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)

Randall Forester, pastor of St. Paul’s, said Hicks is known in the area as a person who walks along the side of a road to Chicora, which is just over the Butler County line.

“Everybody’s seen Billy,” Forester said.

After community members began befriending Hicks, they saw the man’s home, which is now nothing more than a dilapidated two-story brick structure with pine cones strewn throughout the inside. They knew they had to do something to help the man.

Read the rest of the article: Volunteers build replacement for man’s dilapidated home

St. Paul’s Community Church of Chicora, PA is a“Faithful and Welcoming” congregation in the United Church of Christ .

Editor’s Note: The United Church of Christ was formed, in part, from the Evangelical and Reformed Church – a merger of Lutheran and Reformed congregations. In honor of this heritage and our stated interest in the theology of the Reformation, we pass this along.

Donate Theological Books
The Institute of Lutheran Theology is a new pan-Lutheran seminary grounded in the Scriptures and in classical Christianity of the Historic Christian Church..  The Institute is in need of donated books for its library. Begun last year, the Institute ministers to the theological and educational needs of those who are studying for the ministry, for pastors in congregations, and for laypeople who wish to grow in their theological understanding. While it is Lutheran in orientation, it seeks to be of benefit to the Christian Church at large.  This Fall the Institute began its first year of M.Div. classes. The Institute is seeking to build a library that can be used by both its students and its faculty. The school is asking clergy to consider donating a portion of their library, or, in cases of retired pastors, their entire library to the Institute. This is a great way to make sure that your books live on and minister to others long after you are gone. Those who are interested should contact the Rev. Douglas Morton, Library Director for the school. You may email him at dmorton@instituteoflutherantheology.org. For more information about the Institute of Lutheran Theology, please visit their web site at www.instituteoflutherantheology.org.