Yet he is still in place with the same vulnerable teens…
“Rev Dr Peter Thompson along with other staff and volunteers at First Presbyterian have created an atmosphere that promotes unhealthy relationships between adults and youth. In an attempt to walk with people, the adults are encouraged to disregard professional boundaries with youth. As they have stated to the investigative committee, they make up their own rules. In the instance that involves a specific family that has been brought to the attention of the investigative committee, Rev Dr Thompson has stated that he felt called by God to do what he did and would do it again.
In fact, he continues to disregard protocol for establishing and maintaining boundaries and is thus blurring his relationship with this particular youth.Rev Dr Thompson’s actions do not help “the church to order it’s life so that the ministry of the whole people of God may flourish (G-2.0102).Rather his actions create an atmosphere that is detrimental to the ministry of the whole people of God. His inactions as the pastor do not give warning nor bear witness against error in doctrine and immortality in practice within the congregation and community (G-3.0201 C). In fact, his refusal to admit any type of mishandling of the particular situation brought to the attention of the investigative committee along with his declaration of divine justification for his actions in the past, as well as his continued activities that encourage and create relationships that blur the boundaries between adults and youth shows a complete disregard for common practices that make safe spaces for children and adults.”
-Presbytery of the Peaks
Investigative Committee
The Presbytery specifically authorizes the Commission to inquire into reported difficulties and, if necessary, to dissolve the pastoral relationship, after consultation with the minister of the Word and Sacrament, the session, and the congregation, if it finds the church’s mission under the Word imperatively demands it.
