A retraction

Over the course of the last year, I have had plenty of time to privately reflect on what transpired through 2020 and 2021, and I have concluded that on some points I was in the wrong.  I have decided to address those things here.  Some may disagree with what I have concluded, but I write here first and last for Him.

First, I believe I was sometimes overly harsh and severe in my writing.  I have since removed several blog posts, which I now believe lacked grace and charity.  I still believe the churches should have remained open through the lockdowns, but I wish I had written with a better understanding of my own heart and a more charitable view of my brothers in Christ.  I was appalled by what I saw in those days, but in my zeal to speak the truth I sometimes lacked compassion and grace. 

Second, when I was wronged by colleagues in the ministry I had a choice.  I could have covered what I believed to be sin, but I chose instead to expose it to the public.  I wrote about some of it on my blog, and I agreed to allow some of it to be aired in a documentary.  Upon reflection I wish I had chosen to lovingly cover their sin rather than expose it.  I meant well at the time, but I now believe that my decision to expose these things to the public served neither Christ nor the Church.* 

Third, I believe now that I was wrong to leave the Canadian Presbytery the way I did.  In 2021 I chose to transfer my credentials to Vanguard presbytery without first informing my presbytery.  I had reasons for doing so, and I was acting on the advice of a number of godly men; but I now believe I was in error.   I see now that my decision to leave in the way I did actually backfired.  It confused my congregation, frustrated and disappointed my presbytery and ultimately helped no one.  If I could take back that decision I would.

Finally, I want to apologize for what I wrote (in 2022) about compliant pastors.  In that particular piece I was writing about pastors and elders who had restricted the number of people who could gather for worship through 2020 and 2021.   I said, “If your pastor and elders have not publicly repented for closing the church and enforcing government mandates, leave immediately.”  I added that I believed such men had “disqualified themselves from the ministry.”  I have come to regret those words.   I still maintain that the churches should have continued gathering (without restrictions) through the lockdowns, but I don’t believe the compliant pastors and elders have disqualified themselves; nor would I – now - advise their people to find another church.  As I reflect on that particular post I am ashamed by how swift I was to pronounce judgement.  I know that those men stand or fall before their own Master; and I am grateful that He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

* My comments above are simply a personal reflection on my own heart and conduct in light of what was revealed in the documentary. They are not intended as a criticism of those who produced the film, nor as a suggestion of guilt by association. If I was wrong, that does not mean they were wrong as well. In fact, I believe a biblical case could be made for the course they chose, even if I now wish the documentary had not been undertaken (cf. 2 Timothy 4:14).

I know the men who produced the documentary. I am told they first reached out to the pastor in question but received no reply. Their hope, I know, was that the documentary might bring this man to repentance. I hoped for the same.

My comments here are only my personal reflection on my own part in what took place. What was done was done by a brother (whom I knew and loved), and it was done against me. In hindsight, I wish I had responded to that brother differently.

Post revised on August 16, 2025