Letter from Mr. K-- and Mr. T-- to Misty Irons

March 4, 2003

Dear Misty,

            After reading your letter of October 19, we felt it was important for us to specify in written form our reasons for twice directing you to shut down your MusingsOn website.  These reasons are enclosed.  Some of them may not have been clearly stated in our July meeting, but they do reflect the current thinking of those on the Session who still believe the website ought to be discontinued.  The entire Session granted us permission to send you this letter, but please be aware, it represents our views only - not those of the entire session.  We regret how long it has taken us to respond to your letter, and we seek your forgiveness for our delay.

            One point of clarification about your October letter may be helpful here.  You stated in it that the only Scripture you recall being brought to your attention in our July meeting was [Mr. K--’s] reference to Ephesians 5:11.  [Mr. T--] recalls, however, encouraging you to consider the charge (and its first specification) that was at that time pending before Presbytery regarding your husband’s views on homosexuality.  We believe that the Biblical passages and arguments mentioned in that charge support the Session’s mandate to you to shut down the website.  For that reason, we are including a copy of the first two pages of that charge with this letter.

            We have also included a response to the most recent posting on your site.  We have done so for two reasons: 1)  We believe it is a sane and effective critique of your article that echoes our sentiments quite well.  2) We want you to be aware that we are convinced by this response (and others like it as well) that you are no longer operating a site that is a private concern.  People both inside and outside of our denomination are now aware of your connection with the OPC, and we do believe that the continuation of your site will endanger both the peace and purity of our church.

            Our hope is that the enclosed statements will help clarify our position in such a way that the misunderstandings you mentioned in your recent letter will no longer be a cause for concern.  Further, it remains our firm conviction that you should discontinue MusingsOn without any further delay.

            We continue to pray for you, as you seek the Lord’s guidance in dealing with the issues before us.

For His Glory,

[Mr. K--]

[Mr. T--]