1981 9 21 RWR to ADR LaBolle

Dear Dad, p. 1

Tonight I received your letter with enclosures. I respond quickly-but reluctantly to debate such issues often leaves ill feelings and persuades no one.

Ron quotes Scriptures freely often-in my opinion, out of context and sometimes for reasons totally incomprehensible to me. Moreover his memory of events December 1977 differ sufficiently from mine that I find his NOT credible.

With respect to some of his quotes:

1. How did I trespass against LaBolle a the assembly in Atlanta (Matt 18:15)-If I did not trespass against him (them?) why does he cite Matt 18:18,20?

2. I Cor 5 refers to brothers who are fornicator, covetous, idolater, railer, drunkard, extortioner

p. 2 Ron freely states I was charged with none of these. He states I was “put out for wickedness of a character”… and that “Roger did not intend to clear himself of the wickedness which he was promoting in the liberal abortion field”. …”for taking an active and leading role in the promotion of slaughtering…” unborn defenseless children”.

This is the first time Ron has made these charges explicit-moreover he is incorrect-I was explicitly asked to quit my job or leave the assembly.

Ron curiously judges my role with respect to abortion based on only one of my 50+ publications. Moreover he and 2 other young brothers (no elders present) acted hastily (in less than 3 days), conspiratorially

p. 3

(I was not forewarned of purpose of special “brother’s” mtg when I was evicted), in a style reminiscent of mob action, Southern lynchings and kangaroo courts. It was neither just, fair, nor in accord with God’s word (Matt 18:18-20

I am intrigued that 3 young brothers in the Atlanta assembly felt they uniquely had God’s will in judging the sole acceptable reason for abortion (mother’s self-defense). I am especially surprised because when I invited all the brothers in Atl. to my home to discuss the subject in 1971, they all differed as to why abortion was “wrong” and each felt there was at least one circumstance when it was ok-but they differed on the circumstance!

p. 4

Tell me, Dad, under what circumstances do you believe abortion is permissible? Ask 3 groups of 3 brothers in the Walla Walla mtg there opinions. Do they concur 100%? Can they base their opinions on Scripture? How can Ron defend abortion for self-defense unless he places less value on the “unborn” than on those already born (the woman)? Where is unity of the Spirit on abortion? Ron draws one line, I draw another. Both are based on inferences from Scriptures which say nothing about abortion!

p. 5 Yes, I suppose I believe that three young brothers in Atlanta acted evilly towards another brother. Some day with God’s grace I hope I can forgive them. But not today. They have caused too much suffering.

They know not the love of God.

Dad, do not be dismayed by Ronnie Redneck-but do not pursue disputes with him. Even when I was in the meeting he differed with you-once excusing you because of your age for an alleged misinterpretation of Scripture. He’s a troublemaker and can only cause more harm.

p. 6

I love my brethren in Walla Walla and Gresham-and thank those who were kind toward me from the depths of my heart. What a contrast with Ron!!

I was gathered by His Spirit to the Lord’s table for 22 years-and now I’ve been excommunicated for 4-all because of a difference in interpretation of Scriptures-on which I sought no argument-but merely expressed my opinion. Wow! Watch out for the Khomeini’s of America.

Thanks for you many attempts at “reconciliation”-I fear it is not to be, but I am grateful for your love and thoughtfulness. Your son, Roger

P.S. Many arguments could be raised against Ron’s position-but I’m not interested in pursuing arguments with him. I do not seek reconciliation with him.

You may be interested to know that my staff and I have agreed to change the name of our organization unit from Family Planning Evaluation to Reproductive Health and to expand activities to study maternal health problems. We will not discontinue abortion research-but it will subsume a smaller portion of our activities.

However, even if we were to discontinue all abortion research or if I were to take a job in another field of research, I would not seek reconciliation with LaBolle.

Will continue to discuss these issues as long as you are interested but will not object if you lose interest!! I don’t enjoy the suffering which you and other family have incurred!

Love, Roger