I called Chuck Phelps.

[P D]

Franklin, from BJU stated:

"Nobody's talked to Chuck to get his side of the story, he said during his defense, claiming that Chuck gave out his number to the critics so they can call him directly, but saying that not a single critic has taken him up on his supposedly public offer."

So talk to Chuck, people.

Call him today.

Chuck Phelps
(317) 253-5597
(317) 797-2962 (cell)

I called him on his cell phone and left a message. I asked him why Tina was forced to apologize for being raped. I asked him why Ernie confessed to adultery and not rape of a minor child. I asked him why Ernie was allowed to remain in the church for over 10 years without confessing the true nature of his crime. I asked him why he called the police but didn't file a report. I asked him why he didn't return calls from the police.

So now it is your turn. Give him a call! See if he will answer. Post the results here.

[notdrinkingthekoolaid]

Honestly I don't have the guts to call...but I respect you for doing so and keeping it civil.

[Tony Mel]

I hope the pressure makes him resign.

[P D]

Chuck Phelps returned my call. He answered every question I asked of him. He sounded humble, honest, truthful, and contrite. He admitted that there are some things he would have done differently, namely, parking himself at the police station until they acted on his concerns.

I don't agree with how he handled everything at the time, but he gave his side of the story and it was plausible. There were issues of confidentiality both in the church and in the courtroom. So these things are not that simple.

He understands the concern that I had for Willis being allowed to remain in the church having only confessed to being unfaithful to his wife.

We talked about closure for Tina Anderson and he would be willing to see reconciliation take place. He seems truly sorry that Tina had to go through what she did.

Hearing him share freely about the events that took place made me realize that he did the best that he could under difficult circumstances. He made mistakes and he admits that.

Whether his best earns him the scarlet letter or not, I don't know.

In all fairness, instead of responding to what I have posted, call him up for yourself and post your own evaluation.

Blessings!

[lucrezaborgia]

So what about his behavior at the trial then?

[Tiarali]

Umm what? So Chuck and BJU are playing a PR spin and now suddenly it's all ok? If that was the best Chuck could do, then he's not qualified to be a Pastor, or be on the board of BJU.

Non-christians have a better sense of morality.

[Tony Mel]

(11-21-2011 05:53 PM)P D Wrote:  He understands the concern that I had for Willis being allowed to remain in the church having only confessed to being unfaithful to his wife.

We talked about closure for Tina Anderson and he would be willing to see reconciliation take place. He seems truly sorry that Tina had to go through what she did.

Hearing him share freely about the events that took place made me realize that he did the best that he could under difficult circumstances. He made mistakes and he admits that.

I'll change my mind about him when he actually does what he says he intends to do.

[beth]

Ok, so he knows he made mistakes/missteps...whatever when he dealt with the situation years ago. What's stopping him now from manning up and publicly apologizing to Tina? He made her apologize when she wasn't wrong, why cant he apologize when he knows he's wrong.

[Tiarali]

And what exactly does closure and reconciliation mean? He says sorry privately, everyone rejoices over how he's such a wonderful man really, and now they have 'proof', and he continues on with his lovely life as though he'd never done anything wrong?

He destroyed a life, and is merely saying/doing what he needs to to protect the quality of his own. That's all. If he was genuinely repentant, he would have resigned by now.

[P D]

I understand your thoughts and feelings completely.

Talking to Chuck Phelps, however, made him a real person to me today.

It doesn't make everything alright. It doesn't make everything go away.

But now I am much more willing to pray for both Tina Anderson and Chuck Phelps.

Give him a call and ask him to answer your questions and report your findings here.