ago, C.J. issued a statement about withdrawing from the conference.  Here are his remarks.


“After much prayer, reflection and counsel I have decided to withdraw from participation in the 2014 Together for the Gospel conference.  My reason for doing so is simple: I love these men and this conference and I desire to do all I possibly can to serve the ongoing fruitfulness of T4G. 

“Unfortunately, the civil lawsuit filed against Sovereign Grace Ministries, two former SGM churches and pastors (including myself), continues to generate the type of attention that could subject my friends to unfair and unwarranted criticism.  Though dismissed in May (and now on appeal), the lawsuit could prove a distraction from the purpose of this important conference.  My withdrawal is not intended to communicate anything about the merits of the suit.  My decision simply reflects the reality that my participation could create a hindrance to this conference and its distinct purpose of serving so many pastors.  My strong desire is to make sure this doesn’t happen.  I believe the most effective way I can serve my friends who have supported me, and continue to support me, is by not participating in the 2014 conference.” (C.J. Mahaney, July 1, 2013) 

C.J. was forced to withdraw from speaking even though one of the four original founders (Al Mohler, Ligon Duncan, Mark Dever being the others).  He may not be an official participant but he is a participant.  That aside, this photo is a clear endorsement of C.J.  It was taken by Melton Duncan and put on the internet.  Melton is Ligon Duncan’s brother.  


C.J. claims he didn’t want to subject his friends to “unfair and unwarranted criticism” or be “a hindrance to this conference.”  Really?  Then why in the world did he agree to sit in the front row in front of thousands of people?  He should be sitting in the back row.  This is a loud statement by C.J. that he’s back!  Honesty, this photo promotion is an affront to every conferee who was opposed to C.J.’s participation.   


I have benefited from the writings of Mohler, MacArthur, Anyabwile, Piper and DeYoung but I am greatly concerned for them!  They are promoting a man who betrayed Covenant Life Church, stumbled thousands of people by his hypocrisy, divided Sovereign Grace Ministries, and manage a conspiracy to cover up sex abuse for over 30 years.  Those are the facts.  None of these men have studied the evidence.  In saying so, I am believing the best of these men in the parlance of SGM.  If they knew the facts, and studied the evidence, they would remove C.J. from ministry; not have him sitting in the front row next to them.    


An appeal.  Al Mohler, Ligon Duncan, Mark Dever, John MacArthur, John Piper, Thabiti Anyabwile, Don Carson, Kevin DeYoung, and Justin Taylor - please attend the May 12-16 criminal trial of Nathaniel Morales for the sexual abuse of boys in C.J.’s former church under C.J.’s leadership.  C.J. knew full well about these abuses but did nothing.  He did not report to law enforcement, alert others in harm's way, or stop the predator.  As a result, Morales went on to abuse other youth in other states including stepsons.  This is all due to C.J.’s cover up of his crimes.  Honesty, C.J. should be put in jail, not in the box seats at T4G.  Your support of him is a betrayal of all the victims in Sovereign Grace Ministries.  Like C.J., you need to repent!


A request.  I want to meet or video conference with the nine of you in private in order to present the overwhelming evidence of a widespread conspiracy to commit and cover up sex abuse in Covenant Life Church and Sovereign Grace Ministries.  Your support of C.J. is unconscionable.  This should meet with no objection if you are interested in the truth.  C.J. is welcome to participate.  I am also glad to talk individually.  Please contact me at abrentdetwiler@gmail.com


Recommended Reading 


C.J. Mahaney Withdraws from Together for the Gospel & Founders Remove Statement of Support
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 3:14 PM
Don Carson, Kevin DeYoung and Justin Taylor Defend C.J. Mahaney Against Charges in SGM Sex Abuse Scandal
Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Flagship Church of Sovereign Grace Ministries Announces Plans to Leave
November 5, 2012 at 1:22 PM 
Grant Layman & the Conspiracy Surrounding Nathaniel Morales
Friday, July 26, 2013 at 5:10 PM


Postscript - April 10


The following quote comes from Pam Palmer in regard to the situation above.  She is the mother of Renee Palmer-Gamby who is one of the Plaintiffs/victims.  See Factual Allegations 94-106 for details in the lawsuit against C.J. and SGM.  Also, as you read keep in mind John Loftness was the SGM Chairman of the Board and C.J.'s close confidant.  He is also an alleged sexual sadist.


"I am sometimes I am at a loss for words on what to say at the insensitivity and callousness of C.J. Mahaney and the men who support him.  What other conclusion can observant people come to when they see a disgraced (yet undisciplined) leader sitting in the front row at such a prominent event other than the men sitting with him approve of his 30+ year record of covering up child sex abuse."  --Pam Palmer, mother of plaintiff in Sovereign Grace Ministry abuse lawsuit.

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