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An Open Letter from Bishop Danny Carter
Dated: 05/10/07
May 10, 2007
Dear 1Fold Readers,
I have felt compelled to write to you about the series of events that
have taken place in the last few months, and even days.
Last week, my family and I decided to visit Brother and Sister
Pruitt. We had been informed that they were moving to Maryland
in June, therefore, we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to
express our love, respect, and best wishes for their future.
We were greeted kindly by the Pruitt’s son and daughter-in-law,
Teryl and Brenda Pruitt. They were such kind hosts and we had a
wonderful time exchanging going-away-gifts and reminiscing about
the Pruitt’s visits to Franklin. We even found out that Teryl knows
many individuals from our home church in Indianapolis who attended Tomlinson College during his years there. We laughed, we cried, we prayed and embraced one another. We even took some meaningful photographs that we will cherish forever.
The Pruitts have always meant so much to our family. In my home office, I have three pictures which are prevalently displayed. They are A.J. Tomlinson, M.A. Tomlinson, and Brother and Sister Pruitt. We will always hold them in the highest regard. We have always prayed for their best and I believe with all of my heart, they feel our love for them.
It’s so unfortunate, and even heart-wrenching at the condition the church is in today, especially since the Pruitts have given the best years of their lives to Christ and the church. It makes me ill to think how the enemy has been allowed to come in to the church and split it three ways. I know many who, along with this region, have fought this ugly spirit, to my knowledge, since the onset of 2005.
Our precious General Overseer was under such manipulative, evil influences, that the stress level was almost unbearable. This, along with his illness, created such undesirable working conditions, many things were done behind his back and without his knowledge.
During our visit, we learned that the Pruitts are very concerned about the condition of the church. To my understanding, they will be requesting a meeting with Stephen Smith, Kevin Werkheiser, and Otis Daniel within the next few days. Their trust in those at General Headquarters is very low at this time. However, it was stated that the letters that had been written by Otis Daniel are accurate, and the comments, letters, and accusations against him were not justified.
Before our visit in the Pruitt home, I was previously aware that the day after Otis Daniel’s first letter came out, the Pruitts were visited by Steven Smith and Kevin Werkheiser. According to Vickie Smith’s web-site, it was reported that during their visit, they got down on their knees and “begged for forgiveness.” Why would they do this unless there was something that needed to be forgiven? A large check was then given to the Pruitts and an additional two checks followed a few days later.
The financial assistance to the Pruitts has been inconsistent, to say the least. Kevin Werkheiser told the Pruitts that “the least you folks could take would be better for the church, our pockets are not as deep as the Church of God of Prophecy.” This statement was made as if the church was nearly bankrupt. He also stated, “We know that your parents aren’t destitute.”
I asked the Pruitts “Has the Administrative Committee made a decision as to the amount that would be given to you as supplemental income?” The response was “yes.”
We are all aware that in the General Assembly of 2006, it was the intent of the General Assembly Body to supplement Brother Pruitt’s income, up to the limit ($3,150.00). The chairman of the Ways and Means Committee understood this as well. We have now learned that this is not the intent of the Administrative Committee, as they are only prepared to supplement Brother Pruitt hundreds of dollars per month less than the General Assembly intended.
Many question why the Administrative Committee took this action, since we know that the church inherited an exceptional amount of money from a former member who is now deceased. The Pruitts are puzzled as to why the church has not been publicly informed of this inheritance, and why the family was not formally thanked for their generosity.
The Pruitts know that something is seriously wrong in the church, and they are concerned why so many are no longer with the church, and are losing more and more daily. They also feel that General Headquarters is keeping silent about pertinent matters and dishonest in matters concerning the general church. They feel that the church will continue to lose members, ministers, and churches if this is allowed to continue.
On Brother Pruitt’s good days, he spends much time in prayer. He knows that the proper leadership is missing, and that the church is falling apart. We were told that they had been praying for our region and were confused as to why things had not been restored.
The Pruitt family are very cautious as to who they allow to visit, because undue stress sets Brother Pruitt back for days at a time. I am so thankful to God and to the Pruitt family for allowing us to come. I will cherish the special time I had with Brother Pruitt, as I stood by his bedside and held his hand in prayer. As I attempted to leave, he reached up with his other hand and held my hand in his hands, and would not let me go. This man has, and always will hold a special place in my heart. Brother Pruitt is aware that mistakes have been made and he regrets them, but he is unable to correct it now, except to pray. As I stated earlier, and wish to state again for the record…I know that Brother Pruitt was overwhelmed and manipulated by those closest to him, some of which are still in office. The General Presbytery should bear this load, as all should have been investigating the red-flags that were going up. I was only one man and could not do it alone. However, I did all God required of me, at the cost of position…etc. Therefore, I have a clear conscience before God and the Pruitt family.
I was informed about the unbearable circumstances surrounding the days when James and Diane Nabors held Power of Attorney, and how similar the circumstances seem today. The way Teryl and Brenda are being ignored and disrespected is not appreciated. It is the Pruitt’s opinion that there isn’t much difference between “Nabors’ bunch and Smith’s bunch.” They are expected to accept whatever is said or done to them. It was also stated that Brother Pruitt had been used! Many things were done while hiding behind the General Overseer’s good name. This comes as no surprise to me.
Many are calling the Pruitt’s home and still recognize Brother Pruitt as General Overseer. In my humble opinion, the church has not had a General Overseer since the day Brother Pruitt resigned, because the General Assembly of 2006 was prevented from finding the mind of God. For that reason, this region has been holding Prayer and Fasting Conferences since all of this began. We have one coming up May 25-27, 2007. We are praying for Godly appointed and anointed leadership.
Before the Presbytery meeting of 2006, Ray Dupre made the statement “We will pick the best man for the job.” Is this theocracy? Some believe that a move is on to replace Stephen Smith as General Overseer. If this is the case, how can these actions be justified if “God put him in?” Is this theocracy? NO! A thousand times NO! How can those in General Headquarters even be trusted to do the right thing now? Do they have their candidate in place already?
I was asked about certain Overseers, but I find myself holding the same position as the Pruitts…who can one trust? There is so much more that could be addressed here. We must see the hand of God move!
Please…if you cannot attend the Prayer and Fasting Conference, then join with us in prayer where you are. This region can’t do anything else but continue on as The Church of God! NO…we have not reorganized! NO…I am not the General Overseer! However, God has called us to gather the fragmented pieces of The Church of God and offer fellowship and refuge until God moves in however way He sees fit.
I love you all and I’m praying for The Church of God!
Danny L. Carter
Regional Overseer
The Church of God
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Copyright (c) Bishop Danny L. Carter & The Church of God in IN, KY, OH | Created & Maintained by Chad D. Carter & OnCoursePublishing.com
Bishop Danny Carter
Regional Overseer
The Church of God
