10 May 2008 - Press Release
Today an allegation has been made, supported we understand by a mainstream faith community in the UK, that the ICSJ is not a real or valid faith community, with less than genuine validity, and that we suggest that we are a branch of Roman Catholicism.
Whilst we respect and admire much of the work of the Roman Church over the years, we have never, nor do we now, claim an association with Rome in any way, other than fellow brothers and sisters on the journey of faith. We are a totally stand alone independent body.
The Office of the Moderator would like to stress that many people in the past 20 years have tried, for various deceiptful purposes, to spread slanderous rumour about us as a faith body, and they are more than welcome to continue, if they really have no more pressing engagements, such as we have, in our limited fashion, of serving the poor and needy of our communities globally.
However, as readers will see from the rest of this site, we do everything we can to ensure that all our representatives are fully investigated, police checked (at their own cost), insured and trained to act as professionally and morally as any member of the public would expect from clergy from any faith. Further, as all our many lay members and adherents who benefit from association with our independent, cross cultural, multifaith and inclusive clergy and pastoral workers in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and community support facilities will attest, there has never been a single incident in the 16 or so years that we have existed as a unified body of the faithful, where this high level has been brought into question, nor has trust ever been abused, probably because we do everything we can to maintain these highest of standards throughout. He would like to point out though that we are all human and full of flaws, hence the reason that rigorous and stringent steps are taken to protect and serve with genuine humility, both each other and those we come into contact with.
The Moderator is extremely proud of all his 'family' within ICSJ and is confident that nothing untoward would ever happen, due to the intense scrutiny and ongoing CPD that takes place daily.
He further wishes to point out, without prejudice, that any person or body who has anything to say against the membership of the ICSJ should have the courage of their convictions to approach Church House direct, for a full and frank open investigation to take place, and not try and muck rake in the background because of their own failings and shortcomings. Also, that any slanderous or indeed libellous accusations against any member of ICSJ, or those who work with us, will lead to legal proceedings being taken, as our right under the civil and constitutional laws of the nation states that our members reside in.
Obviously, this is not designed to stop anyone coming to us with a genuine concern or complaint, which we will treat with the severity it merits and will act with extreme expediency to remedy any genuine issue at once, as per our rigorous policies and procedures.
The Moderator is deeply saddened that this august and respected body of traditional faith seeks to damage our absolutely prisitine reputation by such comments and gives due warning that we will not sit by and see such actions damage not only our reputation, but more importantly, the very genuinely vulnerable and disperate people we represent and serve.