Bethel Covenant Community

Final Statement from IORG on Bethel Closure

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:14:00 +0900

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

As comment 1 is the statement from the IORG.

They state that they have formally apologised to former members, but I have not been sent the text of the apology. I have spoken to some former members and they too are wondering where the apology is. 15/8/08

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West Australian Newspaper Article

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:26:49 +0900

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

If further comment is necessary, maybe you could address them to Bethel or the "Letters to the Editor" .

For all you many victims, I pray that you get the assistance you need.

For the people who have doubted that Kevin Horgan could do something like what has been suggested here, please think again.

For all of you I pray that you all grow closer to God, by the love you express to your fellow journeymen(women).

Thank you to all the contributors to this blog.

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The Future of Bethel

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:14:12 +0900

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

It may be time for some people, on this blog, to move on.

If so, what do you think should happen to Bethel?

Some of you have stated very strongly that you think that it should have no future.

Let us try to focus on how it could change :

1 to avoid the problems of the past

2 it can be a group that has future

3 what direction could it have as far as activity/outreach/mission.

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Comments on Bethel Covenant Community II

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:02:26 +0900

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

It is shorter, blog is quicker to load and scroll through, as other is long and slow to load.

Thank you.

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Catholica News Story: Disturbing developments at a Covenant Community in Perth

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:35:28 +0900

Catholica News Story: Disturbing developments at a Covenant Community in Perth

http://www.catholica.com.au/breakingn...

The core purpose of Catholica Australia is not as a news reporting medium. Our prime role is in seeking to establish a community that reaches out to those who have become disenchanted with institutional Catholicism. From time-to-time though we do come across news stories that might require further investigation and since the demise of OnLine Catholics, which provided a source of independent reporting of matters relevant to the Catholic Church in this country, we have by default stepped up to the mark and reported what needs to be reported. The following story reached our ears some weeks ago and we believe it does raise issues of moment that deserve public attention and scrutiny.

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Bethel's Official Response

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:35:01 +0900

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

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A Short History of Bethel.

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:08:47 +0900

It is attached as the first comment

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Comment about Bethel Covenant Community

nobody@vox.com(No one in particular) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:00:46 +0900

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.

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