The bishop and leaders of the Indiana Annual Conference issued a progress report July 27 to follow up on agreement to improve the conference's vetting of candidates ministry and supply pastors.
The process responds to the faulty assignment of a lay supply pastor, Jerry Hoss, to a two-point charge in Anderson, Ind., despite his criminal record for "official misconduct." Mr. Hoss was convicted of having sent inappropriate sexual messages to two students while a principal in the Fanklin, Ind., school district.
Because his offense was plea-bargained down to a lesser felony, Mr. Hoss wasn't required to register as a sex offender despite the nature of his crime. His offense was uncovered by the Anderson Herald Bulletin newspaper after his assignment by North Central District superintendent, the Rev. Chris Nunley.
After news of Mr. Hoss' offense became public, 16 Indiana clergywomen drafted an open letter to Bishop Julius C. Trimble and the Indiana cabinet demanding his removal and investigation into the conference hiring process. Dozens of Indiana clergy signed on to the open letter, and Bishop Julius C. Trimble and cabinet members met with the letter originators to devise a plan for improving the conference process.
The following progress report was distributed July 17.
Process Update Statement
The work of the Bishop and Extended Cabinet continues with actions focused on review, accountability and healing related to the failures of the assignment of Jerry Hoss as a supply pastor.
Expertise has been sought from COSROW (the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women) and their Senior Director of Sexual Ethics and Advocacy. The Commission has provided resources and counsel for concentrating on the pain and healing that is being addressed.
- A complete review is being conducted in each district by the Conference Superintendent and District Committee on Ministry (DCOM) for each church being served by a SUPPLY assignment, with background checks, and required forms under examination.
- Among other resourcing, COSROW will be leading an education event for the Bishop and Extended Cabinet in August.
- Bishop Julius C. Trimble has engaged Rev. Chris Nunley in a process of self-care, reflection, and evaluation. During that intentionally-focused period and review process, Rev. Nunley will be relieved of his responsibilities as Conference Superintendent for 10-12 weeks beginning July 27, 2020. North Central District churches and pastors will be directed to contact Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson who will be acting as Interim Conference Superintendent.
- Additionally, a plan is being developed toward repentance and healing to address the hurt experienced in this situation, particularly for the churches involved, and any who have experienced harm. A service of prayer is being planned by the Bishop’s Office in consultation with several of the original signers of the Open Letter.