I was interested to read that Bishop Whitaker is on a 3-month renewal leave.  My immediate comment is "too late."  I wish that his leave had taken effect about 9 months ago.  That's about the time that he and our D.S. got involved with just 5 people in my church who wanted to have our pastor removed, and against strong objections from 98% of our once happy congregation, the Bishop and D.S. worked with those few people and had our pastor removed. My church has been broken, friendships and families have been torn apart.  Many have left, but with very heavy hearts.  I can only hope that he has time to reflect on the terrible decision that he made for MY church and in turn, maybe prevent this catastrophe from ever happening again.  I write this not with revenge, but with a sense of not knowing where I belong anymore, since my church was "my life."  I have lost confidence, as well as respect, for our conference leadership.

Nancy  Marco
Sebastian United Methodist Church, Sebastian