Resignation Letter
Dear _______ and all our meeting folk,
This is a hard letter to put into words without causing offence to anyone. But with much consideration in concerning the handling of the crisis within the ministry and fellowship, both Yvonne and myself feel that we can not align ourselves with the ‘system’ within ‘the way’ any longer.
Our decision to step aside from meetings and convention may come as a shock to many, but we haven’t made this decision on a ‘knee jerk’ reaction, but rather through much prayer and with a desperate need to seek God’s guidance in truth and righteousness. After becoming aware of the magnitude of CSA and SA and the disregard by overseers and head workers in supporting the victim/survivors, but yet continue to make great effort to keep meetings open for predators, we feel we just can’t turn a blind eye to this sad apathetic situation.
We won’t disclose all of our grievances here as there are many others regarding doctrinal issues which are very divisive. After all that has been revealed to us over the past 18 months, we feel very disquieted and disillusioned by man’s interference and cover ups, mainly within the ministry. We understand that not all workers have a bad reputation, but if we turn a blind eye to wrong, then we are complicit and become an accessory to the crime: We are part of it.
We have lost our faith and trust in the operations of a ‘system’ governed by the commandments of men. Our faith and hope remains solely in Jesus—The way, Truth and The Life. Our salvation is dependant on the Grace of God through the life and sacrifice of Jesus.
Please don’t feel sad or sorry for us—We haven’t turned ‘bitter’ nor have we ‘lost out’, but rather the opposite: We now see things more through the eyes of Jesus. Our hearts are filled with much love and compassion for others as the Holy Spirit makes His abode within our hearts. We have no qualms with any of you within the meeting, nor do we have any intent to influence your lives, so feel free to open your hearts to us—We are still just normal old David and Yvonne, your friends, with Christian Love.
David & Yvonne (Wilton) Driussi
Bexhill, Northern Rivers, NSW Australia.
October 2024
Addendum to Our Resignation Letter
To our connected, concerned and caring friends,
Since sending this letter to our meeting folk, we have received two kind and understanding responses. They expressed appreciation for the fellowship and friendship they have shared with us over the past six decades, along with some spiritual advice.
While we appreciate the wonderful memories of days gone bye, it doesn’t help solve the crisis which we face today. Nor does it help to create a better future for coming generations.
While there are many evil happenings in ‘the way’, we find it hard to accept that the magnitude of this corruption is far greater than any other ‘worldly church’. How can this be if it is the only way by which man can be saved?
We don’t feel that God is going to fix the problems which man has created by his own sinful ways. We believe God has opened our eyes through many different avenues to this worldwide evil and has given us an insight on how to fix these man-made problems.
There are great concerns regarding child sexual abuse and sexual abuse, plus lots of doctrinal issues, which are causing much division within the ministry and fellowship worldwide. There are many questions which need to be answered but overseers and senior workers do not appreciate questions from the unqualified or the lay person.
We don’t feel the need to defend ourselves or our decision before man as we know every man is right in his own eyes. Man’s wisdom leads into a maze. So, we trust the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truths. Also we are not here to refute or dispel another’s belief in following their own calling.
We may grieve our place in the fellowship which has been part of our lives for 60 years, but God has opened to us a much broader fellowship, not only with God-fearing people but also with lowly, disadvantaged, child-like souls who are striving to make their way in this present evil world. Just like Jesus did so often as he sat with many publicans and sinners.
To sum up our hope of a better future:
Tomorrow’s path to us is all unknown, but we will trust the future to the Father’s hand—He knows and plans our way.
When o’er our head the sky may clouded be,
Just hear the Father say,
“This, too, shall pass – it bears the promise of
A brighter, clearer day.”
So, in faith we trust His keeping for the next step on the way.
David and Yvonne (Wilton) Driussi
October 16, 2024