Worth asking about a severance payment for the Darlings

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[Rebel in a Good Way]

Speaking from experience, it's not unthinkable that ECC would offer a financial severence package to Mark Darling and possibly Jeromy.  Might be worth it for current members to ask if their tithes and offerings are being used for that.  They could instead use their funds for a fund for counseling for abuse victims.

[Huldah]

The issue of severance pay had occurred to me, too. I like your idea of using the funds to offer counseling to the victims instead, but of course, I don't see that actually happening. In fact, not to veer too far off topic, but I suspect that the most consideration the victims will ever see is this remark quoted at The Christian Post,

The church said in a statement: "We regret the incidents of inappropriate conduct and apologize for the pain it has caused these women and their families. Pastor Mark Darling has resigned his position and we thank him and his family for their decades of service during his time at Evergreen."

As apologies go, this was feeble and wholly inadequate, and it wasn't even addressed directly to the victims. Even worse, though, it was wildly inappropriate it to immediately follow the apology by thanking the perpetrator.

I'm guessing the severance pay will be as generous as the church can afford. Just a hunch.

[Greentruth]

Is this what Suzanne and the other accusers are now wanting? Has this been the intent from the start, money? Or is this just yet more manipulation and distortion of reality. I feel bad for Suzanne, the accusers. And my heart breaks for the pain that the Darlings have and are enduring. Was justice servered here? I don’t believe so, as I really don’t believe the charge of inappropriate action was totally defined. As others have said, the context or intent was not defined. But that’s my opinion, and not for this forum to manipulate, even though I know will attempt to continue to manipulate and distort for decades more. I hope and pray that Suzanne can move past this now and find peace, and not get stuck in perpetual self victimization as those on this forum are in. The Darlings have my support and prayers as they seek God and move past this, looking for Gods path for them, which in my heart I know they will. Because I know they are about seeking what is good, what is Loving in expanding Gods kingdom. Unlike this forum that looks to tear down, to manipulate for whatever agenda it can use to exist. It is sad to me, but the Bible warns to stay away from this activity, such is here on this forum. I believe this forum to be very unhealthy, especially for those who claim to find peace through it.  Those who lead the way on this forum are guilty of holding others as victims, which is not Gods plan for His people. My prayers are honestly for those here, that they can find more in their life that seeks what is good to build up Gods kingdom, rather than what snippet of bad they can use to tear down.  Peace and only Gods best to all. This is my last post here as I delete my status here.

[Huldah]

Who said anything about Suzanne wanting money? She already turned down $60K, so how is this even an issue?

This thread is about severance pay being offered to the Darlings. The issue of counseling (even if GCC were to offer that, which seems pretty doubtful) would mean money going to the counselors, not the victims. Besides, as far as I know, the victims haven't even asked for counseling. That was Rebel's suggestion. The victims themselvs have only asked for transparency and an apology. But they've been denied even that.

[OneOfMany]

It is sad to me, but the Bible warns to stay away from this activity, such is here on this forum. This is my last post here as I delete my status here.

Then why are you here? You say the bible says to stay away from activities such as is here on this forum. I trust you have deleted your account?

[araignee19]

This is my last post here as I delete my status here.

Oh please let it be true this time.... please go away... leave us be.

[Huldah]

Greentruth has deleted his account. I believe this was a wise choice. He never really understood the purpose of this forum, and moreover, he has insisted on siding with the abusers in spite of all the evidence. I hope God will speak to his heart about this some day. He doesn't seem ready to face it yet.

Now back to the topic at hand. Given ECC's notorious lack of transparency, I guess we won't ever know whether there's any severance pay or not. I wonder how much Mark has already cost his church in terms of legal fees and other expenses related to his misdeeds? That money was donated with the hope of furthering the gospel... it almost seems like a form of theft, to divert it to a cover-up instead.

[Watching]

It will NOT be okay with me if our tithes were to be used to pay severance to a person who has used his authority inappropriately, is apparently in denial about the implications and seriousness of his wrongful behavior (according to Mark Bowen's message on Sunday) and has subsequently resigned.  Not okay at all.  That would be just another step in helping make the decision to leave ECC easier.

[Isthisreal?]

Mark resigned. He is not on paid leave. He quit. He will not get a severance pkg. So much false information on here.

[KnowingGod]

Yea it reminds me of the false information told about individuals or couples who left evergreen or the rock... by former “friends” like “they’ve walked away from their faith,” for example. Isthisreal, I’m praying True reformation comes out of all this within the rock and evergreen.

[Huldah]

Mark resigned. He is not on paid leave. He quit. He will not get a severance pkg. So much false information on here.

First - It was not presented as information. It was being asked (EDIT TO ADD: and, yes, speculated, based on ECC's past behavior--but not presented as information).

Second - Are you in a position to speak with authority on this topic? If so, what is your source?

[Linda]

Mark resigned. He is not on paid leave. He quit. He will not get a severance pkg. So much false information on here.

As it turns out, he did get a severance package. Care to comment?

[margaret]

Linda, you have got to be kidding!

In this case, it just goes to show you how complicit his fellow "elders" are, and have been all along.  SO disgusting.

If I were still in, I'd get out merely due to association. It's causing me to lose respect for any friends of mine still in.

A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.

[Linda]

Linda, you have got to be kidding!

In this case, it just goes to show you how complicit his fellow "elders" are, and have been all along.  SO disgusting.

If I were still in, I'd get out merely due to association. It's causing me to lose respect for any friends of mine still in.

A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.

margaret,

The severance package offer was buried in the August 8th ECC update. Here is the link:

https://www.evergreenchurch.com/update/

Here is the quote:

4. How is Evergreen responding to Mark Darling’s resignation?

Mark was offered both a pathway of returning to ministry, and an appeal process if he believed the BOT’s decision to rescind his ordination was misinformed or made in error. Our preference was for Mark to accept those offers. However, in March, Mark started indicating to his fellow pastors about his inclination to resign. His decision was not made public and final until his resignation letter was read June 30 at The Rock, and when he notified the BOT via email. We regret his decision, but we accept it. We love Mark and Kathy, and are forever grateful for their loving, sacrificial, and multi-faceted service to Jesus and the Evergreen Churches at-large. A severance package has been offered to Mark by the Board of Trustees.

No mention was made as to whether Jeromy who also resigned was offered a severance package.

[Watching]

To be fair Linda, It does say that a severance package was offered but it does not say whether or not Mark accepted the package. If he did I’m completely disgusted and so disappointed in our leaders for allowing that as an option

[Linda]

To be fair Linda, It does say that a severance package was offered but it does not say whether or not Mark accepted the package. If he did I’m completely disgusted and so disappointed in our leaders for allowing that as an option

I think the implication of the phrase "has been offered" is that it will be given.

That said, the bigger question (and certainly one I would ask if I were a tithing member) is: "Why would a church offer a severance package to a man who had his ordination revoked for inappropriate sexual behavior (meeting alone and having inappropriate discussions of a sexual nature)?"

It is a slap in the fact to the women involved.

[Ghost]

Severance Package and Retirement package..just look upon the lines of a 30 year executive...one can get life time paid insurance..Health Care-medical-dental  - paid life time.....2 years full time pay...one time payout of 5 to 6 hundred thousand dollars...vehicle and maintenance package...monthly allotment...gas card..........being paid..so that's why willing to be consultant..speaker.....just like big buisness...in it for the financial considerations...that's why when you cut a big tree down..be sure to sever the roots...so it don't suddenly spring back up...so don't be suprised of release of severance package made public...and yet those who suffered are all but forgotten......so lets not remember the Tree...but the human lives scarred forever..let us have compassion and pray for them instead of hoisting and upholding up the fallen idol ...let us never mention his name again.....that's how you move on...