TO: THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS

FROM: Larry Salyer

November 13, 1998

This is to notify all of you that due to severe conscience problems I did not go to Michigan to investigate complaints against Dave Pack. This decision was based on five factors as follows:

1) After careful review of the Council proceedings, chaired by Dr. Meredith, in which Dave Pack was temporarily suspended from the Council, it is very clear that the judgment was predetermined, and one-sided evidence was hastily solicited to support that judgment. This is contrary to clear Biblical principles found in Proverbs 18:13, and elsewhere.

As our legal counsel pointed out during the meeting, malicious words were used throughout the hearing to condemn the accused. I strenuously object to this. It was only after a motion to remove Dave from the Council was defeated, that an investigation was authorized as a last resort.

2) I, the Director of Church Administration, though having responded to the initial complaint, was completely circumvented in dealing with the local pastor and the regional pastor, strongly implying that I was involved in some conspiracy and also "suspect." This makes it impossible for me to ascertain the true facts from the witnesses.

3) During the Council meeting, I repeatedly requested, in fact eventually demanded, that the parties already involved in investigating events in Michigan reveal to me their identity and the action taken. I was never given an answer, leading me to conclude that I was vulnerable to false accusations.

4) In the meantime, reports were received which give a totally opposite picture of the events in question. This again implies that the "evidence" received was solicited for the purpose of condemning the accused.

5) At the conclusion of the Council meeting, we were encouraged to make a "fresh start," putting our differences behind, but certain members were unwilling to give Dave Pack that same opportunity, even though that was requested by several.

Please understand that even though I was trying to cooperate at the time the meeting ended, it became increasingly obvious, upon reflection, that my conscience would not allow me to participate in this investigation.

Mr. George Meeker informed me that due to personal conscience problems, he also declined to go to Michigan at this time. I have communicated our decision to Mr. Greer and advised Mr. Greer not to attempt to conduct an investigation on his own, especially since he has already submitted a negative report which could prejudice his conclusions.

In my judgment, it is necessary for the Council to reconsider this whole matter in a calm and objective, and might I say Christian, manner. Justice demands that Mr. Pack be granted the same "fresh start" that others seek, and not allowing this undermines the whole concept.

Larry R. Salyer

c. Norbert Link