The Gospel Coalition and “Sexy” Donald Macleod: Does Anyone Remember the Victims? #freechurchofscotlandtoo

Donald Macleod

“Abuse is the weakest expression of strength. It is weakness to destroy what you ought to protect, build and make better.” ― Kingsley Opuwari Manuel.


TWW went down this afternoon, so there may be a few formatting issues.


Today I was sipping my coffee, watching my new 2-year-old pug, Poppy, run in and out her doggy door. She looked so happy while my two elderly pugs, Tulip and Princess Buttercup, wondered why she was so excited. But, then I spotted this at The Gospel Coalition and choked on my oatmeal. Donald Macleod (1940–2023): In Memoriam. Hunter Nicholson wrote this article:

(MDiv, RTS Jackson) is a PhD candidate in systematic theology at the University of Edinburgh and a minister-in-training at St. Columba’s Free Church. He, his wife, and their three children live in Edinburgh, Scotland

Hunter lives in Edinburgh and should have acknowledged the serious charges raised by women against MacLeod, whose charges were curiously dismissed.

This post is based on the information I wrote five years ago in these two other posts. The #churchtoo Movement Comes to the Free Church of Scotland’s Donald Macleod and Is Professor Donald Macleod Too Sexy For His Own Good? Even more importantly, the information in those two posts comes from this vital source. I cannot stress this incredible work enough.

                When Justice Faile in Church and State: link: when-justice-failed

The two posts are a good overview of what transpired. Hunter Nicholson, who wrote for TGC, should be ashamed for overlooking Macleod’s real legacy-broken and hurt women. And yes, you will see that MacLeod considered himself “sexy” with many women who clung to him because he was a woman magnet. I will not italicize my posts so they will be easier to read. I may also leave out some extraneous material found at the above links.

Begin:

Last year, I decided to investigate the suicide and hidden life of Iain D Campbell when I read a newspaper article in which it appeared that locals were blaming his wife for his decades of serial adultery. I know some people were surprised that a woman in Raleigh, North Carolina, would be interested in this story. However, my interest in the situation brought some people into my life who shared more deeply about the actual events. I wrote about it here. Blindsided: The True Story of the Circumstances Surrounding the Death of Iain Campbell.

Why I am interested in Donald Macleod

In the midst of gathering information on Iain D Campbell (hereafter referred to as IDC), I became aware of several matters.

  1. An obituary for IDC, written by Donald Macleod, appeared to be vaguely threatening towards IDC’s family, who had endured so much. His gushing account of IDC’s life did not track with reality. Here is a link to the wayback version because the obituary was quietly removed from the Internet. Why? I have no idea, and Donald Macleod isn’t talking. Here is the parting shot from Rev. Macleod. Do him proud? Seriously? You mean the guy with multiple affairs who hurt his marriage and refused to reconcile? Who disregarded his family by spending untold amounts of time with his various mistresses? Who abused his clergy privilege in something we, in the States, refer to as clergy sex abuse. And it is up to his family to *do him proud?* “In the meantime, we have a duty of care to Iain’s wife, Anne; to his mother, Lily; to his sons, Iain and Stephen; to his daughter Emily; and to his sisters, Margaret and Alma. He was their hero. May they do him proud.”
  2. Various individuals have been after me to reveal my source’s name(s). That will NEVER happen. One of my sources for the original story suggested that I look into Donald Macleod. I was told that IDC initially supported the proceedings against Macleod. But, suddenly, with no reason given to others, IDC decided to support Macleod!
  3. One commenter in my original post claims there was no way that IDC could carry out his extensive and decades long extracurricular activities on the small Isle of Lewis without someone finding out about it. Could it be that some fellow pastors in the Free Church of Scotland knew about IDC and kept it secret since IDC was internationally renowned and important to the status of the Free Church? IDC could have gone anywhere but chose to remain in the Isle of Lewis. Why? Did Donald Macleod have knowledge of IDC’s activities? Was there a quid pro quo? I don’t have the answers to these questions, but I think about them.

Main reason for this post: Long overdue support for the victims of Donald Macleod

My main reason for writing this post and subsequent posts is for the women who reported abuse by Donald Macleod and were branded as liars. I believe they were telling the truth, and I want to be an advocate for a group of women with whom I have never met nor spoken with.

There were multiple women who claimed that Donald Macleod behaved inappropriately with them. They were all branded as liars during a 1996 trial by the Sheriff Court. Another possible victim in Australia was also blown off as a liar! I was shocked to read the statements by the Sheriff and to realize that such statements would not be tolerated today.

So, for over 20 years, those brave women who came forward and told their stories have had to live with being called liars. These women have lived with both the pain of the abuse they endured and then the pain of being re-abused, in my opinion, by a callous Free Church and a cold-hearted Sheriff Court.

Ladies, if you are reading this, please know that I believe your stories, and I am sorry for the pain that you have endured these long years. But, as you will see, I have reason why I believe you, and I will document these reasons for as many posts as it takes.

Who is Donald Macleod and why he is important to those of us in the United States.

Donald Macleod is well-regarded in the United States by those within the Neo-Reformed set.

Here are some facts.

  • John Piper and Desiring God admire his writings and have featured them on the website.
  • Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia awarded Macleod an honorary degree, DD, in 2008. Some people refer to him as Dr. Macleod, which is incorrect. Unlike his BFF, IDC, Macleod does not have an earned PhD.
  • Carl Trueman endorsed his book, Christ Crucified: Understanding the Atonement. Challenge question for TWW readers. Who else has Carl Trueman endorsed that was involved in a ministry with serious questions about child sex abuse coverup?. ……...CJ Mahaney! “Those who have heard Donald Macleod preach or who have read his writings will know that the crucified Christ is, of all theological topics, his forte. He has dazzling insight matched by a way with words which together serve to bring out aspects of the person and work of Christ with memorable beauty. Thus it is a pleasure to be able to commend this book. If you are familiar with Donald’s work, you know what to expect and know that you will be challenged and edified. If you have never read him before, you are in for a treat.” (Carl R. Trueman, Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia)
  • Saunter on over to The Gospel Coalition website and enter his name. You will see he is mentioned not infrequently.
  • Ligon Duncan recommends his books for his courses. 
  • None other than CJ Mahaney himself recommends Donald Macleod.

Do you catch my drift? Donald Macleod is important in the Neo-Calvinist movement in the United States. So, it is important that we understand him. Just like Mahaney, his past is no problem for these leaders since his theology is correct. However, I wonder how well they really know him?

Donald Macleod’s biography

This is from Donald Macleod’s website, which is now offline.

As an interesting aside, his first pastorate was in a bi-lingual church in Glasgow. That language was Gaelic, and Macleod often preached his sermons in Gaelic.

Donald Macleod retired as professor of systematic theology at the Free Church of Scotland College in Edinburgh in 2011. He was born on the Isle of Lewis, off the north-west coast of Scotland, in November 1940. Macleod was educated at the University of Glasgow (Master of Arts, 1961) and the Free Church College, Edinburgh (1961-1964). He was ordained on 5 November 1964 to his first charge, Kilmallie Free Church, where he served for six years.

The Free Church General Assembly appointed him to the chair of Systematic Theology at the Free Church College in 1978. In 1999 he was chosen as principal of the College by the General Assembly, and in that role he spearheaded the College”s relationship with the University of Glasgow (where he is a visiting Professor) leading to the validation of the College”s degree of Bachelor of Theology.

In 2008, Donald Macleod was honoured with a Doctorate of Divinity by Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He retired from the post of principal of the Free Church College in May 2010.

Donald Macleod is well known as a previous editor of The Monthly Record of the Free Church and as a former columnist in the West Highland Free Press and The Observer newspaper.

Professor Macleod’s main theological interest centres on the link between theology and preaching. Over five decades he has sought to emphasise the primacy of the intellect in religious experience and the primacy of doctrine in preaching. In recent years Donald Macleod has focused on the theme of objective piacular atonement through the cross; and he continues to explore such topics as divine impassibility and Calvinistic libertarianism.

I am hoping our many readers from Scotland can help us out. It appears that Donald Macleod does not hold an academic Masters degree like we have in the US. Macleod received his MA at University of Glasgow in one year before completing his undergraduate work. According to the University:

At Glasgow (and the other three ancient universities in Scotland), an Honours level degree in the Arts is called a Master of Arts (MA) and an Honours level degree in the Social Sciences a Master of Arts (Social Sciences). These should not be confused with the Master of Arts offered by some universities in England, which refers to a postgraduate qualification.

He then attended Free Church College run by the Free Church of Scotland. It is now known as Edinburgh Theological Seminary.

Since Macleod was ordained the year he graduated, it appears that 4 years of education is all that is needed to be ordained in the Free Church of Scotland. This appears to differ from the US in which it is traditional to complete a 4 year undergraduate curriculum and then a 3 year Masters of Divinity.

Macleod became a Professor of Systematic Theology at Free Church College about 14 years after his graduation. He was instrumental in helping the college obtain validation for its Bachelor of Theology degree.  My guess is that means that degree finally became accredited. He later became a principal at that college.

Understanding US law

In the United States, we are allowed to say/write things that we believe to be true. In other words, we must not knowingly lie. However we are not mandated to conclusively prove that what we are saying or writing is correct. We must also never knowingly lie in order to bring harm to another person. We write this post to tell what we believe is the truth of the women who accused Macleod of sexual harassment. We do this to support them.

We are not required to believe that exoneration of an individual by a court means that a person is truly innocent. For example, ask the average US citizen if they believe OJ Simpson was innocent of the murder of his wife, even though he was declared *not guilty.* Most of the people I know believe he is guilty. We are free to say that in the US.

I say this for one reason. I believe the women who accused Donald Macleod of sexual harassment/abuse were telling the truth, and I am upset for the way they were treated by the church and by the Sheriff’s Court.

A brief overview of this complicated mess.

I am going to present documentation on this overview in my next post. Apparently, Donald Macleod was/is looked at as a liberal by some former and present leaders of the Free Church of Scotland. Macleod apparently believed that these individuals were jealous of his success. This sounds like typical infighting that goes on in any church group in the world and should not be considered rare or unusual.

Enter the women. Macleod was accused of an affair with a woman in Australia and was acquitted of that charge. Then other women came forward in Scotland with similar accusations. Sadly, these brave women were accused of being involved in a conspiracy to bring down Macleod. Make sure you understand this. Women decided to subject themselves to embarrassing questions and outright indignities because they were part of some ill-defined conspiracy. I don’t believe it.

Is Donald Macleod. Too Sexy for His Own Good?

As you will see, Macleod really thought highly of his animal magnetism…

The Free Church of Scotland never adequately addressed the multiple complaints of sexual abuse and harassment by Donald Macleod.

The church turned a blind eye to credible reports of one long term relationship with a women in Australia. A number of women in Scotland also complained of his behavior. The Free Church, in my opinion, demonstrated that church leaders are willing to overlook vulnerable women in order to cover for a celebrity theologian.

Whenever the *it’s a conspiracy* card is played, victims’ advocates like myself know that there is no credible evidence of the innocence of the accused party.

The Sheriff Court exhibited profound ignorance in dealing with women who had been abused. The actions of the court likely caused further pain to the already traumatized women.

Five women would eventually go to court. However, there were other women who apparently decided not to subject themselves to a court trial. Given the disturbing treatment of these women by the court system, I have serious concerns that women who have been assaulted by *well known* men can get a fair hearing in the Sheriff Court.

I was distressed to learn that an officer of the court in Scotland would declare these women to be liars as well as dupes for an unproven conspiracy to take down Donald Macleod. Where is the proof? Or was proof really needed since Macleod had influence and the women didn’t really matter in the scheme of things?

The Sheriff appeared to demonstrate a lack of insight into the difficulties that abused women (and men) experience when forced to discuss details of their abuse in stressful situation such a court trials.

The sheriff in the case at Edinburgh Sheriff Court said that alleged conspirators had opposed the professor’s reformist views and plotted his downfall without any proof but his own feelings. Sheriff John Horsburgh said the complainants had allowed themselves to be associated with people involved in a campaign against the professor to the extent that they had perjured themselves in court.

The outcome of this trial was not universally applauded by church members which caused Iain D Campbell (yes, that Iain Campbell) to accuse those who expressed concern of being wicked. ( I guess he gave himself a pass in the wickedness department..)

 

After the Civil Trial of Prof McLead the then Minister of the FCoS in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis (Rev K Stewart) invited Professor McLeod to preach in his Congregation after being cleared of assault made by a number of women. Members of this Congregation petitioned the Session to withdraw this Invitation. In spite of this Petition the Session did not withdraw the Invitation to preach. There was clearly concerns amongst the Congregation as to the presence of the Professor in their pulpit.

At the 1999 General Assembly of the FCoS these protesters on the Isle of Lewis were defined as separatists and described by Rev I D Campbell as a people “who had separated from the means of Grace which was a Gross scandal akin to incest, adultery, trilapses into formication, murder, atheism, idolatry and witchcraft.” In recent years, after the suicide of I D Campbell, it could be said that his words were a self description of his own decadent sinful life. How could others in Ministry within the FCoS fail to see the Devil in their midst?

I suggest that having witnessed and heard Rev I D Campbell’s vicious attack on those not wanting Prof McLeod preaching in the Stornoway Congregation that Rev M Roberts was understandably concerned about the situation of gross and irremediable wickednesss which he had observed in the Assembly that day. This was a speech drawn up by the Devil………..it was clearly not of Christ

Donald Macleod appears to have a rather high opinion of his sex appeal, popularity, and giftedness.

This rather embarrassing self assessment by Macleod leads me to wonder if he was creating a plausible alibi for himself in case he was ever found with a woman. I can see it now. “I tried to beat her off but she kept throwing herself at me. She just couldn’t help herself.” (Cue” I’m sexy and I know it.”)

Donald Macleod also said in court that it was not uncommon for him to have women being clingy: “It was a problem I have always had to cope with.” In an interview before the Training Committee three years earlier, on 13th April 1993, Donald Macleod made a similar statement:“The reason I wear a wedding ring is that I have enormous difficulty with women…I was in a church not so long ago when a woman came up to me and said ‘You’ve got a very sexy voice’”. However, in an interview only ten days later, and before the same Committee, one question referred to the fact that “…some woman said you’d a sexy voice – being aware of that, was there not a very special obligation on you to be careful?…”, he responded, “I wasn’t aware of that then”. In one statement he claimed that clingy women had always been a problem, whereas in the next he was apparently unaware that it was a problem for him to have been alone with Complainant A for ‘some hours’ in 1986.

Apparently, the beginning of the conspiracy against him occurred when he critiqued a review of a biography of Martin Lloyd Jones by Dr. Iain Murray. Macleod claimed that other theologians were against him because of his standing, his gifts and his popularity. (Seriously? The Sheriff Court bought this? Yikes!)

end my former posts


I wonder how Macleod faced his ending. He got away with it in this life.

  • How will he approach his next life?
  • Will God be impressed with his superstar theology?
  • Will The gospel Coalition ever understand that theology that is not well applied is no theology at all?
  • I wonder about his friendship with Iain Campbell. Did they have each other’s backs?
  • Will the people of the church in Scotland demand an investigation? Maybe they could call GRACE?
  • Will the church of Scotland build a monument to this guy?
  • Does anyone care about the victims?
  • Has the #churchtoo movement made it to Scotland?
  • Has the Sheriff Court changed?

Warning to anyone who posts: Do not make light of the victims in this instance. I believe the victims, and so do many, many people. Too bad The Gospel Coalition and their associated theodudes put women and children in the basement so they can play backslap with all the boys. How sad is this? Hunter Nicholson should be ashamed, but he enjoys playing the game.

Free Church of Scotland: Man up and help the victims.

#Ibelievethevictims #FreeChurchofScotlandtoo

Comments

The Gospel Coalition and “Sexy” Donald Macleod: Does Anyone Remember the Victims? #freechurchofscotlandtoo — 67 Comments


  1. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    “ Rev M Roberts was understandably concerned about the situation of gross and irremediable wickednesss which he had observed in the Assembly that day.”
    Rev Roberts was excommunicated for saying this. When we visited Lewis, we met some very nice folks from the Free Church of Scotland, Continuing. We asked why the “continuing” part and they said there’d been some problems in the past. It’s a fascinating story— one of the main reasons being they refused to praise the perp-fessor.


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    Dave A A,

    I had the privilege to meet with some of these folks in Edinburgh. Some continue to write me. We can tell the truth over here as long as we believe it. In Scotland, you must have 100% proof. I pray for them often.


  3. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    “At the 1999 General Assembly of the FCoS these protesters on the Isle of Lewis were defined as separatists and described by Rev ID Campbell as a people ‘who had separated from the means of Grace, which was a Gross scandal akin to incest, adultery, trilapses into formication, murder, atheism, idolatry and witchcraft.’ In recent years, after the suicide [and unmasking] of ID Campbell, it could be said that his words were a self description of his own decadent sinful life. How could others in Ministry within the FCoS fail to see the Devil in their midst?”

    It does sound like IDC’s words against the protesters were simply projection. IDC was talking about himself, his own gross sins. DARVO. Deny, attack, reverse victim & offender.

    These Scottish pastors/theologians seem to know how to “play cute” in their positions to gather an audience of seeking women (the guy leaders perceive the seeking women as fawning over them). It’s bait-and-switch. The leaders may claim to present Jesus. They present themselves under the guise of Jesus, then once in proximity they move in to violate the women, violating their trust.

    Pastors, theologians, church leaders, and youth leaders can be outright deceitful, dangerous, and deadly.

    Remember the Billy Graham Rule advising religious leaders to protect themselves from being alone in a room with a woman not their wife? How about advising women to keep their distance from all religious leaders not their husband – where the real danger lies.

    What does ‘honey trap’ mean? The practice of ‘honey trapping’ refers to the use of romantic or sexual relationships to get information out of a target. In the case of these male religious leaders, they are using theology and spiritual leadership to get sex out of a target. Beware the Precious Preacher Trap.


  4. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    “How will he approach his next life?” I have to believe that God is in control, and that there will be justice in the next life, if not this one. At the same time, I confess I struggle with anger towards these “pastors” who continue to be idolized. Who is helping the victims?


  5. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    I too believe that the women who’ve come forward are telling the truth and here’s why:
    What could they possibly gain by cooking up false accusations against such an exalted churchman?


  6. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    I remember years and years ago a friend of mine telling me that he could convert his BA (Hons) from Oxbridge (can’t remember whether it was Oxford or Cambridge) into a MA by paying a fee and “Bob’s your uncle.” Which he then had to explain to me as meaning, “it’s done.” The whole thing came up because he’d been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services rendered in Bosnia* and apparently his alma mater wanted him to upgrade his degree. I don’t believe he ever did it.

    My point is that apparently there *was* a way to move your BA to an MA depending on circumstances. Dunno if that’s the case today; we’re talking about the 1990s here.

    *Not sure what those services were but I suspect they involved a UK three letter agency and I was too nice (actually I didn’t want to know because it sounded dangerous) to ask back then.


  7. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    Looking at Donald Macleod’s mugshot portrait above, it’s easy to see why wicked women were lining up to seduce him /s


  8. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    Muslin, fka Dee Holmes: I remember years and years ago a friend of mine telling me that he could convert his BA (Hons) from Oxbridge (can’t remember whether it was Oxford or Cambridge) into a MA by paying a fee and “Bob’s your uncle.”

    That is my understanding. One can also read the Wikipedia article on “Master of Arts (Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin)”. Note also the Scottish system is almost certainly different than the English system.

    Someone also did a diagram of the history of the churches in Scotland
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reformed_Scots_Church_Denominations.svg


  9. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    For clarification, the usual undergraduate arts degree in Scotland is the MA. You can study for 3 years, in which case you will receive an “Ordinary” MA. Or you can study for 4 years, specialising in one or two subjects in your third and fourth years, and receive an “Honours” MA. The system is different to that in England.

    BA degrees are offered in Scotland by some universities which were founded more recently. To quote the Wikpedia article on “Master of Arts (Scotland):

    “For the postgraduate degree referred to in other places as “Master of Arts”, Scottish universities usually award the degree of Master of Letters (MLitt) or Master of Science (MSc). Generally, non-ancient universities in Scotland (e.g. University of Strathclyde, The Robert Gordon University, Edinburgh Napier University, etc.), award arts degrees as Bachelor of Arts.”

    Training for the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland normally requires a university degree. Students then study for a further 3 years at Edinburgh Theological Seminary, which was formerly known as the Free Church College.


  10. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    I think it is incorrect of other evangelicals – including outside the TGC – to state that some theology is correct but misapplied. They can’t have Jesus atoning when they don’t allow Holy Spirit gifts unvetoed in lesser believers, but adopt nicer manners. Furthermore, the standards of Australian courts are abysmal: look at the cases detective Ryan investigated.


  11. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    “In recent years Donald Macleod has focused on the theme of objective piacular atonement through the cross; and he continues to explore such topics as divine impassibility…”
    ————-

    i bet piacular atonement, divine impassibility, plus clap 3 times and spin around is the spell for knowing how many angels can, in fact, dance on the head of a pin.


  12. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    Erp,

    Yes, that is correct. I obtained a BA from Oxford in 1982. In those days it was pretty routine to upgrade it to an MA, which could be done 2 or 3 years later, so long as one had not brought the university into disrepute in the meantime, on payment of a nominal amount, £10, as I recall.


  13. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    “The Free Church, in my opinion, demonstrated that church leaders are willing to overlook vulnerable women in order to cover for a celebrity theologian.”
    +++++++++++++

    oh, my stars, say it isn’t so! such a thing would be unheard of amongst church leaders in America!

    😐


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    “At the 1999 General Assembly of the FCoS these protesters on the Isle of Lewis were defined as separatists and described by Rev I D Campbell as a people “who had separated from the means of Grace which was a Gross scandal akin to ..trilapses into fornication,…”
    ++++++++++++++

    heavens to betsy, not the trilapses! oh, the scandal!


  15. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    Old Timer,

    “I confess I struggle with anger towards these “pastors” who continue to be idolized. Who is helping the victims?”
    ++++++++++

    as i see it, anger is the only appropriate response.

    it would be a travesty to spiritualize it away into apathy, and a double travesty with a side of bat droppings to brainwash oneself to feel merciful.

    we don’t want to feel apathy.


  16. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    You mention in your narrative that “The church turned a blind eye to credible reports of one long term relationship with a women in Australia.” This woman confessed to her then newly appointed Minister in Sydney Australia (which was a Congregation of the PCEA- a sister church of The Free Church of Scotland) of an adulterous relationship with the Professor. A minute to this effect is written into the local Church Courts and was never removed despite the Supreme Court of the PCEA instructing that all minutes relating to this relationship be expunged from any minutes within the Denomination.
    This decision was made by a number of men within the PCEA who were determined to ensure that the reputation of the Professor was not damaged!
    Sadly, Christ was not honoured in all of this.
    This cover up prevented the outing of the Professor who some years later felt and behaved as being untouchable in the Courts of the Free Church of Scotland.
    He was right too, as the Free Church of Scotland had no legal mechanisation to Charge and Try a Professor of the Church in the Courts of the Church!!
    Wanton wickedness in the so called Courts of the Free Church of Scotland in terms of sexual assaults, cover ups and impotence in dealing with these events in a way which honours Christ


  17. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    On the subject of degrees in Scotland, this is from Edinburgh University’s website and there is nothing untoward going on, no fixing, no buying an upgrade.
    “ Like other Scottish universities, many of our undergraduate degrees are named ‘masters’.

    This is unlike elsewhere in the UK, where first degrees are generally ‘bachelor’ degrees.

    Most arts, humanities and social science degrees at Edinburgh are awarded as MA (Hons). This is a conventional undergraduate degree, not equivalent to a postgraduate masters.

    Arts degrees studied at Edinburgh College of Art are mostly BA (Hons). They are equivalent to Edinburgh undergraduate degrees named MA – the difference in name is historical.

    In science and engineering subjects there is often the choice of a BSc or an integrated masters degree such as MPhys, MChem or MEng. These programmes entail a further year of in-depth study at masters level.

    Undergraduate law degrees are awarded as Bachelor of Laws, or LLB (Hons).

    The School of Divinity offers the Bachelor of Divinity, BD (Hons)/MDiv (Hons), in addition to MA (Hons) undergraduate degrees”

    As for Mr Hunter Nicholson, it’s unlikely that he would be critical of Professor Macleod as he wrote quite an appreciative piece on him in the Scottish Journal of Theology inMarch 2023 which was widely circulated entitled “ Donald Macleod: Free Church liberation theologian?”


  18. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    Jack,

    I would b interested in posting more stories since we have more freedom to do so around here. Please let me know if I can help in any way!!


  19. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    Lowlandseer: As for Mr Hunter Nicholson, it’s unlikely that he would be critical of Professor Macleod as he wrote quite an appreciative piece on him in the Scottish Journal of Theology inMarch 2023 which was widely circulated entitled “ Donald Macleod: Free Church liberation theologian?

    Was it liberation or Libertarian? 🙂


  20. Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/guswo2wr8yyv/public_html/tww2/wp-content/plugins/quote-comments/quote-comments.php on line 127

    Thank you all for your kind explanation of the Scottish system of education.


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    Lowlandseer: As for Mr. Hunter Nicholson, it’s unlikely that he would be critical of Professor Macleod as he wrote quite an appreciative piece on him in the Scottish Journal of Theology i

    Hunter must be looking for a nice appointment…


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    elastigirl,
    🙂


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    Muslin, fka Dee Holmes: remember years and years ago a friend of mine telling me that he could convert his BA (Hons) from Oxbridge (can’t remember whether it was Oxford or Cambridge) into a MA by paying a fee and “Bob’s your uncle.” Which he then had to explain to me as meaning, “it’s done.”

    Fascinating.


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    Old Timer:
    “How will he approach his next life?” I have to believe that God is in control, and that there will be justice in the next life, if not this one. At the same time, I confess I struggle with anger towards these “pastors” who continue to be idolized. Who is helping the victims?’
    Wel said, Muff. The same thing happened with Iain Campbell at which point some tried to blame his wife. That was one time I was able to help prove what a jerk he was.


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    Gus,

    I thought the same thing, but I tried to be somewhat careful. I always think of the song “Im Sexy” whenever I hear Macleod’s name.


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    I wonder just how many women were “clinging” to the self declared sexy prof.


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    elastigirl: i bet piacular atonement, divine impassibility, plus clap 3 times and spin around is the spell for knowing how many angels can, in fact, dance on the head of a pin.

    The real question is this:
    What are they dancing to?
    1) The Blue Danube
    2) In the Mood (Glenn Miller)
    3) Disco Inferno (The Trammps)


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    Someone from Scotland may know more, but I believe macLeod referred to the churchmen who opposed his adultery as “inmates who are now in charge of the asylum”. Truly gracious guy, right (if my quote is true).


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    Ava Aaronson: IDC was talking about himself, his own gross sins.

    To be fair, I don’t think anyone has suggested Mr. Campbell committed murder.


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    What the heck is piacular atonement?


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    Muff Potter,

    well, they’re scottish angels, so i bet it’s some highland dance song, like the one Hugh Grant watched Andie McDowell and Hamish dance to at their wedding in scotland in 4 Weddings And A Funeral.


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    Godith,
    Feelings run deep on both sides.
    Prof Macleod’s son wrote rather bitterly about the treatment his father had received over many years in a national newspaper at the end of the trial. He concluded by saying “ I will confine myself to three personal comments. I cannot speak for my father and he may disagree with them.
    First: It should be manifest to any fair-minded reader, having waded this far, that the Free Church of Scotland is run by idiots.
    Second: it should be plain that, as a body, the Free Church of Scotland is possessed by evil.
    It is malignant. It is prepared to destroy lives, to hurt individuals, for its own self-sustaining ends.
    It is a system of lies, prepared to deny any reality, to ignore any truth, rather than to purge its stables, confront its internal sickness, or to admit that it has, as a body, been in any way at fault.
    Third: My father’s enemies, vile as they are, must excite a certain admiration.
    They are organised, they are determined, they are focused.”

    (https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12124518.the-vendetta-in-pursuit-of-my-father-a-system-of-lies-that-is-prepared-to-ignore-truth/)

    I know people on both sides of the divide but Mr Iain H Murray and Rev Maurice Roberts presented not a version of the truth but the actual, verifiable truth and it is a stain on our judiciary and church courts that they chose to find otherwise on the basis of no evidence, but only supposition.


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    Godith,

    Your comment is true


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    Catholic Gate-Crasher,

    “What the heck is piacular atonement?”
    +++++++++++

    namedropping with Godtalk… overcompensating for some deficiency… narcissism served neat…

    things like that


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    Lowlandseer,

    Thank you f or your thoughtful comment.


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    Catholic Gate-Crasher,

    “Piacular” means “making atonement,” so the phrase seems to be a tautology, “atoning atonement.”

    Per The Gospel Coalition, ‘Macleod concludes Part 1 [of his book “Christ Crucified”] by commenting on the catholicity of the atonement: “There has been unanimity that we owe our salvation to the death of Christ; that the death was an oblation and a sacrifice; and that this sacrifice was piacular, atoning for sin, making peace with God and securing forgiveness” (p. 73).’


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    “I spotted this at The Gospel Coalition and choked on my oatmeal. Donald Macleod (1940–2023): In Memoriam. Hunter Nicholson wrote this article … should have acknowledged the serious charges raised by women against MacLeod … multiple complaints of sexual abuse and harassment by Donald Macleod … disturbing treatment of these women by the court system”

    Perhaps Mr. Nicholson hasn’t run across this verse yet: “Give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). Considering multiple bad boys that have popped during the new reformation (Driscoll, Mahaney, MacDonald, Chandler, etc. etc.), perhaps New Calvinism has a vein of Greater Good Theology running through it that justifies a bit of evil by their icons.


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    dee: Hunter must be looking for a nice appointment…

    “Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver” (Edmund Burke)


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    Lowlandseer,

    I’ve met Maurice Roberts. It seems in a sad way that Iain Campbell’s sins vindicated the Continuing Church.


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    Off present topic but important. Netflix released last week a documentary . Victim/Suspect. Well worth watching.


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    Cynthia W.,

    To be fair, in addition no one is suggesting he was, in theory anyway, an atheist. However, his accusation of “gross sins” in general regarding detractors or questioners could be a projection of his own gross sins. Telltale heart, perhaps? To be fair. It’s a thought. As situations became evident post mortem.


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    Max: “Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver” (Edmund Burke)

    Thanks for this quote.


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    https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2020/07/08/st-cloud-priest-sentenced-prison-sexual-relationship-parishioner/5397050002/
    Another bait-and-switch creepy clergyman. Perp.

    She went to her priest for counseling and confession following abuse. The priest SAID she needed healing and to set a boundary between her and her abuser. But then the priest stepped into her vulnerability to become another abuser.

    Fortunately, the priest is going to jail. Hopefully, he’ll never hear another confession, never counsel again, never serve as a priest.

    Question: Now that the Catholic Church has had their Come-to-Jesus moments regarding their predatory priests (lawsuits, etc.), does the Catholic Church end the predators’ priesthood OR do they get to be rehabbed, restored, and reinstated as priests – like the Evangelicals and SBCs?


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    Ava Aaronson: the priest stepped into her vulnerability to become another abuser. Fortunately, the priest is going to jail. Hopefully, he’ll never hear another confession, never counsel again, never serve as a priest … rehabbed, restored, and reinstated as priests – like the Evangelicals and SBCs?

    IMHO, any man of the cloth (Catholic or Protestant) who takes advantage of believers entrusted to them should be permanently disqualified from ministry. You will find no examples in the New Testament of pastors who committed moral failure being restored to the pulpit.


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    We read the platitudes of a Theologian highly esteemed and regarded in published obituaries. In the last year I came across a photocopy of a handwritten Account of the Assault a young woman had suffered at the hands of this highly regarded Theologian. It was a brutal detailed callous account of that which she suffered at the hands of this man whilst pinned against the wall. It was written as this then young woman was trying to rally the Leaders who wished to Call the Professor to an Aberdeen Church against such a Call.
    The document was a brutal reminder of how wicked men behave and how innocent lives are turned upside down. I wonder where this young woman is now and whether she has put these things behind her.
    I destroyed the document because it was so explicit and painful to read.
    Meanwhile the late Professor’s young blades set on modernising the Free Church have now become older men and surely must reflect on that which they covered up. They are complicit in this and many other assaults in their desire to exalt wickedness in their midst, for that is what they are guilty of. I do pray that they repent of sin, and recognise the wickedness of later events wherein Godly men of God were thrown out of the Free Church without trial or Charge.
    How can they say that they hououred Christ in all that did and probably continue to do?


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    Jack: a Theologian highly esteemed and regarded in published obituaries. In the last year I came across a photocopy of a handwritten Account of the Assault a young woman had suffered at the hands of this highly regarded Theologian. It was a brutal detailed callous account of that which she suffered at the hands of this man whilst pinned against the wall.

    Precious Pastor/Professor … Predator. Jekyll and Hyde. Beware the cloak and demeanor of a renowned theologian camouflaging a devil on the prowl.


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    Max: IMHO, any man of the cloth (Catholic or Protestant) who takes advantage of believers entrusted to them should be permanently disqualified from ministry.

    Right. But who does this? Permanently disqualifies the predators?
    Sex offenders have to register for a lifetime for a reason – they are always a liability. Risking trusting a sex offender is not worth it. The damage they have already done is irreparable already. No second chances. Churches don’t seem to get this.


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    Jack,

    I certainly agree with you.


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    Ava Aaronson: Sex offenders have to register for a lifetime for a reason – they are always a liability.

    Should be the same in churches. The Houston Chronicle shouldn’t have to compile the list.


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    Godith,

    There are many sins that went unreported in the aftermath of the case, continuing to the present day. But Rev Roberts withstood all the slights and accusations that followed with a humility, meekness and unconquerable fortitude because he had put on the whole armour of God and having done all, he stood and still stands, a shining light on a hill, that many have emulated and failed, their light going out.


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    Max: Should be the same in churches.The Houston Chronicle shouldn’t have to compile the list.

    SOMEBODY has to, as GOD’s Anointed sure won’t.


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    Cynthia W.: Ava Aaronson: IDC was talking about himself, his own gross sins.

    To be fair, I don’t think anyone has suggested Mr. Campbell committed murder.

    But “talking about himself, his own gross sins” sounds kind of like NeoCal “More Depraved Than Thou” bragging rights.

    Didn’t the Church of Scotland start out as “Scots Presbyterian”, i.e. the Scots branch of Calvinism?


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    Max: “Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver” (Edmund Burke)

    “With a ruler [those in power], you can lay the flattery on with a trowel.” – Benjamin Disraeli


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    dee: Thank you all for your kind explanation of the Scottish system of education.

    Yep, I appreciate Erp and David Cooke confirming what my friend told me all those years ago. I continue to be gobsmacked that someone could get a MA from an elite university merely upon waiting a few years and paying a fee!


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    elastigirl: namedropping with Godtalk… overcompensating for some deficiency… narcissism served neat…

    things like that

    You’ve heard of computer-geeks?
    Well, there’s god-geeks too.


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    Ava Aaronson: Question: Now that the Catholic Church has had their Come-to-Jesus moments regarding their predatory priests (lawsuits, etc.), does the Catholic Church end the predators’ priesthood OR do they get to be rehabbed, restored, and reinstated as priests – like the Evangelicals and SBCs?

    I am going to *seriously* question whether the Catholic Church has truly had a “come to Jesus” moment when just yesterday, the state of Illinois released a report identifying 149 additional religious perpetrators who had never been identified by any of the Illinois dioceses. (For a total of 451 perps who assaulted a minimum of 1,997 children.) We’re *twenty-two* years past the initial Spotlight article and this is *still* happening.

    Let me be clear–it’s not just the Catholic Church. We’ve got the SBC as well, and other organizations.

    NB I read Spanish language newspapers on occasion and Bolivia is in a complete uproar over abusive priests, both past* and current. The president of Bolivia told the Vatican today the country was going to restrict the entry of missionary priests accused of abuse into the country. (To me, this is a no-brainer, but apparently Bolivia and the Vatican have some sort of agreement that might allow these perps into the country?? No idea.)

    * The newspaper El Pais got hold of and published the diary of a deceased Jesuit in Bolivia and basically, the guy wrote down his crimes. Lots and lots of crimes. The story was published at the beginning of May. It’s *terrible*.


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    Headless Unicorn Guy,

    The Church of Scotland originally was Calvinist via John Knox.


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    Headless Unicorn Guy,

    Calvin appointed Knox to take the Reformation to Scotland and wrote this to him in 1559 –
    “ It was a source of pleasure, not to me only but to all the pious persons to whom I communicated the agreeable tidings, to hear of the very great success which has crowned your labours.
    But as we are astonished at such incredible progress in so brief a space of time, so we likewise give thanks to God whose singular blessing is signally displayed herein. This affords you ample matter for confidence for the future, and ought to animate you to overcome all opposition. As I am not ignorant how strenuous you are in stirring up others, and what abilities and energies God has endowed you with for going through with this task, I have deemed it superfluous to stimulate the brethren. Meanwhile we are not less anxious about your perils, than if we were engaged along with you in a common warfare; and what is alone in our power, we join our vows to yours, that our heavenly Father would strike all your furious adversaries with the spirit of folly and blindness, scatter all their counsels, and defeat all their attempts and preparations. Certainly they labour under great difficulties in arming their fleet; especially for want of money. So much the more obstinately will the old dragon essay to throw everything into confusion, rather than not attempt something”.


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    Cynthia W.: “Piacular” means “making atonement,” so the phrase seems to be a tautology, “atoning atonement.”

    Like “Imperial Empire” I heard once to describe Star Wars‘s Empire?

    (I use the term “Palpatine Empire” myself, after its founder and First (and only) Emperor. When you get into space opera outside of SW, there are so many Empires you have to keep them straight somewhow.)


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    Lowlandseer,

    According to A C Grayling, the Arminians were Calvinists. The Remonstrants objected to North and South Holland not sharing enough power and influence with the rest of the Seven Provinces. Maurice went with “trading” wealth and not good religion, proving that might is right.


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    Dee I have previously commented on your posts re Macleod and Campbell. For the Record: Macleod was not acquitted of the allegations raised against him by GM concerning an adulterous affair with her in Australia. Full admissions were made of the adulterous affair down to the method of contraception used. The Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia buried the matter, and the Synod of the PCEA ordered that the Records of the Central Presbytery be expunged of all reference to the allegations raised against Macleod. The denomination has never repented of this wickedness.

    The Free Church Continuing (which came into being as a result of the actions of the Free Chruch to bury the whole case against Macleod) received the PCEA as a Sister Church without requiring of it repentance. One of the men who was at the center of the cover up in the PCEA was recently deposed from the Ministry, by the PCEAA, for other reasons. The PCEA never acquitted Macleod it simply buried the whole matter. Gadsby and Ward put the motion to do so to the 1990 Synod of the PCEA – I was an eyewitness.

    For the Record my sister in law was one of the victims of Macleod and was one of the women in Court in Scotland. I am sick and tired of all the bleeting about how wonderful Macleod and IDC were – they were wicked men whose sins were covered up by the Church. It is high time that his victims were publicly exonerated of the allegations of lying and making false allegations. THere are far m,ore than the five victims of Macleod that appeared in Court.

    FWIW
    Antipodeian


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    Antipodeian,

    I am so sorry Yes, they are wicked men. Can I write anything or be of help to you or your sister? If you would like, we could speak via What App? You can also contact me at dee@thewartburgwatch.com


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    Antipodeian: whose sins were covered up by the Church.

    The thought occurs that the cultural trend toward skepticism of “institutions”, mentioned as an unfortunate thing in the Abrahamson 1 Tim study at today’s “e-church” post, may have been stimulated by developments within the institutions themselves. I think this in happening more broadly than just in the churches.


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    dee: Yes, they are wicked men

    “Then He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what the elders do in the dark … For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us; the Lord has abandoned the land.’… He also said to me, “Yet again you will see even greater repulsive acts which they are committing.”” (Ezekiel 8)


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    Michael in UK: According to A C Grayling, the Arminians were Calvinists.

    Not Goldsteinists?
    (They are to the Calvinists Predestined Elect.)


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    Samuel Conner: this is happening more broadly than just in the churches

    Sadly spiritual leadership tipped the balance by reducing prayers since the late 1940s.

    “Pray for rulers” is not meant to be ad hominem, but about the quality of what comes through the position, namely just quality.

    Innocence doesn’t mean ignorance but thirst for right and not wrongs. Body theologians were salacious-minded (i.e materialistic) legalists. We children didn’t need their intrusion but they denied us support.