Bethel Covenant Community

Bethel has now closed its doors and apparently will be wound up.

As the information about Bethel is really in the public domain, the job of this blog is over.

There has been a lot said about the past events of Bethel.

Please put all new postings of Bethel Covenant Community on this thread.

 Interim Operations Review Group comments   Please read all of the information before making any judgement.

Have your say

Bethel Covenant Community was established by Mr Kevin Horgan and Mr Frank Carr.
They have been leaders of the group since 1979.

Mr Horgan has recently resigned/or was forced out from the Community,
Mr Carr and Mr Dudley have stepped down from any leadership roles in the Community.

This happened after Mr Horgan orchastrated, with the help of Mr Carr, Mr Dudley and others, the dismissal of Mr and Mrs Callahan from their job, position and place in Bethel.  Mr Callahan was known to have different views to Mr Horgan.  It is thought that the real reason for his dismissal was because he was a whistleblower, rather than his job being no longer relevant, beneficial or important. 

Mr Horgan's departure is significant as he viewed commitment to the Community as more important than that of his marriage.  He has left under a cloud, and there are allegations of him conducting himself inappropriately. 

Now that he has left Bethel. How long can he stand living in West Leederville?  When he moves to another location, how long will it be before his new neighbours find out what kind of person he is?  

It could be reasoned that Mr Horgan 'divorced' Mr and Mrs Callahan from the Community.  Others also suffered the same fate.

Do Mr Carr and Mr Dudley recognise their part in the whole process, or do they still justify their actions?  Do they recognise that they were wrong in not listening to Mr Callahan? Are they big enough to admit their wrong?

Should The Dudleys and Carrs remain in the Community?

Bethel has a couple of new Elders, they were selected by Mr Horgan. They will need to prove their credentials as independant people who can rise above the scandal by

                                 speaking the truth,

                                 state the facts as they are,

                                 put Jesus first in the way that people are treated lovingly,

                                 developing an environment of healing,

                                 reconciliation is promoted, and true freedom sought. 

They will be judged by their actions.  Will they be servants of the people, rather than be served? 

Will they be leaders, by example, in healing and reconciliation? 

Will there be free, open and regular election of Community office bearers?

Will the Callahans, Metcalfs be invited back and given a total and unreserved apology for the actions against them?

Will others who have left because of these scandals be invited back?

Will the usual cutting off of people, who have left, still continue?   

There are many serious questions to be asked about 1) the future of Bethel and 2) how to fully address all the current and past issues in a loving Christian way.

Recently there has been an audit/review of Bethel's books.  Will the results of this be made available and to whom?  Will there be a coverup of the information?  Will there be action taken against Mr Horgan and others if there is evidence of taking money and availed him of benefits not rightly due to him?

What is the result of the investigation by the Professional Standards Resource Group?

What support is available to those who have left?

What comments do you have to make about Bethel?

Please feel free to add them to the Blog.