SGM-Mahaney: Finances/Email to Investigator, Mr. Kober, Ambassadors of Reconciliation

A note sent to the Senior Investigator of Mahaney and SGM.  It is our developing view that Mr. Kober, a Lutheran Churchman, and Ambassadors of Reconciliation is unequipped, poorly staffed, and overwhelmed by the size, depth and extent of the investigation needed to "clear out the SGM stable."  Or, to switch metaphors, to find the 1000s of unmarked graves over a 20-year period.  AoR and Ted, heavily funded by SGM and advocating for their client and themselves, are in over their heads.
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Mr. Kober:

1. As I continue to ponder the AoR process, the depth of inquiry, your severe lack of resources (across several disciplines), the “nature” of the investigation, and the “extent” of issues, it all exceeds your grasp. Am glad that Bryce is on staff, an attorney. Don’t forget the sex offense cases. Minimally, you are looking at 10 years of concerns. I’d suggest 20 years, that is, a thorough historical look. Also, you need an historian re: pietism, legalism, and non-confessionalism. You also need a sociologist re: “high maintencance” or “cultic” groups. But, to another matter.

2. Another very, very serious issue arises. Finances.

3. Ted, I grew up as the “son of a manse,” not a Lutheran but a Reformed one…where congregation’s voted on Dad’s salary annually. I could say alot about that too. I’ll give you a sense of a man of honour. See: http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/2010/09/my.html Plus, I have graduate degrees, myself, from Presbyterian and Episcopal seminaries. I’m not outta the boonies.

4. I profoundly regret that you don’t have a professional or forensic accountant to review SGM books, including salaries and more. This issue continues to recur in relation to the monarchial, closed, and autocratic system. It arises over and over at SGM Survivors and Refuge blogs. Ted, you need to listen to these blog owners. They’ve been on the beat. I repeat, Ted, this financial issue recurs again and again amongst the concerned. The time for full disclosure is at hand. This is tied in with the polity issue. If you seek trust, SGM must come clean. The median income in MD is 70K while, according to Det docs, CJ pulls down $250K aside from royalites, honourariums, and other benefits. Let the records and let God’s people adjudicate these matters. Again, as a “son of manse,” I strongly suggest honour, openness, and transparency. Of course, you will meet with resistance from the SGM board on this. Want reconciliation? Honour, Ted, honour. Ted, you’ve got your hands full. In fact, investigating this outfit is far beyond your staff resources, insofar as this scribe can see.

5. Also, re: 8-10 Nov. How much can you really do? You need 3-4 more of these across geographical regions over a 1-year period. Further, the “short fuse” in terms of notification was suspected too. Mr. Harvey extended it 2 weeks, but with a tepid, divagatory, and lukewarm recommendation. In other words, the “rank and file” SGM member wasn’t getting the memo. Ted, your client has an agenda. If you advocate for your client, who advocates for the 1000s? The victims, particularly the ones dealing with child sex offense cases? Ted, this can’t be about money. It must be about facts first.

By the way, I have lunch weekly with a Federal Judge. I routinely discuss these matters. He’s 81, a fine gentleman, a retired JAG, USMC of 30 years. Tried 300 cases and never overturned. He raised serious issue with the Taylor case, but there are others too.

As an old school Anglican, I need to write a prayer for/about you. I haven’t, but shall. Also, for the 1000s who fell prey to authoritarian and abusive structures.

Again, back on point. Finances.

Most cordially and best regards,
Donald