<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:windowtext;}
span.sep
{mso-style-name:sep;}
span.by-author
{mso-style-name:by-author;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1015687379;
mso-list-template-ids:-867116870;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings Csaba Leidenfrost, Gordon Wilson, Matt Gray, John Carnahan, Jeremy Bunch, Bill Church, Ed Iverson, John Grauke, Wes Struble, John Sawyer, Dale Courtney, Ben Merkle, Douglas Wilson, Mike Lawyer, Jim Nance, Matt Meyer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I write this letter to you through the office of Mike Lawyer, assistant to Doug Wilson, and also to Vision 2020, a community chat group. I am using both venues because it is possible that this letter may not be forwarded to you by Mike Lawyer or Doug Wilson but perhaps a non-Kirk neighbor or associate will be kind enough to send you a copy. Because I understand the role you play in the governance of Christ Church it is right and fair that you know what I have to say to and about you. In a sense it is a private communication but I also believe that non Kirk members of our shared community (frankly, my primary concern) benefit from an understanding of who you are, and how your attitudes, values, and behavior impact those of us who are not members of your church. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After many years of studying your blogs and literature (I use the latter term in the broadest sense of the word), witnessing your direct and indirect machinations in city and county government as elected officials and petitioners, and noting your involvement in judicial matters on behalf of convicted felons who are/were church members my level of concern about the damage you do has escalated, based in part on the swaggering, arrogant remarks below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“<a href="http://dougwils.com/s7-engaging-the-culture/deception-and-the-culture-war.html">There are certain moves, certain strategies, certain plans, certain ways of thinking, that are God’s version of the purloined letter. God hides some of His best work in plain sight. So should we</a>.” <a href="http://dougwils.com/s7-engaging-the-culture/deception-and-the-culture-war.html"><i><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Deception and the Culture War</span></i></a><i> </i> <span class=sep>Posted on </span><a href="http://dougwils.com/s7-engaging-the-culture/deception-and-the-culture-war.html" title="5:16 pm"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Friday, July 12, 2013</span></a><span class=by-author> </span><span class=sep>by </span><a href="http://dougwils.com/author/admin" title="View all posts by Douglas Wilson"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>Douglas Wilson</span></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Surely members, deacons, and elders of Christ Church do not include the Center for Biblical Counseling among the best works of the Kirk. Indeed, how could they? Like so many of your ventures this one appears to be grounded in what I refer to as the Mickey Rooney School of Fun and Frolics. That is, all it takes to have a successful show (school, business, idea) is grandpa’s barn (Anselm House in this instance), a Judy Garlandesque sidekick (the Greyfriar acolytes and Biblical Counseling trainees), and a desire to be on center stage (an ever present component of Kirkish manliness).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mickey Rooney, whatever his short comings (no pun intended) was a trained performer. In contrast, Mike Lawyer has an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, and two theological degrees. His terminal degree, D. Min., would be laughable if it didn’t provide pseudo-credentials that imply more than they deliver. A Doctor of Ministry, or D. Min. for Mr. Lawyer required <a href="http://www.wts.edu/2013-2014catalog/degree_programs/dmin/program_length_and_time_limit.html">“eight week-long modules of course work or the equivalent, and [completion of] an Applied Research Project</a>.” This is far less supervised work and academic training than a <a href="http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title54/T54CH8SECT54-805.htm">licensed hair dresser in Idaho</a> is required to have. A total of eight weeks spent on campus over a six year period and some supplementary study at home is not an academic program. The counseling emphasis of the D.Min. degree offered by Westminster Seminary, not surprisingly, emphasizes <a href="http://www.wts.edu/2013-2014catalog/course_descriptions/dminmodules.html">biblical theory and application</a> in place of a broad academic background with an emphasis on course work leading toward professional licensing. A comparison of a <b>Master’s level program </b>(<u>not</u> a doctoral degree) in <a href="http://www.isu.edu/hpcounsl/documents/MHC%20PPS.pdf">Counseling at Idaho State University</a> demonstrates the sharp contrast between the programs. And, that is my point, why is it that a counseling license or an elementary/secondary teaching certificate from a regionally accredited college or university are unimportant in the world of Kirk? It is my sense that in an effort to cover (with some exceptions) a lack of academic credentials (which offers at least a modicum of credibility) you pretend that professional standards can/should/must be brushed aside in favor of ego and a false sense of aptitude. Why is it that you always seek out and celebrate the lowest common denominator instead of acknowledging and striving after true excellence?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mike Lawyer feels confident that through the “gifts of the Holy Spirit“ he can help his clients confront and defeat the following <a href="http://www.cbcmoscow.com/counseling/information-about-counseling/">“sins”</a> if they are truly prayerful and repentant. <o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Marriage and Family Problems<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Divorce and remarriage<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Anger<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Anxiety<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Depression<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Decision-making<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Fear and panic<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Grief and suffering<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Drug and alcohol addiction<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Pornography<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Homosexuality / Lesbianism<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Attempted suicide<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Financial problems<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Other life-dominating problems<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>It seems absurd to have to point out, that sin is NOT the cause of mental illness and emotional problems. If faith healing for mental health issues has become the Kirk’s preferred treatment of choice, why in the world haven’t you all renounced Calvinism in favor of a) pilgrimages to Fatima; b) Christian Science; or, c) the introduction of snake handling and poison drinking as proof of your faith and God’s mercy at Sunday worship service? (Let’s hear it for option “c.” Doug could lead the congregation in his special rendition of Sweet Home Alabama with a diamond back rattlesnake dangling from either hand. I’d love to watch that dog and pony show. And it makes just as much sense as Mike Lawyer’s et al pretend counseling routine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>However, and there is <b><u>always</u></b> a however, if one is a clever boots with an eye for a legal way out of a potentially tight situation, there is a little <a href="https://christchurchmoscow.wufoo.com/forms/counseling-application-personal-info-agreement/">paper work</a> Mr. Lawyer’s potential clients must complete prior to being accepted into “treatment.” (Additional application forms may be found <a href="https://christchurchmoscow.wufoo.com/forms/application-for-counseling/">here</a>.) The disclaimers are adroitly worded so he and his “students” avoid any liability or responsibility for outcomes. In particular, a client must agree, with the following premises (note: all bolding is mine and <u>is not found</u> in the original text):<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'> that Mr. Lawyer and his cohorts are not licensed nor considered professional counselors in Idaho; (does this excuse them from the “burden” of professional ethics and conduct since they aren’t professionals ?)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'> that they (Mr. Lawyer and his cohorts) may lack any specialized training in psychology; <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>that <a href="http://www.cbcmoscow.com/training/counseling-in-a-week/">counselors-in-training</a> (which could theoretically include members of the public who pay $60 to take Mr. Lawyers week long Train to Be A Counselor course) may sit in on and thus be privy to the intimate details of the client’s struggles; <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>that the sessions will or may be audio recorded and retained (securely – whatever that means) by Mr. Lawyer;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>that the bible (and presumably, Mr. Lawyer understanding of the text) is the final authority on all counseling related issues; (does that mean a angry husband gets to stone his adulterous wife? or kill his rebellious child?) <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>that the client will be exhorted (and expected?) to confess and ask forgiveness from those he/she has sinned against; <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>that, <b><u>information obtained during counseling may be released to church leadership including elders and small group leaders which will allow them to “shepherd” the client appropriately</u></b> ; (how’s that for ultimate power unleased??)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>that <b><u>solutions for all problems in life are found in the Bible</u></b>, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>that the client <b><u>agrees not [to] seek redress of grievances associated with the counseling process or disputes associated with the process thru the secular legal system</u></b> but only through the church of which they are a member, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>and that they “<b><u>agree not to hold the counselor and/or Christ Church and its leadership financially or legally responsible for the results of the counsel provided or for any decisions I (</u></b>the client)<b><u> make based on that counsel</u></b>.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>The long and the short of this is that a client’s most intimate problems could be, and have been, discussed by ministers, elders, small group leaders (which by the very vagueness of the term could include every aspect and level of church membership). And, you know that that is a true and accurate statement. I think a billboard on the south couplet out of town would be nearly as confidential – after all, not every citizen in Moscow heads towards Lewiston on a regular basis. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>More importantly to you as elders, it is no doubt a comfort that no matter how wretched the outcome or how grave the consequence of Mr. Lawyer’s counseling, neither he nor Christ Church will likely be found financially responsible. Moral responsibility is an entirely different kettle of fish, isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>You may avoid individual and corporate responsibility for this wildly irresponsible project of Mr. Lawyer, but what will your response be when (not if) violence or harm comes to a confused, depressed, mentally ill, perhaps schizophrenic or sociopathic client or others who must interact with them? Do you really think that Mr. Lawyer is in a position to competently conduct and arrive at a sophisticated clinical diagnosis or even to knowledgably assess each and every client’s emotional status? Do you even begin to understand how outsiders may view your sponsorship of ill-trained clinical practitioners? Is the voyeuristic desire to stick your collective noses into the private affairs of others so overwhelming (or so handy for dossier collection) that you, without a moment’s reflection applaud this sordid sideline business? What happens when one of Mr. Lawyer’s trainees (with an official looking Kirk endorsed certificate in hand) commits an egregious offense and blames it on the training received at Christ Church? You may enjoy adequate legal protection thanks to the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment, but I don’t have to tell you how your critics on the national level will gleefully eat you for breakfast. It will make the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_Grace_Ministries">Sovereign Grace Ministry</a> mess look like an old ladies’ tea party in comparison.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>But let’s (pretend?) consider for a moment that you have individually, if not collectively, a conscience. Shut the Biblical Counseling Center down immediately or resign from your position of authority over it. Turn the problem over to Doug and Ben. Let them prove that they care enough for fragile, lost souls looking for help that they will recruit (and the Kirk will pay the salary of) a Christian mental health professional who is a licensed to practice in Idaho. And, because his competency will be recognized by an accrediting institution with standards quite outside friendship and personal ambition, he will know that mental health issues are complex and unlikely to be handled competently by amateurs using only a personal interpretation of scripture and unbelievably inane self-help books as a viable treatment plan. (I use the masculine pronoun to describe the person since I know you would never hire a woman for a leadership or a position of authority.) Further, I would hope that all elders will immediately distance themselves from intimate information that is absolutely none of your business and obtained under the seal of confidentiality. Unless of course, you are prepared to let the community know you willingly and eagerly wish to be publicly linked to the mission and protocols of Christ Church’s sponsorship of the Center for Biblical Counseling.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;line-height:normal'>Rose Huskey<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>