June 9, 2009 Letter to Bishop

Martinez United Methodist Church
100 Church Street
Martinez CA 94553

June 9, 2009

Bishop Walter H. Brown, Jr., Bishop
California-Nevada Conference
P. O. Box 980250
Sacramento, CA 95798

Dear Bishop Brown:

At the request of the congregation, we met today with District Superintendent Renae Extrum-Fernandez to discuss the questions and concerns we raised in our two letters to you and to her. The response we received was uninformative to the point of disingenuousness. Our questions were turned aside through an excessive reliance on the umbrella of “personnel confidentiality” and “the greater picture”.

The superintendent did seem greatly uninformed by the extent of Rev. Cruz’s health issues and their impact on his ability either to move or to serve. We conclude that they were apparently not incorporated in your decision. The superintendent also acknowledged that appointments will continue to be made, even after the annual conference.

In view of these facts and given that our problems with the merits and process remain unexplained, that the assignment was made absent knowledge of Rev. Cruz’s medical and personal circumstances, and that the impact of the decision will be destructive to Rev. Cruz, his family, and this congregation, we consider these pastoral assignments to remain open and urge your serious reconsideration.

We are available to meet with you.

Sincerely,

S/Robert Sartin
Chair, Pastor Parish Committee