Advertencia: este informe contiene acusaciones gráficas de abuso sexual.
En agosto de 1979, Wendy Guay le dijo a su mejor amiga que su padre, Paul Guay, entonces pastor de la iglesia Grace Community de John MacArthur, abusaba de ella con regularidad.
Su amiga, Lisa (Tucker) Ward, le dijo El Informe Roys (TRR) que cuando se quedaba a dormir en la casa de Wendy, Wendy insistía en que ambos se fueran a la cama completamente vestidos. A veces, Paul Guay entraba en la habitación de Wendy en medio de la noche y "se cernía sobre nosotros", dijo Ward.
Pero una noche, las niñas se despertaron y Guay les estaba frotando la espalda. “Wendy se despertó, se asustó y me agarró”, dijo Ward.
Poco después, Wendy le reveló su secreto a Ward. Luego le contaron al padre de Ward, John Tucker, ex misionero y entonces miembro de Grace Community Church (GCC), sobre el abuso.
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Esto inició un proceso que llevó a Paul Guay a confesar su abuso directamente a John MacArthur semanas después, según Tucker, un presunto testigo presencial de la confesión. Sin embargo, Guay continuó pastoreando en GCC por tres años más. Y más tarde, después de ser expulsado de GCC por conducta sexual inapropiada con una secretaria, Guay pasó a pastorear otras iglesias durante 30 años.
En 2003, Wendy, que ahora tiene un apellido diferente, descubrió que su padre tenía más víctimas y se acercó a MacArthur en busca de ayuda. Pero para su sorpresa, MacArthur negó saber nada sobre el abuso de su padre y, en correos electrónicos obtenidos por TRR, reprochó a Wendy por su "obsesión" con el asunto de hace décadas.
Wendy, que había luchado desde el abuso con un trastorno alimentario y adicción a los analgésicos, se deslizó aún más hacia comportamientos autodestructivos. Mientras tanto, su padre continuó pastoreando en Grace Brethren Church en Mabton, Washington. Y MacArthur se ganó la reputación de “el predicador expositivo más importante del mundo.”
La confesión de Guay a MacArthur
Tucker dijo que cuando su hija y Wendy le contaron por primera vez sobre el abuso de Guay, inmediatamente instó a Wendy a llamar a su madre, lo cual hizo.
Wendy, quien recientemente habló con TRRDijo que tenía 16 años en ese momento y vivía con su padre y su madrastra, Jane Guay, en California. Sin embargo, su madre, Marlou Fronapel, vivía en Oregón.
Fronapel dijo TRR que cuando recibió la llamada de Wendy, rápidamente arregló que Wendy volara a casa. Fronapel luego llamó a GCC y pidió hablar con MacArthur, pero MacArthur no atendió su llamada.
Fronapel dijo que luego contactó a Tucker y su cuñado, Gary Davis, pastor de la Iglesia de Cristo de West Covina en West Covina, California.
Según Fronapel, Davis habló con alguien que conocía en el liderazgo de GCC sobre el abuso de Wendy por parte de Paul Guay, pero la iglesia no tomó ninguna medida. TRR contactó a Davis sobre lo que sucedió, pero Davis se negó a hablar en el registro.
Sin embargo, John Tucker dijo TRR en una entrevista que después de recibir la llamada de Fronapel, fue a la casa de Paul Guay y confrontó a Guay sobre el abuso. en un declaración escrita de 2003, Tucker escribió que Guay admitió "actos sexuales" con Wendy y le dijo a Tucker "Sé que la toqué".
Tucker dijo que Guay luego llamó al pastor MacArthur y preguntó si los tres hombres podían reunirse en la oficina de MacArthur y MacArthur estuvo de acuerdo.
Tucker escribió que en la reunión con MacArthur, “Paul estuvo de acuerdo con mis cargos y le confesó a MacArthur los repetidos actos sexuales que involucraban a Wendy por la noche durante las horas normales de sueño”.
Tucker dijo que MacArthur no mencionó denunciar a Paul Guay a la policía. En cambio, MacArthur dijo que asumiría “la responsabilidad bíblica de consejería, disciplina, etc.”, escribió Tucker. Dada la posición de MacArthur como pastor de GCC, Tucker dijo que confiaba en que MacArthur manejaría la situación de manera adecuada, una decisión que ahora lamenta profundamente.
Wendy dijo que su padre la llamó la misma tarde que se reunió con MacArthur y le dijo que había confesado el abuso.
El 29 de agosto de 1979, MacArthur le escribió a mano una carta a Wendy, que Wendy compartió con TRR. (TRR envió una copia de la carta a MacArthur y al pastor de guardia en GCC para hacer comentarios, pero nadie respondió).
“Lamento mucho todos los problemas por los que ha pasado, pero creo que el Señor está obrando de maneras muy especiales”, escribió MacArthur. “Tu papá está muy triste por todo esto y nos hemos reunido y hablado largo y tendido sobre la situación”.
MacArthur agregó que el padre de Wendy era “un cristiano maravilloso” y escribió: “Ha sido una parte fiel de nuestro personal y lo seguirá siendo en el futuro”.
MacArthur luego animó a Wendy a perdonar a su padre. “Me alegro por tu amor hacia Cristo que te da un corazón que perdona hacia los demás”, escribió MacArthur. “Sé que el Señor será glorificado mientras trabajamos juntos con tu papá para verlo ser todo lo que Dios quiere que sea”.
TRR Se comunicó repetidamente con John MacArthur y GCC para comentar sobre el manejo de MacArthur del abuso de Paul Guay, pero nadie respondió.
Guay permaneció en GCC hasta 1982, cuando, según los informes, lo atraparon abrazando y besando a una secretaria y lo despidieron.
Según sus hijos, Dan Guay y James Guay, quienes hablaron con TRR, Paul Guay luego fue pastor de la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Reseda, California (ahora The Bridge Bible Fellowship), una iglesia a solo ocho millas de GCC.
Después de eso, Paul Guay trabajó como pastor en Placerita Bible Church, una iglesia a menos de una cuadra de la escuela asociada de GCC, La Universidad de Maestría, dijeron Dan y James Guay.
TRR Se acercó a The Bridge para confirmar que Guay había trabajado allí en la década de 1980, pero nadie en la iglesia estaba familiarizado con Paul Guay.
Sin embargo, Terry McClain, gerente de la oficina de Placerita Bible que investigó la historia de la iglesia, confirmó que Guay sirvió en el liderazgo de Placerita, pero no estaba seguro de los años ni de la posición de Guay.
En 1997, Paul Guay se convirtió en pastor de Iglesia de los Hermanos de la Gracia (GBC) en Mabton, Washington, donde sirvió durante 15 años, jubilándose apenas unos meses antes de su muerte por cáncer en noviembre de 2012.
Abuso, confusión y traición
Según Wendy, su padre comenzó a abusar de ella en 1977, cuando ella se mudó de la casa de su madre en Oregón para vivir en California con su padre y su madrastra, con la esperanza de tener una "vida Brady Bunch".
Wendy dijo que su padre entraba en su dormitorio por la noche varias veces a la semana. A veces, se despertaba con la camisa sobre la cabeza y su papá la miraba fijamente. Otras veces, recuerda a su padre frotando su espalda debajo de su camisa y abriéndose paso hasta sus pezones. Al menos una vez, dice, su padre se expuso ante ella.
“Recuerdo haber llorado muchas noches rogándole a Jesús que no lo dejara entrar”, escribió Wendy en un diario de 1977 que compartió con TRR. En otra entrada de 1978, escribió: “Simplemente me manoseó y me hizo sentir sucia”.
Cuando lo confrontaban, su padre decía que era sonámbulo, dijo Wendy. La madrastra de Wendy le creyó a su padre, dijo Wendy, y comenzó a colocar una silla frente a la puerta de la habitación de la pareja para evitar las visitas nocturnas.
Los hermanos de Wendy, Dan Guay y James Guay, confirmaron el relato de Wendy y dijeron que recuerdan haber oído hablar de la silla para evitar las visitas. James Guay agregó que su padre nunca "entró sonámbulo" ni a su habitación ni a la de Dan. (TRR no trató de entrevistar a Jane Guay porque los miembros de la familia dijeron que ella sufre de demencia).
“Sabía que lo que estaba haciendo no se sentía bien”, recordó Wendy. “Pero también sabía que él era un hombre 'piadoso'. . . . Enseñó 'Home Builders' con su familia en Grace (Community Church). Y entonces . . . Simplemente no podía reconciliar a los dos”.
Wendy dijo que finalmente le contó a su amiga sobre el abuso cuando la presión interna se volvió demasiado grande. Pero el proceso fue insoportable.
Entradas del diario de Wendy, que fueron extraídos y compilados en 2003 por un miembro de la familia, revelan el trauma de Wendy. (Wendy dijo que destruyó el diario original hace varios años porque deseaba seguir adelante. Pero Wendy y sus hermanos confirmaron la autenticidad del documento con extractos compartidos con TRR.)
En una entrada de diario del 15 de agosto de 1979, Wendy escribió: “Me quedaré en Oregón para siempre. ¡Estoy realmente herido porque le escribí a mi papá una carta de ocho páginas con todos mis sentimientos y él se molestó y lo llamó 'basura'!
Ella también escribió en una entrada de diario del 25 de agosto de 1979: “Es difícil creer que el Sr. Tucker y el tío Gary van a hablar con mi papá sobre cosas. Qué asco. Qué asco. Qué asco.
Pero después de que su padre la llamara y le dijera que había confesado el abuso a MacArthur, Wendy expresó optimismo.
En una entrada de diario del 30 de agosto de 1979, escribió: “¡Todo salió bien con mi papá! ¡Él y John MacArthur van a resolver algo!”.
wendy dijo TRR ella creía que MacArthur iba a obtener asesoramiento profesional de su padre para lidiar con su perversión.
Lisa Ward, quien dijo que pasó la mayor parte de agosto de 1979 con Wendy en la casa de su madre en Oregón, dijo que también tenía la impresión de que GCC buscaría asesoramiento para Wendy.
Pero según Ward y Wendy, GCC no logró obtener asesoramiento tanto para Wendy como para su padre. Y en los años posteriores a 1979, la salud mental de Wendy se desplomó.
En 1988, Ward dijo que visitó a Wendy y se angustió al saber que su amiga estaba luchando profundamente con comportamientos autodestructivos. Ward agregó que Wendy, que entonces estaba casada y tenía hijos, todavía estaba en una relación con su padre e incluso le permitió pasar la noche en su casa.
Ward dijo que luego le escribió una carta a MacArthur, preguntándole por qué GCC no hizo nada sobre el abuso de Paul Guay y nunca organizó el asesoramiento para Paul y Wendy.
Ward dijo que nunca recibió una respuesta de MacArthur.
"Edad Oscura"
Durante décadas, Wendy dijo que ingenuamente creía que ella era la única víctima de su padre. Pero en 2003, su tía Donna, la hermana de Paul Guay, le hizo una sorprendente revelación a Wendy: que tanto Donna como la prima de Wendy, Pam, habían sido agredidas sexualmente por Guay.
Pam, cuyo apellido TRR está reteniendo por motivos de privacidad, confirmado a TRR que Paul Guay la obligó a practicarle sexo oral en 1964, cuando ella tenía apenas 7 años. Pam dijo que Guay también intentó que ella participara en actos sexuales varias veces, pero ella se negó.
Pam agregó que durante el breve tiempo que vivió con Paul y Jane Guay, Paul entraba en su habitación por la noche y le frotaba la espalda y se excitaba. Pam dijo que haría “suficiente ruido” y luego Paul se iría.
Donna, cuyo apellido TRR también está reteniendo, dijo TRR que en 1963, Paul Guay se subió encima de ella cuando dormía e intentó tener relaciones sexuales con ella. Donna dijo que lo empujó con enojo y él cedió.
Fronapel también dijo TRR historias sobre Guay de su matrimonio de cuatro años con él, revelando un patrón de comportamiento depredador.
Ella dijo que en 1960, cuando Guay asistía a Pacific Christian College en Fullerton, California, la administración reprendió a Guay por buscar "coquetamente" a una estudiante de primer año. Agregó que Guay se metió en problemas por perseguir a niñas de secundaria en dos iglesias a las que asistía la pareja. Dijo que una de las iglesias le pidió a Guay que se fuera.
En 1964, Guay dejó embarazada a su segunda esposa, Jane Guay, entonces una adolescente en un grupo de jóvenes que dirigía, dijo Fronapel. Guay luego se divorció de Fronapel “ilegalmente” en Las Vegas y se casó con Jane, dijo Fronapel. (Guay y Fronapel se divorciaron legalmente en California en 1966).
Wendy dijo que las revelaciones en 2003 de que su padre había abusado de Pam y Donna marcaron el comienzo de lo que ella llamó "la edad oscura", una época que fue incluso "más traumática" que el abuso original de Wendy.
Wendy dijo que estaba aterrorizada de que su padre volviera a abusar, especialmente dado su acceso a los niños como pastor. Entonces, Wendy les contó a sus hermanos sobre las cuentas adicionales de abuso. El hermano de Wendy, Dan, también se enteró del abuso de Wendy por primera vez. (Sus otros hermanos sabían del abuso desde hacía muchos años).
Luego, la familia decidió que confrontarían a Paul Guay frente a sus mayores en la iglesia Grace Brethren.
Wendy también le envió un correo electrónico a John MacArthur a través de su secretaria, Pat Rotisky, contándole sobre las víctimas adicionales y pidiéndole ayuda.
en un correo electrónico del 17 de febrero de 2003, Wendy le escribió a MacArthur sobre el patrón continuo de su padre de minimizar y mentir sobre su abuso. También le contó a MacArthur sobre el plan de la familia para confrontar a su padre frente a sus mayores. E invitó a MacArthur a asistir a la confrontación “si el Señor pone eso en su corazón”, o a “enviar una carta para que la llevemos con nosotros, ya sea a Paul o a los ancianos”.
El día siguiente, Rotisky le devolvió el correo electrónico a Wendy, afirmando: “Desafortunadamente, John no puede arrojar más luz sobre el problema. . .”
Wendy respondió a Rotisky con preguntas para MacArthur, pero dijo que asumía que MacArthur probablemente no hablaría con ella “debido a una responsabilidad imprevista”. En el correo electrónico, Wendy preguntó por qué Paul Guay no fue despedido u "obligado a buscar ayuda" cuando le confesó el abuso a MacArthur en 1979. Wendy también preguntó si Grace Brethren le había pedido una recomendación a MacArthur cuando la iglesia contrató a su padre.
Rotisky respondió el 19 de febrero de 2003, que MacArthur no está preocupado por la "responsabilidad imprevista", pero "no tiene nada más que agregar".
“Paul nunca le confesó nada a John ni a nuestros mayores en ese momento sobre ningún tipo de abuso sexual”, escribió Rostisky. Ella dijo que Paul Guay, en cambio, fue despedido por su “afecto por una de las secretarias”.
TRR Intenté comunicarme con Rotisky para obtener comentarios, pero me dijeron que ya no trabaja para GCC y que no pudimos comunicarnos con ella.
Wendy dijo que estaba sorprendida por la negación de MacArthur y envió un correo electrónico a MacArthur el día siguiente.
“John, ¿estás diciendo que antes de que yo te escribiera durante las últimas semanas, NO tenías conocimiento previo de que mi padre abusara de mí?” Wendy escribió. “Toda mi vida adulta he creído (y me dijeron) que al ser confrontado, POR USTED, mi papá se echó a llorar y confesó que en verdad había abusado de mí. Dijo que estaba en tu oficina. ¿Ahora estás diciendo que lo que siempre he pensado que es verdad no es verdad? ¿Puedes siquiera empezar a imaginar cómo me hace sentir eso?
Wendy luego transmitió lo que le habían dicho sobre la participación de John Tucker y Gary Davis en el asunto, aunque admitió que necesitaba verificar los detalles. Luego instó a MacArthur a hablar con Tucker y el mismo Davis, para que pudieran ayudarlo a "reconstruir la serie de eventos".
En cambio, Wendy le dijo TRR que MacArthur llamó a su padre.
Tres semanas después, el 12 de abril de 2003, Wendy envió otro correo electrónico a Rotisky, amenazando con contactar a Los Angeles Times “para obligar a John a prestar atención. . . y para asegurarse de que Grace tenga medidas para evitar que esto vuelva a suceder”.
Wendy también se quejó de la decisión de MacArthur de llamar a su padre.
“Al elegir llamar a mi papá, el perpetrador. . . ayudarlo (a John) a recordar qué fue lo que mi papá le dijo ese día en su oficina, no fue una decisión acertada. . . . Mi papá me mintió durante 25 años. . . ¿Qué llevaría a John a creer que Paul sabría la verdad ahora?”
Poco después, MacArthur llamó a Wendy, que MacArthur menciona en un 18 de abril de 2003, envíe un correo electrónico a Wendy. (TRR envió a MacArthur una copia del correo electrónico del 18 de abril de 2003, solicitando comentarios, pero MacArthur no respondió).
En la llamada, Wendy dijo que MacArthur sonaba enojado y frustrado, y le preguntó por qué estaba "aferrándose a esto después de todos estos años".
Cuando Wendy mencionó las víctimas adicionales y su temor de que su padre volviera a abusar, dijo que MacArthur lamentaba haber contratado a Guay porque se había divorciado. Wendy dijo que MacArthur se negó a abordar el abuso confesado de Paul Guay, sino que habló sobre cómo Guay fue despedido por abrazar y besar a una secretaria.
Luego, en su correo electrónico del 18 de abril de 2003 a Wendy, MacArthur insistió en que GCC tenía un “estándar de tolerancia cero” para las ofensas morales por parte del personal y afirmó que Paul Guay nunca le confesó ningún abuso.
“No tenía conocimiento de abuso sexual como afirmas”, escribió MacArthur. “Cuando hubo alguna acusación en su contra, me dijo que era su primera esposa amargada y que lo único que hacía era frotar la espalda de su hija mientras se acostaba, algo que cualquier padre amoroso podría hacer. . . Dado que las acusaciones eran solo de segunda mano y rumores para mí, y Paul era una persona de confianza, no había nada que hacer más que aceptar su palabra”.
MacArthur agregó: “Recientemente hablé con (Paul Guay) por teléfono para preguntar si mi recuerdo era exacto. Dijo que lo era.
MacArthur concluyó: “No estoy seguro de por qué todo esto se ha convertido en una obsesión para usted después de tantos años, pero ni yo ni nadie en Grace podemos hacer nada más que alentarlo a que nos comportemos con integridad bíblica. . .”
Wendy dijo que la respuesta de MacArthur, a quien había colocado en el "pedestal alto, alto, más alto", la devastó y la envió a una caída en picada emocional.
También impactó profundamente a los miembros de su familia.
La hermana mayor de Wendy, LaDawn Fronapel, dijo TRR que creció escuchando la predicación de MacArthur, que tuvo un “gran impacto en mi desarrollo cristiano, en mi caminar espiritual”.
“Para que él no haga nada al respecto. . . sacudió (mi fe)”, dijo Fronapel. “Si él hubiera respondido con amor y compasión y con el objetivo de sanar y comprender, qué gran diferencia habría hecho en nuestra curación y en nuestra vida espiritual también”.
El hermano de Wendy, James Guay, calificó la respuesta de MacArthur como “la máxima traición a la confianza”.
“No solo culpó a la víctima y patologizó los medios de valor de la madre de la víctima por ser una ex esposa descontenta”, dijo James, “sino que después del hecho actuó como si no supiera lo que realmente ocurrió. Y luego usó un lenguaje de que ella estaba siendo obsesiva porque no estaba completamente resuelto. . . . Fue muy poco empático y muy específico y desdeñoso”.
La madre de Wendy, Marlou Fronapel, dijo que la respuesta de MacArthur en 2003 fue profundamente decepcionante, pero que el daño ya estaba hecho décadas antes cuando MacArthur se negó a hablar con ella o a tomar en serio las acusaciones.
“Puedo decir honestamente que mi vida cambió en ese momento”, dijo Fronapel. “Me afectó profundamente, profundamente, que una iglesia hiciera eso, que no le creyeran a una niña, que esto le había sucedido a ella, y que no me creyeran a mí. Y afectó mi estima. Afectó en quién podía confiar”.
La intervención falla
En lo que varios miembros de la familia Guay describen como una de las experiencias más traumáticas de sus vidas, confrontaron a su padre sobre su abuso el 1 de marzo de 2003. La “intervención” ocurrió en persona en la casa de Mabton, Washington, de un anciano en Grace Brethren Church (GBC) e incluía a varios ancianos de GBC, Paul Guay y numerosos miembros de la familia Guay, incluidos todos los hijos de Paul.
Pam, que no pudo asistir, envió un carta a los ancianos documentando el abuso de Paul Guay hacia ella.
John Tucker también envió a los ancianos una declaración sobre la confesión de 1979 de Paul Guay a John MacArthur. Y Marlou Fronapel envió una carta relatando el comportamiento depredador de Paul Guay durante su matrimonio. Según James Guay, cuando los ancianos escucharon los relatos de abuso en persona y por escrito, sus rostros reflejaron “conmoción, horror y disgusto. Era un verdadero espejo de la gravedad de lo que compartíamos con ellos”.
James dijo que su padre admitió el abuso sexual de Pam y Wendy, lo que confirmaron varios otros miembros de la familia. “Pero también había muchas cosas que decía para tratar de salvar las apariencias y minimizar el impacto”, dijo James. "Sabes . . . culpando a Satanás y a un estado alterado de conciencia”.
Donna le dijo TRR que Paul negó su relato de agresión en la intervención. Sin embargo, dijo que Paul se reunió más tarde con ella y admitió que el incidente había ocurrido, pero culpó a Donna, alegando falsamente que estaba dispuesta a tener relaciones sexuales con él.
Al final de la intervención, los ancianos dijeron que sopesarían las acusaciones y se comunicarían con la familia sobre las consecuencias, dijo James Guay.
El 13 de marzo de 2003, el presidente de la junta de ancianos de GBC, Ron Juris, envió una carta a la familia, anunciando que Paul permanecería en su puesto como pastor.
“Las Escrituras son bastante claras al describir el carácter de un anciano. . .” Juris escribió. “El desafío para nosotros es decidir cómo se van a aplicar estos principios”.
Juris luego señaló que el apóstol Pablo había sido un “blasfemo y perseguidor”.
“El mensaje general (sic) que se ve una y otra vez en las Escrituras es el asombroso amor de Dios por nosotros, incluso cuando caemos”, escribió Juris. Añadió: “A lo largo de toda esta prueba hemos sido testigos de un hombre que está quebrantado por el pecado. . . También hemos sido testigos de un hombre que ya no es lo que era. . . .
“Por lo tanto, es la decisión unánime de la Junta de Ancianos de Mabton GBC que no aceptaremos su renuncia pero mantendremos a Paul Guay como pastor. . .”
Sin embargo, Juris agregó que “para asegurar una curación completa de Paul y toda su familia”, la iglesia buscará asesoramiento para Paul Guay hasta que un consejero determine que “ya no es necesario”.
Juris también compartió las “precauciones de responsabilidad/seguridad” de GBC, que incluían que los líderes evitaran estar solos con niños pequeños “que no son de ellos”, así como con miembros jóvenes o adultos del sexo opuesto.
TRR Se acercó a GBC y Juris, que todavía es un anciano en la iglesia, para hacer comentarios, pero nadie respondió.
Dan Guay dijo TRR estaba sorprendido por la decisión de los ancianos. “Fue doloroso, como, 'Oh, aquí vamos de nuevo. Se está saliendo con la suya otra vez'”, dijo Dan.
James Guay dijo que su padre asistía a ocho o diez sesiones con un consejero y escribía disculpas a sus víctimas, lo que minimizaba el abuso, malinterpretaba los versículos de la Biblia y creaba más dolor.
Después de la terrible experiencia, James dijo que la familia sintió que había hecho todo lo posible para responsabilizar a Paul Guay. (En 2003, todos los delitos denunciados por familiares Guay fueron fuera El estatuto de limitaciones de California y no procesable.)
“De alguna manera, transferimos nuestra responsabilidad a (GBC)”, dijo James. “Pero no se sintió como una gran resolución de ninguna manera. Creo que todos estábamos golpeados, exhaustos y traumatizados. Creo que en cierto punto dijimos, 'Está bien, no creo que tengamos más juntos para invertir en esto'”.
Sin embargo, en 2008, después de visitar a Wendy nuevamente y ver cuánto estaba sufriendo, Lisa Ward dijo que le envió otra carta a MacArthur.
Ella dijo que Pat Rotisky respondió en nombre de MacArthur, afirmando que la iglesia no sabía quién era Ward y diciéndole que no volviera a contactar a MacArthur sobre el asunto.
Durante 14 años, ni Ward ni Wendy lo hicieron.
Y en 2009, Wendy dijo que dio un gran giro para mejorar. Wendy ahora trabaja como consejera de salud mental y adicciones y es miembro activo de una iglesia en Molalla, Oregón.
Sin embargo, el mes pasado, Wendy leyó TRRartículos que documentan cómo MacArthur avergonzó y excomulgó a Eileen Gray por negarse a recuperar a su esposo abusador de niños e incluso apoyó al esposo de Gray después de sus condenas por abuso y abuso sexual.
Wendy dijo que, al igual que ingenuamente asumió que su padre no había abusado sexualmente de nadie más, también asumió que MacArthur no había encubierto a otros pedófilos como su padre. Wendy dijo que ahora cree que encubrir a los abusadores es un patrón con MacArthur que debe confrontarse.
“No está bien creerle al perpetrador”, dijo Wendy. “Simplemente no quiero que otras personas sean dañadas por Grace Church u otras iglesias que no manejen las cosas de manera apropiada”.
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195 Respuestas
I wonder how much more is going to come out about the criminal handling of these abusive males formerly on staff at JMac’s church. This is so very tragic and damning
Absolutely. Not just staff, how many others in his church have been protected by John MacArthur while JM heaps abuse on those poor women and children who have had their lives ripped apart by abusers.
This report is really shocking! I know we all make mistakes, but as a John MacArthur supporter, I really hope he’ll speak up and admit that he didn’t handle this case well. I don’t want Dr. MacArthur to be demonized. I still find him to be an amazing expository preacher and a godly man. I know we’re only hearing one side of the story, so I hope Dr. MacArthur will publicly address this issue and not just ignore it.
MacArthur did not report a child molester to the police. That was his duty! MacArthur protected the molester years ago bc he was part of the good ol’ boys club. 25 years later MacArthur will lie about it to cover his ass.
Do you serve men or Christ? Because Jesus doesn’t tolerate this evil. I am thankful that Julie is exposing the evil rather than winking at sin the way you MacArthur-lovers do.
Amen Lori. Good for you.
Unfortunately, a pattern is being exposed about John MacArthur. This is not the first time he has been exposed for being a fraud. He behaved in a similarly grotesque way in the way he handled the Eileen Gray case. Unfortunately, I bet this is only the beginning of what we will find out about his pattern of negligence.
He has had 43 years to deal with this and apologize. What makes you think he will change his behavior now? John MacArthur is habitually negligent when it comes to defending women and children who have been victims of abuse. Almost makes me wonder if the reason he is protecting the abusers is because he may have some skeletons in his closet. Perhaps he protects them because he is also an abuser. Just hypothesizing what makes him so daft.
Zachary, I will agree that John MacArthur in earlier times was an excellent expository preacher.
I’m sure that this particular article by John MacArthur made him disliked for years, and it probably still does make him disliked.
¿Deben restaurarse los pastores caídos?
https://www.gty.org/library/print/articles/A256
This excellent article was originally done in 1991. I would hope that John MacArthur still lives up to it for his own pastors. It would have been better If John and other pastors of his age retired and turned over the pastorate to a younger person!
He will ignore it like he ignored the Eileen Gray case.
Your reporting is shameless sensationalism. May you seek the Lords repentance. You are the Enquire of the Christian news media. Shameful.
I agree Jonathan, Her sin will be found out! All she is looking for is publicity, First comes Pride, Then Destruction!
Jonathan and Shawn. For your own good. Use google and you tube. These evangelicals are heathens. If it happened to your family members would you just accuse the victims. Journalists like Julie bring out the truth behind these wolves. Ask the victims of the Catholic abuse if those animals were reported years ago how many victims would not have been victims. Quit sticking up for evil just because they show piety. Even satan can quote scripture. And in that church and school. He is.
gary,
I look to Christ, “not these evangelicals”….maybe he did cover it up—-but my point here is that Julie Roy has not proven this —and everyone on here accuses and slanders MacArthur with no evidence he knew this pastor sexually molested his daughter and covered it up. Julie keeps putting articles out slandering MacArthur and gets people so worked up. She drops bombs and watches the carnage. Bad journalism.
Hey Jonathan. Just read article after article of JM covering up the criminal acts from the people at his church. I have no skin in the game to like or dislike JM. My reading tells me that if this was the Catholic Church he would be like one of the cardinals who sent the pedophiles off to unsuspecting churches and several of his co- pastors and teachers are the priests who was protected for the good of the church. Keep it quiet, All so we just be a shining example to the world. Didn’t Jesus mention something about tying a weight around your neck and something about to water to those that hurt children. I personally think maybe it’s time to use all scripture in our lives. Not just the ones that the kings want us to remember.
I agree with you there should be evidence before accusation, but what do you make of the copies of the correspondence from 2003 at the end of the report? The letter from Pastor MacArthur to Wendy in April and the affadavit from John Tucker to the elders at Grace Brethren Church where he speaks of the 1979 meeting between Pastor MacArthur, Paul Guay and himself where sexual abuse of Wendy and his sister are admitted. That’s pretty compelling.
Her sin of reporting on a pedophile will be found out? Yeah I’m sure God is really upset she spoke out about a pedophile pastor. He’s probably going to strike her down soon. LOL!
Wow really? There’s nothing salacious or sensational about the reporting at all – it’s just the facts of the case. If the Lord seeks repentance in this case it’s from JMac, and it sounds like it is too late for Paul Guay. Seriously, retaining a man as pastor with the excuse that the Apostle Paul was a blasphemer etc? That was BEFORE he met Jesus. Jesus’ own words about taking care not to allow little ones to stumble!
Ignoring the abuser and protecting the man in ministry seems to be a pattern of behavior for John MacArthur:
tengo veintiuno Es 2006 y he pasado casi tres gloriosos años en The Master's College.
… Un extraño que conocí tal vez una vez, se sienta a mi lado en la cena y me pregunta si puede conseguirme un refresco… Media hora más tarde empiezo a sentirme confuso. Mis palabras son arrastrando las palabras y no puedo mover mis piernas….
Mi cabeza está empezando a despejarse ahora. Me violaron…
La reacción (de mi director residente) me sorprende. …Tal vez todo esto es mi culpa. Tal vez tenga que casarme con él... (Mi) consejera bíblica (dijo) "Sabes, casarme con él arreglará todo esto"... Ella habla de la voluntad de Dios y del sufrimiento gozoso...
I am meeting with Rick Holland—the college pastor for the church that is affiliated with the college. … Rick leaves the room several times to go talk to John MacArthur. He comes back with John’s ruling on the matter. Rick tells me that I need to be disciplined for doing drugs, drinking alcohol and almost dancing. He said the consequence for breaking the rules is that I will be kicked out of the college. He is angry at me for going to the police and the doctor. I should have let the church handle this without outside interference…
"¡Estás arruinando la vida de ese joven!" Él dice.
Me dice que tengo que ir a la policía y retirar los cargos o me llevarán frente a la iglesia para ser disciplinado.
http://www.marcipreheim.com/2017/09/18/do-you-see-me/
But sure, let’s punish the victim for “almost dancing.”
Unfortunately, I am beginning to believe there are at least 100’s of stories about abuse like this in JM’s Church/College, if not thousands.
No, it’s actually well-documented, thorough, and convincing. I’m sorry someone you admire has turned out to have extremely clay feet, but refusing to see evil for what it is is a pretty terrible look.
Well documented? I guess hearsay is part of good journalism these days.
I’m commenting on What John MacArthur knew—-not on the perversion of this man. My heart goes out to the poor victim. But, there is no direct evidence that John MacArthur knew and allowed a known pedophile to remain on staff.
You can’t be serious. Your heart doesn’t go out to the victim. You’re just saying that because your thoughtless, dismissive post got a reaction you did not expect. (If you had read the article carefully, without hyperventilating when adult matters were being discussed, you would have noticed that he had more than one victim. He had victimS, plural. If you truly cared about these women, you would have at least mentioned it. But you didn’t. I’m just guessing here, but I’ll bet you are old enough to not have a rag of an excuse for thinking the way you do. Your original post is a perfect example of why the world hears the word “Christian” and automatically thinks, “I don’t want what they’re offering.” Stop posting and start thinking.
This article is making accusations about John MacArthur—Claiming that he covered up a perverted pastor and his disgusting sexual abuse of his daughter. There is no evidence that he covered this up. Yet, everyone on here is casting stones at him. If he knew and covered this up—shame on him. However, there is not an ounce of evidence he knew and intentionally protected this pervert. I read it carefully, perhaps you should read it again. I look to Christ, not John MacArthur—and anyone who looks to me and doesn’t want what Christian’s are offering. Well, their looking to the wrong person. I’m defending a man who is being accused of something very serious with no evidence that he knew the girl was being molested and then intentionally covered it up. All of these articles slander him—they make many assumptions and claims which simply aren’t clear.
Are you really saying that John MacArthur heard his staff pastor confess that his daughter was creeped out by his innocent midnight back rubs, and left it at that? That he had no reason to believe there was any abuse involved?
And there is evidence: there’s a 2003 statement from the uncle who was present for the confession, and his testimony today.
Jonathan,
How can you say there is ‘no evidence’? We have an eyewitness to the confession to JM!
John Tucker told TRR in an interview that after receiving Fronapel’s call, he went to Paul Guay’s house and confronted Guay about the abuse. In a 2003 written statement, Tucker wrote that Guay admitted to “sexual acts” with Wendy, telling Tucker “I know I touched her.”
Tucker said Guay then called Pastor MacArthur and asked if the three men could meet in MacArthur’s office and MacArthur agreed. Tucker wrote that at the meeting with MacArthur, “Paul agreed to my charges and confessed to MacArthur of repeated sexual acts involving Wendy at nighttime during normal sleeping hours.”
This is not hearsay. This is a first hand account of the meeting with John MacArthur.
Nay, but this is shining the light in the dark corners where the Ezekiel 34 shepherds are hiding. Have nothing to do with the fruitless works of darkness, but rather expose them.
It’s not shining light —it’s slander.
The only one here using slander is you. Keep projecting.
How is it slander? JMac’s lack of curiosity is at the very least a sin of omission. But it seems much more than that.
Jonathan, what “poof” do you have that this is slander? Are you claiming a double standard that for MacArthur more than two witnesses (Wendy Guay and John Tucker) are needed to establish the truth, but for Julie Roys, your mere assertion that this is slander (def: untrue, known to be untrue and stated for the purpose of harming MacArthur’s reputation) is proof enough for you to claim it is true?
If it’s written, which it is, then it can’t be slander. Libel is the word you’re looking for. And if it’s libel, you don’t have to wait for God’s judgement. You can sue and seek whatever “justice” you think is to be had right now. Go ahead. All you have to do is show the reporting is false and malicious.
Good luck with that, because Julie’s reporting is solid and the furtherest thing from sensationalism. No decent person takes any pleasure in reading about someone having protected a predator. As for me, I wish it never happened. But the evidence says it did. Attacking the messenger is not the answer here. Trying to make sure there is some justice and that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again is part of the answer.
It’s easy to make assertions without argument or evidence. Where’s your argument or evidence that this article is sensationalism?
They have all the documentation and eye witnesses this happened.
They are the ones writing the story. I’m simply commenting that no poof has been offered that MacArthur knew sexual abuse was going on and knowingly covered it up to protect this pervert.
John MacArthur’s handwritten letter addressed to Wendy Guay from August 29,1979, and the 2003 written statement from Paul Tucker acknowledging that he spoke directly with John MacArthur regarding this matter in the summer of 1979, contradicts the idea that John MacArthur didn’t know what was going on.
The content of John MacArthur’s hand-written letter to Wendy Guay from August 29, 1979, and John Tucker’s 2003 affidavit mentioning of speaking directly to John MacArthur about this matter, contradicts the idea that John MacArthur didn’t know what was going on. And considering those two sources, it doesn’t matter whether Julie Roys or anyone else makes mention of this.
Jeff Rodrigues — yes exactly. The handwritten letter by JM himself and the affidavit are proof he knew exactly what was going on. Interesting how some on this thread completely overlook those aspects.
Even though I am a huge JM fan, I can look at this article objectively and see that he was absolutely in the wrong. It grieves me to see the hypocrisy with a man who I thought was godly. In fact, the blog post that was sent out with the GTY email newsletter today is titled: Judgment Begins with the Household of God.
The terrible irony. I pray that JM and Grace Community Church issue a statement of true repentance and apology regarding this evil situation.
Guay “admit(ted) his sexual sins and cr(ied) before God, MacArthur and myself.”
This is from a nearly 20 year old letter from a person who was part of the conversation where MacArthur was informed. That person confirmed to TRR that it is true and he stands behind the account to this day.
How can you say there is no proof?
Jonathan do your own homework. Google is a great source. Prove us wrong. Julie doesn’t have to prove herself right. She’s done the homework. Now it’s your turn. The evangelicals have abused there positions long enough. Try you tube and see these people in action. One guy did an entire story proving Pokémon is satanic based on the zzzz shaped tail and holding up only three fingers. Daddy Falwell said some cartoon because the character had a triangle on his head was promoting the gay lifestyle. These people in order to get the $$$ need to be over the top in exposing the worlds evil on a weekly basis. Very sad how something as basic as the message in Jesus gospel and dying on the cross has devolved into thousands of subgroups all knowing that they, not you or me, have the inside track to salvation. It’s exhausting.
Google is a great source? Really? And I suppose you will tell me next that the earth is flat—because I googled it. No direct evidence that JM knew this man was a pedophile and kept him on staff. That’s my point. All hearsay— about events that happened 40 years ago.
Jonathan you win. Everything that has happened at his church and school and stealing 400k in tax payers money and all the articles written in Roys’ report and RNS are all wrong and this innocent JM who apparently is being slandered by witnesses who say he knows. We are all wrong and JM is the victim. Because other than showing up on Sunday he has no knowledge of what’s operating around him. Yup that’s must be it. My bad. You win.
The earth isn’t flat? Dang.
According to an article I found on google —eyewitness from 1979 said they told Tom, who then told Bill, who then told Todd that the earth was flat. So, it must be true. And plus maps are flat so obviously the earth is flat.
jonathan
Hearsay is information received from other people which cannot be substantiated. It is different from an eyewitness account. By way of example, if John Tucker told the reporter that he heard from a friend that Paul had confessed to John about molesting his daughter that would be hearsay. But John said he was in the room, he is an eyewitness.
Johnathan Pruett is a groomer. His opinion is moot because anything he says doesn’t matter to me. Cut him off.
Shame on YOU, friend, for your smug, self-righteous dismissal of these women’s pain. Do you have any earthly idea how callous you are? Is this how you generally respond whenever an uncomfortable truth comes to light? Something is deeply wrong if you can read this carefully documented story (in which equal time was offered to the accused), and to conclude that it’s the TRUTH BEARER who should repent. Shame on you.
You don’t care if it’s true or not?
What does MacArthur have to do to wake you people up? You are worshipping a man. Do you really think God needs MacArthur?
You are using the same journalism tactics as Julie—-did someone say we worship John MacArthur? Nope, just Jesus—-Of course The Lord doesn’t need MacArthur— but he has and still uses him, to your dismay.
Her journalism is even handed and lacking in sensationalism, as it always is.
Warren I’m glad to see a comment from you. I have not read your site lately on the what I I consider the entirely inappropriate political activities of John MacArthur lately.
I appreciate what you and Julie have been reporting on.
Is John MacArthur living up to the general qualifications for a pastor that is given in his own words in?–
https://www.gty.org/library/print/articles/A256
In any event I am through purchasing any more material written by him!
Jim what a hypocrite MacArthur is that he preaches this yet does not abide by his own words. To protect and cover up a paedophile who was in leadership in his own church , disqualified him from ministry years ago.
On the contrary, l find her reports to be informational, accurate and professional. John has invited public scrutiny of many other ministries, let’s see how he responds when the same happens to GCC. His supporters must hold him accountable, he is not above admitting he was wrong, and if he does not scripture says to not follow him any longer. Pride comes before a fall!!!
So, a pastor is a serial pedophile and rapist, other pastors hid the sexual assaults, and the person reporting the events should repent. Makes perfect sense in a Romans 1 world.
Calling it “shameful” to tell the truth is a lie. Calling it “sensational” is a lie because the only sensation a normal person gets from child molestation is the sensation of wanting to puke. You are projecting because it’s your comment that’s shameful and attention seeking.
I have good response to you – OK GROOMER!
And your willful blindness is worse sir!
As shepherd so go the sheep!
These are wolves!! Paul wrote why do you marvel these wolves for Satan himself comes as an Angel of light and so does his servants as apostles of righteousness!
jonathan
I disagree. As far as she was able (because no accused person ever responds to these articles), she wrote on both sides of the matter. On one side, we have Wendy, her mother and Tom Tucker. On the other side, we have John MacArthur.
-Wendy states that after meeting with JM and Tom Tucker, her father called her and told her that he confessed everything. This gave her hope. Wendy also claims that JM wrote her a letter that consoled with her but stated that her father was repentant and would continue working for the church. The handwritten letter, with JM’s letterhead and signature is provided.
-Wendy’s mother states that she reached out to JM but he refused to speak with her, that was when she sought help from Tom Tucker.
-Tom Tucker states that he, JM and Paul met wherein Paul confessed his actions. A letter to that effect, written to Paul’s new workplace as an affidavit, was provided.
-John MacArthur, in a letter addressed to Wendy, states that Paul had never confessed the abuse to him and had explained that they were lies from his disgruntled ex-wife. John felt he had no reason to believe otherwise. This letter is also provided.
So you see, all sides have been accounted for. It’s up to the reader to decide who is telling the truth. Either Wendy is lying and somehow forged the letter from John MacArthur or Tom is lying and made up a story of how the three men met or John MacArthur is lying and he did know about the abuse.
Wow! I will be praying for Julie, praying for her strength and to continue to expose these things.
John MacArthur always protects his people. Former Pastor, Elder and Professor Jim Stitzinger Sr. was flying cross country having sex with someone he was “counseling” Jim was married to someone else. He was caught and fired but it was not his first affair and they had to know he was taking advantage of his position.
Regarding this claim I knew a former secretary who told about this abuse they said she was crazy. She was shunned yet still attended. She has passed on.
This is disgusting. I don’t know why he is still being broadcasted on Moody radio. I can’t even listen to him anymore. John MacArthur should be ashamed of himself.
I totally agree Barb!! I use to listen to him all the time!! Not anymore!! Prayers to all involved. I can’t believe he thinks that he is following scripture with this type of behavior. No wonder people don’t want to go to church!! We as a whole need to do better!!
Barb. I have followed these people since the seventies. I actually was a fan of a few and a supporter. God in his grace gave me discernment and my eyes saw what these people became especially in the eighties and early nineties and especially during covid. Especially there unhealthy attachment to our previous president making excuses for his ungodly behavior (yes I voted for trump in 2016) my conclusion is that much of the right wing leaning evangelical industrial complex are malignant narcissist. I’ve commented before that a lot of these groups are not churches but fiefdoms run by kings and there loyal priesthood. And has history shows. Nobody challenges the king. And the serfs that do receive the punishment. And they misuse scripture to justify all they do. Parishioners have placed there faith in the king of the fiefdoms vs who I place my faith in who is the REAL king of kings.
It is time his books were pulled and his radio programs shut down. What’s wrong with those people.
Mr MacArthur should put an end to all this gossipy gossip and slander about things which happened long long ago and just sue Julie and a couple pesky bloggers and their spouses already. Think how well that worked for Mr MacDonald! /sarcasm
Agree. This is what the Bible calls slander.
Depositions. Also when you sue, truth is a defense.
Why does not article not surprise me. GCC has a record now and how many more may be out there where they cover for the sexual predator and pedophile and attack the victims of sexual abuse. GCC in my opinion can be classified as a “Groomer Church” and the ones who should be excommunicated are John MacArthur and this pastoral staff.
Wow Great article. It saddens me a lot.
All the leaders who ignored and kept this criminal as a pastor for years are disqualified and should resign or be fired immediately. It’s why states now have mandatory reporting laws.
All of the efforts made by “Pastor” John MacArthur to cover up the sexual misconduct and sex / child abuse of others makes me question his own moral integrity and also wonder what makes him so determined to conceal sexual sins. Are there events in his own past that he cannot admit to or acknowledge or confess? It is truly shocking that MacArthur could not even acknowledge that he had heard the confession of sexual abuse and had to deny it to Wendy. He has lost all credibility and trustworthiness in my eyes.
And in the very early 80’s is when John said that if you take the mark of the beast, then you could still repent and be saved. Coincidence?
MacArthur failed to know and apply scripture. He’s unqualified for leadership, fellowship, and he’s legally liable.
1 Cor. 5: 9-12
9 Os escribí en mi carta que no os asociéis con fornicarios, 10 de ninguna manera con los fornicarios de este mundo, ni con los avaros y estafadores, ni con los idólatras, pues entonces tendríais que salir del mundo. 11 Pero ahora les escribo que no se asocien con nadie que lleve el nombre de hermano si es culpable de inmoralidad sexual o de avaricia, o si es idólatra, injuriador, borracho o estafador, ni aun para comer con tal persona. 12 Porque ¿qué tengo yo que ver con juzgar a los de fuera? ¿No son los que están dentro de la iglesia a quienes debes juzgar? 13 Dios juzga a los de afuera. “Limpiad al malvado de entre vosotros”.
Spot on Lisa Crews for pointing to 1 Cor 5:9-13 as the appropriate scripture to apply when professing Christians commit heinous sins. I’ve been saying that for years at cryingoutforjustice dot
Blog.
This is a hideous reminder of the grip of evil which holds our planet hostage to Satan. The followers of large ministry personalities often romanticize sin when it comes to believing reports of wrong doing by important leaders. It becomes so easy to say, “Oh. He is a man of God…he couldn’t do anything like that.” When in fact it happens all the time in the Christian world. The elders of the Grace Brethren Church determined, “Paul Guay was such a broken, repentant man over something that happened long ago..” (or words to that effect) This is an example of romanticizing away sin. Usually this is done to “protect the ministry” from being destroyed. But, no single ministry is “too big” to fail.
There is an appearance here of great evil. Do they even know this? Scripture warns us to separate from people like this. Whoever quoted 1 Cor 5 is right on here. This isn’t something they can keep ignoring.
Evil. At least the Catholic Church is defrocking the predators’ enablers.
So I am just trying to understand so be gentle. The article is written with the assumption that John MacArthur is the one lying in all of this. Is it possible that others could be lying? Or do we just go with the built in assumption in this story?
Well said Katherine—I think you articulate things better than I.
Katherine Smith says “So I am just trying to understand so be gentle. The article is written with the assumption that John MacArthur is the one lying in all of this. Is it possible that others could be lying? Or do we just go with the built in assumption in this story?”
The evidence provided shows a letter from John Macarthur stating that he didn’t know abuse was going on, but also an affidavit from one of the people involved stating that they told Macarthur that abuse was going on.
So Macarthur is either lying, or he had forgotten the incident when he wrote the 2003 letter. If the person who made the affidavit is lying, then they can be charged with perjury.
One doesn’t know if one doesn’t look. He was supposed to be looking and listening.
That’s my point. Is it “possible” that the man in the affidavit be lying?
What is the alternate scenario you are envisioning?
MacArthur says in the 2003 email “I had no knowledge of any molesting as you claim. When there was some accusation against him, he told me it was his bitter first wife and the only thing he ever did was rub his daughter’s back while she was going to bed–something any loving father might do–and he said it was completely innocent.”
Don’t you see MacArthur admitted there were accusations of molestation yet also claims he didn’t know about molestation?
The fact he blamed the victim for holding a grudge much later should show how little compassion MacArthur has.
Charged with perjury? Definition of perjury: ” The crime of intentionally lying AFTER being duly sworn to tell the truth by a notary public, court clerk or other official “
Kathrine
Here is what I find troubling – say John Tucker is lying about the meeting and Wendy forged the handwritten letter from John MacArthur, it still leaves us with the typed letter from John to Wendy where he says that while Paul never confessed to him, he knew about the alleged molestation but, on Paul’s word, dismissed it as lies from a bitter ex-wife. Does this not trouble you as well?
So, to completely relieve John from any wrongdoing, we would have to believe that even that letter is a fabrication. I don’t think the writer would take on such a risk just to make a megachurch pastor look bad.
And the McArthurite worshippers show up and complain that their idol is in real life a viperous snake! There is a big brood here leveraging God for their own fortune and fame. I was once shown a cell in hell reserved for false believers. John and his criminal accomplices will very shortly all be in rooms like that. There is nothing Christian about this. These are truly Sons of the Devil just like Jesus said…
Wow. That is quite the charge.
Excellent article, but such a disturbing case. It is my desire that the families involved will have a semblance of healing. Words cannot express sorrow for this great tragedy.
Are there any pastors/elders who actually use their heads? When you read this guy’s back round prior to being hired at Grace Community Church how did he ever get hired? Even after his confessions why was he retained for another three years? How did he go on to get hired in Reseda, at Placerita Baptist Church, and later at his last church in Washington? What is the point of being the world’s most known expositional preacher when you make decisions like those in the article?
Brad Hurst
Graduate and Former Employee of The Masters University.
And this is his response:
When Wendy mentioned the additional victims and her fear that her father might abuse again, she said MacArthur lamented hiring Guay because he had been divorced.
Talk about somebody not getting it.
Exactly. And a pastor can sexually molest his daughter and that doesn’t disqualify him from ministry but being caught kissing and hugging the secretary gets him fired. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not right either but the hierarchy of forgivable offenses seems to be a bit off to me.
Apart from criminal statutes of limitation, we have here are multiple accounts of felony-conviction-worthy child molestation, predation, and sexual offensives – by one known man – Paul Guay. A man and pastor whose person and offenses were made known to many California fellow church leaders and pastors – including John MacArthur – none of whom ever reported the egregious criminal acts to the real jurisdictional government authorities for such matters.
And concerning Wendy Guay – the child and victim of the sexual abominations – not one of these men who claim agency for the great Shepherd walked in truth – then or now – and stepped in harm’s way to open the door for the community to help her – after the churches had failed so miserably – and indeed had pushed her aside. The man, the pastor, the sexual predator, he was the priority for MacArthur and his like-minded male-only elders and pastors – no matter the carnage cost to victims.
MacArthur sees no higher authority than himself in how he operates. He will decide the fate of Paul Guay – and Wendy Guay. And if he needs to lie – fail to report a criminal act – or deny decades later any knowledge – he will do so. His behaviors belie any affirmation of accountability to government authorities. He prefers holding court in his church. It is not uncommon – if not heartily supported among his church fellows. Including it appears in places that give him platform and affirmation like Ligonier Ministries.
Let’s pray that John MacArthur will pass this spiritual test at this late stage of his illustrious life of service for the Glory of God and the blessing of God’s people. Let’s pray that the best is yet to come. The biblical solution is to these revelations of believing sexual predators and not their victims is simple. Confession of making several mistakes in accepting at face value testimony from sexual predators pretending to be bible believing servants of God. This is not at all unusual. Julie is very effectively exposing this nation wide infiltration of perverts into bible believing churches. It is in fact the order of the day in most evangelical churches to believe the criminal and disbelieve the victims. The predators have groomed the adults long before they started molesting their children. We have not read of any accounts of John MacArthur abusing any children or acting improperly with anyone of any age. Being mislead is a lack of judgement. Not confessing it is pride. Let’s pray that the Lord will show brother MacArthur the right Scriptural path of repentance, confession and making things right with the many who have been victimized. Then let’s pray that Brother MacArthur will set the tone of getting law enforcement involved at the first hind of child abuse. Bro MacArthur will set the example and many on his staff will follow and renewal will follow. PS My personal experience of trying to clean house can be read here: https://julieroys.com/pastor-alves-accused-grooming-girls-still-ministry/
How about you pray what you want and we’ll pray what we want. We don’t need you trying to control us.
The problem with your suggestion is that it appears that JM has been tested repeatedly on this and he has failed the test. Yes, it would be great if he were to repent, but the fruit of that would not be the continuation of an illustrious career, but of his resignation (what I’ve often heard him say should be done with an elder who sins – public rebuke and removal).
An underlying issue here might be the false maxim that as long as one preaches the truth, one need not practice the truth. This is hypocrisy. To the extent that JM has sat in Moses’ seat, we can agree with the truth, but we should not follow blind guides.
“Not confessing it is pride.”
Actually, it’s also siding with those whom Jesus said it’s better that they be drowned in the depth of the sea. Steven, you are grossly underrating this, and this is not the heart of Christ. The heart of Christ is that they be drowned in the depths of the sea, so strong is His love for children.
John MacArthur is currently listed as one of the featured speakers at Sing! 2022. I trust that Keith Getty and those in charge of the conference will remove John MacArthur from the September conference in Nashville.
https://gettymusicworshipconference.com/
Excellent point, Mr. Giordano. In February 2020 I protested Ravi Zacharias’s invitation to speak at Sing! 2020 because his many lies had discredited him. This was before the sex scandal broke. Covid-19 impacted that conference and Zacharias died, rendering moot all his speaking engagements except for the one where he must render account to the Lord of hosts. We are now at a point with MacArthur where we were with Zacharias (and Hybels and MacDonald and Driscoll). MacArthur’s constant lying (just look up what he said about his football career and civil rights involvement!), and taking credit for the work of others, and financial self-indulgence, and support for pedophile monsters in the ministry along with cruel attacks on their victims all make it plain that this fiend who had the gall to stamp his unholy name on a Bible is just a false brother.
I make my appeal directly to a former professor of mine, Don Carson – another invited speaker for Sing! 2022. By God’s grace I think I’ve learned more from you than from any individual except C. S. Lewis. You know that you cannot share holy communion with unrepentant MacArthur. You cannot speak along with him on the same platform. Don’t do this.
McArthur’s resume is Ful of hypocricy and corruption underneath the veil
Watch
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XXjDYaGleZM&list=UU4h08ypfrtFGdgu-OBwAUDQ&index=89
For the slander-ites, I want to point out that MacArthur incriminates himself:
“I had no knowledge of molesting as you claim. When there was some accusation against him, he told me it was his bitter first wife and the only thing he ever did was rub his daughter’s back while she was going to bed—something any loving father might do . . . Since the accusations were only second-hand and hearsay to me, and Paul was a trusted person, there was nothing to do but accept his word.”
Let’s dissect this. “Some accusation… only thing he ever did was rub his daughter’s back”. So, what was this accusation, then? Obviously something along the lines of “rubbing his daughters’ back”, but sinful. In other words, child molestation. So, MacArthur admits that he heard Paul Guay being accused of child molestation.
MacArthur’s letter to Wendy acknowledges something to forgive. So let’s put the facts together:
1) MacArthur admits that Guay was accused of child molestation
2) MacArthur refused to consider anything other than Tucker’s accusations, then dismissed them as hearsay
3) MacArthur wrote a letter to Wendy that her father was “sad” about the “situation” and she should forgive him
4) MacArthur admitted to accepting Guay’s account since he was a “trusted person” and accusations were “hearsay” yet he had to have known that Wendy and Lisa were victims and eyewitnesses, something he could have easily investigated. Whether he knew Guay molested, or refused to entertain accusations against Guay is immaterial. They are both considered a coverup.
Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
Especially important to bear in mind if you belong to a church or in any way identify with a spiritual movement or tradition that emphasizes hierarchical authority and demands loyalty and deferential obedience of its rank and file.
In this world, no system is foolproof, and it is becoming increasingly clear that no type of institution, sacred or secular, is immune to abusers and leaders who cover for them, hoping a messy situation will just go away.
As can be seen here, none of this is new. The difference is, in our current era, whistle blowers are very well-equipped to blow the lid off.
Be careful out there, folks; don’t set yourself up for a faith crisis by placing any particular leader or teacher between you and God. Jesus is our sole mediator and our great high priest. And if you’re in a position of institutional authority and trust, make sure you’re doing right by people, because sooner or later, it’s all going to come out.