Recently, concerns have been raised regarding allegations made against a member of our church, Jordan Tupper. First off, the safety, security and Christian nurturing of the children and youth entrusted to our care is of the utmost importance to all of us here at First Presbyterian Church. And sadly, we realize that sins of sexual misconduct continue to wound people deeply and some of them occur within communities of Christians.
So, I want to assure you that when Jordan first brought the allegations to our attention, the pastoral staff, myself included, met at length with Jordan. We did so not only to pastor him through a difficult time; but also to learn what we could about the allegations and how that would affect his involvement here at the church. In our separate meetings, Jordan has with clear, but tear-filled eyes expressed his innocence. We are committed to walking with him and the entire Tupper family prayerfully and pastorally as this legal process unfolds.
I also want to be clear about his role within the church. Jordan’s primary involvement has been as an active participant in our worship band and on our worship committee. Jordan has not been involved with our childhood or youth programs since joining the church. He does not have, nor has he had, access to the Mother’s Day Out areas. He is not a paid member of staff or ordained clergy. Jordan voluntarily resigned his lay position as a deacon, not as an admission of guilt, but out of concern that these circumstances would negatively affect the church he loves. We continue to welcome the entire family to worship, where we all extol the grace of the Lord Jesus and grow in loving one another.
We continue to pray that the truth will come to full light, that peace and trust within our community will hold us together, and that our witness to Christ will shine warmly. I know you will join us in also praying for Jordan, his wife and children as this saga continues. I’m so appreciative of all the ways you have been handling this news with the peace of Jesus.
On behalf of the session and with you in Christ,
Gerrit Dawson
Senior Pastor
