Canadian megachurch, The Meeting House, today apologized en un correo electrónico for comments by a church overseer, suggesting disgraced pastor Bruxy Cavey will return to ministry.
Allegations of sexual abuse by Cavey were recently confirmed by multiple independent investigations commissioned by The Meeting House.
During a town hall with The Meeting House congregation on August 14 , board of overseers co-chair Bruce Miller discussed the investigations’ findings. He also recounted a recent conversation with Cavey.
“I want you to hang onto this hope that when you get through all of this,” Miller stated, “God has a plan for you, Bruxy—to take all that you have learned through this experience and be able to minister in a very powerful way to other church leaders because of what you’ve gone through. God is not finished with you.”
Miller then recounted telling Cavey to read Psalm 51. “Get down to that middle section where it says, ‘Restore to me the joy of my salvation and then I will begin to minister to others.’ And that’s what we believe we’re aiming for.”
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In an email to the congregation, The Meeting Place Board of Overseers asked for forgiveness “for the pain and confusion” caused by Miller’s remarks.
“As Bruce shared about the interaction (with Cavey), he used the word ‘ministry’ in a way that suggested a return to paid or pastoral ministry could be in Bruxy’s future,” the overseers stated. “It was wrong, and was insensitive to those who have been victimized by church leaders and are dealing with significant pain.”
The overseers added that Miller was not speaking on behalf of the overseers when he made his statements, which they said Miller “deeply regrets.” The overseers specifically apologized to victims and to The Meeting House community. “We are sorry and we ask for your forgiveness.”
They added, “Restoration involves full repentance and acknowledgement of sin. In this instance, that includes recognizing what happened as abuse and acknowledging the harm done to others, specifically victims. We have not yet seen Bruxy do this.”
The overseers clarified that they believe it “would not be wise” for Cavey to return to pastoral ministry or “a ministry role at The Meeting House. The breach of sacred trust is too great.”
Despite the controversy, Miller remains in his position as co-chair of the board of overseers, according to The Meeting House website.
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“… be able to minister in a very powerful way to other church leaders because of what you’ve gone through.”
“What you’ve gone through?”
Imagine if Mr. Miller had used plain English. “You were having sex with the church members, Bruxy, including minors, and you got caught. Eventually, you’ll be able to help other church leaders avoid getting caught.”
He used the term “what you’ve gone through” because in these situations the priority seems to be assuaging the perpetrator, not helping the victims. And still people wonder why the evangelical church is in the situation it’s in…
I think its wrong of you to say he was having sex with a minor when you don’t know that. I also think its wrong of you to think for one minute that God can not restore Bruxy to ministry again. God can do anything and everything!
I did not say that “God can not restore Bruxy to ministry again.” I can’t imagine why God would, but I’m just a suburban housewife, not some big-shot.
In the Cavey milieu, is it assumed that if a guy who was sexually abusing or exploiting the congregants somehow gets back into “ministry,” it was because “God restored him”? I’m not hip with the in-group lingo.
You’re certainly entitled to an opinion on this but this man should never be in a position of authority ever again. Perhaps he can minister to other men addicted to the same things he is if and when he overcomes them.
Denise God can do anything but go against his word. Timothy is clear on what expected of pastors. And clear on what happens to pastors who abuse the flock!!!!!!!!!
So you think Cynthia Wright is guilty of a thought crime, thinking (for one minute) “that God can not restore Bruxy to Ministry again.”
We get to think what we want Denise. I think it’s wrong of you to state that “God can do anything and everything!” when I don’t see evidence of it, but I’m not going to condemn you for stating it.
Thank God The Meeting House heard the concern from Congregants and it appears, sent out this letter relatively quickly.
It’s too bad that no one is actually referring to the Bible and quoting to support the reasons why Bruxy should not ever return to The pulpit. Bruce Miller obviously does not know his Bible.
Serious question. What text are you referring to? The Bible is literally littered with stories of failure and a return. Abraham, David, Peter, etc
Honestly, the people rejecting the possibility of restoration seem to be the ones who are failing to read the biblical text. But, why let the Bible get in the way.
I’ll bite.
As a matter of care for Bruxy Cavey’s soul, he should never again be put in a position of influence or power.
Matt 5:27-30
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”
And this doesn’t even BEGIN to look at the damage he has done, or the continuing harm it causes when abusers are given back these positions.
I totally agree!! The possibility of restoration is for everyone!!! God is not unable to use Bruxy or anyone else for that matter! Thank God for his mercy! These people commenting are playing judge and jury.
Not judge and jury. Fruit inspectors.
Denise Evans,
I think the burden of proof is on Team Bruxy to demonstrate that this individual ever had a functioning “ministry” to speak of, to begin with. Show me how he preached the Gospel and won souls over to Christ.
1 Tim 3:2, “2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Blameless? Good testimony with unbelievers? Such are permanently disqualified. Is that not what it plainly states? What Bible are you reading? The Narcissists Bible?
The Bible also says it’s better for someone like Bruxy to tie a millstone around his neck and drown (Matt 18:6).
I gather that once Bruxy Cavey demonstrates ‘repentance’ (whatever that means) to their satisfaction, then he’s good to go (back into ministry.)
after a little while, at least, until the dust settles.
i guess ‘above reproach’ means absolutely nothing, then.
Another day, another squeaky clean megachurch. Nothing to see here, move along–you are the intolerant one for daring to suggest there might be something fishy at work here.
I like the theatrical bibliosity that Miller bloviated to Bruxy. Get a grip, man. Talk English, talk man-to-man, not this confected fakery.
The crucifixion of Bruce Miller is inexcusable. Finally someone speaks the Jesus way truth and he gets crucified for pointing out that there is something like Psalm 51 found in the Bible.
The use of the word “crucified” to mean “having his errors pointed out to him” is the typical language of narcissistic “leaders” caught with their flaps flapping.
The error was in misunderstanding what he was saying and what he intended by it.
The accused hasn’t been tried in a Court of law yet, only in the Court of public opinion. He still has a sliver of hope, that he might be innocent. Once he began his journey through Corrections Canada system, he will find a way to minister again.
Christian “ministry” is every Christians role. Leadership ministry in an organized “church” is not.
I do not know how this will play out in the future, but I do know one thing.
Jesus Christ does not need Bruxy Cavey. Bruxy Cavey needs Jesus Christ.
As do we all.