United Church of Christ Affair Crisis Deepens
The announcement by the UCC Leadership that former President John Thomas is divorcing his wife to “live in a committed relationship” with a former co-worker has created a deepening crisis of confidence in the denomination. While it has since come to light that Thomas has had a long standing affair with UCC Ecumenical Officer Lydia Veliko, the UCC Collegium has indicated that it will make no further Statement or reveal additional facts.
Dr. Thomas travelled with Veliko since 2005 to Micronesia, India, Germany, South America, Jerusalem and numerous other locations. Their extensive travel schedule was sponsored and paid for from church funds. Questions are being raised about whether other national staff knew and what if any action was taken. Lydia Veliko resigned as Ecumenical Officer on June 16th, effective the “end of summer”. Thomas, who was the Ecumenical Officer before being elected President, brought Veliko then in her mid 30′s, to the position shortly after his election in 2000. As President, Dr. Thomas came under strong criticism for his aggressive support for the UCC to sanction alternative sexual relationships and the redefinition of marriage. Both Thomas and Veliko came under fire for their public statements condemning Israel. Further information can be found at http://biblicalwitness.org
John Thomas and Lydia Veliko had a rather remarkable travel schedule together including Micronesia in winter, Jerusalem (twice) in winter, springtime in Manhattan, autumn in Washington, Europe and the mountains of South America. Lydia had an apartment within walking distance of the Thomas home in Shaker Heights, near the commuter train station from which they commuted together into the Cleveland Headquarters. Sources have indicated to BWF that travel companions and national staff were aware of the relationship between Thomas who is 61 and Veliko who is in her late 40′s. Veliko’s resignation letter (link) indicates she is leaving the national staff for personal reasons but makes no reference to the relationship. BWF Executive Director David Runnion-Bareford has issued a statement as follows:
“The Church of Jesus Christ has been compromised terribly by those in Catholic and Evangelical leadership who fail to practice what we preach, but this sadly is a leader who preached what he practiced perhaps in the delusion that vocal advocacy for the sanction of sexual license would justify his own sin. It appears that he cheated on both his wife and all of us in the church. It should not be our task to bring this to light. It is time for Geoff Black and the UCC leadership to step forward and tell the full truth. Transparency and honesty is critical to restoring trust.”
A partial list of the Thomas – Veliko travel schedule included:
> India – February 2005
> Micronesia – March 2005
> Jerusalem (Israel, Palestinian territory) – December 2005
> Montreal – September 2006
> Washington – November 2006
> Southern California – February 2007
> Manhattan – April 2008
> Chile (South America) – August 2008
> Jerusalem – March 2009
> Germany – March 2009
Here is a scanned copy of Lydia Veliko’s resignation letter:
Veliko Resignation Letter (pdf)
