Sending email
God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with. Billy Graham
The following is an email that Ashley Ester and I sent out today.
To Craig Tuck of the Charleston Baptist Association
To Gary Hollingsworth of the South Carolina Baptist Convention
Dear Mr Tuck and Mr Hollingsworth:
My names is Dee Parsons and I write a blog that addresses abuse in the evangelical church. Ashley Easter, a victim’s advocate and founder of The Courage Conference which also deals with abuse, contacted me to see if there was something we could do to help Shanaqua Johnson and her children.
Here is a link to the post that I wrote about her situation. Pastor Rashan Wilson Assaults the Mother of His Three Children While Claiming to Be Married to Another Women.
Let me review the pertinent facts:
- Shanaqua is the mother of two children by Rashan Wilson and is pregnant with the third. She is not married to him.
- Rashan Wilson is the pastor of Impact Church which is located within the building that was (or is) owned by Southside Baptist of Charleston. He does not pay child support and claims to be married to another woman. He allegedly has children from other relationships as well.
- Two of her children were born during the time that Southside Baptist of Charleston was holding (or promoting) joint services with Impact one though Impact is not an SBC church. There is a screen shot on the post proving that.
- It is likely that members of both churches were aware of at least one of the children.
- Rashan Wilson was arrested for attempting to strangle Shanaqua. The incident was reported in a number of news media sources. The relevant links to the media stories can be found in the post or doing a Google search.
- We have learned that Shanaqua is in a financially vulnerable situation. She is living with friends, sleeping on a couch. She is holding two part time jobs at night when friends can watch her children, while attempting to scrape together a down payment on a small rental. Recently, she was unable to pay her cell phone bill.
- We are unable to contact Southside Baptist of Charleston. Their phones have been disconnected although their Facebook page states they still have services at 9:30 AM on Sundays.
- Local sources have told us that they believe that Southside has merged in with Impact but i cannot get confirmation of this. However, both churches use the same address on Beaufain Street in Charleston.
- We were informed by the SCBC that Southside is both a member of the SCBC and the Charleston Baptist Association.
- We are both aware that all SBC churches are autonomous.
What we are requesting:
- We are asking that the SCBC and CBA consider providing some financial assistance to help Shanaqua get on her feet.
- We would also ask if they could provide her with some legal assistance so that Pastor Rashan will undertake his responsibility to help support his children.
Why?
Southside Baptist of Charleston endorsed this church and even promoted its service. We would imagine that Baptist leaders would feel some compassion towards Shanaqua Johnson in her time of need. This situation was ongoing while Southside was endorsing Impact services on their Facebook pages.
For consideration:
The SBC has always taken a strong pro life stand. Ms.Johnson has carried these difficult pregnancies to term and is attempting to support her children. This would be a wonderful opportunity for the SCBC and CBA to show their devotion to caring for the welfare of children after they are born.
Ashley and I look forward to hearing from you.
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1
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Prolife or ProBro?
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Hey Dee,
I think you have the wrong link up!
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It will be very interesting to see how they respond to this just and reasonable request.
Their response, or lack-thereof, will be very telling.
I trust that you will keep us informed.
Pingback: Pastor Sponsored by SBC Church Chokes Out Baby Mama/Mistress Who's Carrying His Child
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Dee.
If I might make a suggestion, perhaps reminding the SC Association of the following SBC Rexolution that applies to this situation.
Namely, the value of women (par.12) and significance in advancing the Kingdom. The raising of a minister’s children is a high calling.
Additionally, the encouragement (par.13) of women in all aspects of service “OTHER THEN PASTORAL FUNCTIONS” pertains to this case. The faithful care and nurturing of a minister’s children, and building of godly homes, WITHOUT USE OF ORDINATION, should be recognized as vital to advancing the Kingdom of God.
http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/1088/resolution-on-ordination-and-the-role-of-women-in-ministry
par. 12-13
“WHEREAS, Women are held in high honor for their unique and significant contribution to the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, and the building of godly homes should be esteemed for its vital contribution to developing personal Christian character and Christlike concern for others.
Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That we not decide concerns of Christians doctrine and practice by modern cultural, sociological, and ecclesiastical trends or by emotional factors; that we remind ourselves of the dearly bought Baptist principle of the final authority of Scripture in matters of faith and conduct; and that we encourage the service of women in all aspects of church life and work other than pastoral functions and leadership roles entailing ordination.”
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I am really glad you did this.
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Awesome post, brilliant in its brevity.
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The thought occurs that what Moms (and Dads) do in the home to form their children’s character is probably far more significant for character formation (and ultimately for the character quality of the people who constitute the churches) than what the ordained guys are doing in the churches. Moms (and Dads) know their flocks and are trusted by them. They are able to be good shepherds.
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Dee, are there trustworthy congregations local to this situation that could be induced to become involved in a “deaconal” and perhaps “advocacy” capacity and receive private gifts for this purpose? Appealing to SBC authorities, and especially the more remote ones, may not elicit much concern.
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Bravo Ladies.
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Godith
Your comment was not allowed.
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Speaking for the voiceless…and phoneless…good job, gals.
I pray that this letter brings legal and financial assistance to Shanaqua and her children.
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Samuel Conner,
I live in Charleston and I do have a church nearby that fits that description even though they are Southern Baptist
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I don’t think it will.
The baby-daddy that smacked her around was Male and Clergy (“Touch Not GAWD’s Anointed”) and she was Female and Mere Laity.