From: Darrell128@aol.com
Date: Sat, 4 Jan 1997 02:12:04 -0500 (EST)
Subject: NR 002: Rhem's Attorney Responds to Classis Actions

NR #1997-002: For Immediate Release
Rhem's Attorney Responds: "Classis... Has Engaged in Conspiratorial Actions
Which Were Maliciously Calculated to Damage Rev. Richard Rhem and Christ
Community Church"

by Darrell Todd Maurina, Press Officer
United Reformed News Service

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (January 3, 1997) URNS -- In a prepared statement, legal
counsel for Rev. Richard Rhem and Christ Community Church of Spring Lake have
issued a response to the January 2 decision of the Muskegon Classis of the
Reformed Church in America. Rhem's attorney, Roger Boer of the Grand Rapids
law firm Rhoades, McKee, Boer, Goodrich, and Titta, states that "Classis
Muskegon of the Reformed Church in America has engaged in conspiratorial
actions which were maliciously calculated to damage Rev. Richard Rhem and
Christ Community Church of Spring Lake, Michigan" and that "it can only be
concluded that the present action is malice-driven."

The following is the complete text of the prepared statement without any form
of editorial comment.

        This statement made by counsel on behalf of Richard Rhem and Christ
Community Church of Spring Lake, Michigan on January 3, 1997.
        Christ Community Church of Spring Lake, Michigan, declared its 
independence
from the Reformed Church in America on July 4, 1996, at the same time Rev.
Richard Rhem resigned as a minister in the denomination.
        Classis Muskegon of the Reformed Church in America has engaged in
conspiratorial actions which were maliciously calculated to damage Rev.
Richard Rhem and Christ Community Church of Spring Lake, Michigan.
        Classis' present publication and classification of an allegation -- which
was investigated and held of no effect in 1982 -- attempts to subvert the
independence and mission of Rev. Rhem and the church.
        Classis has never furnished the allegation to Rev. Rhem, the church, or
their counsel. During the summer of 1996, Classis clandestinely conducted an
investigation, and its own committee found "insufficient evidence on which to
proceed."
        It can only be concluded that the present action is malice-driven.

Cross-References to Related Articles:
#1997-001:      Muskegon Classis Suspends Separation Agreement Until Regional
Synod Adjudicates Appeal on "Gross Sexual Misconduct" Allegations Against
Richard Rhem
[See additional articles at crossreference]

Contact List:
Rev. E. Wayne Antworth, Director, RCA Stewardship & Communication Services
        475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY  10115
        O: (212) 870-2954 * FAX: (212) 870-2499
Roger W. Boer, Esq., Partner, Rhoades, McKee, Boer, Goodrich & Titta,
Attorneys at Law
        161 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI  49503-2793
        O: (616) 235-3500 * FAX: (616) 459-5102
Rev. Richard Rhem, Senior Pastor, Christ Community Church
        225 East Exchange St., Spring Lake, MI  49456
        O: (616) 842-1985 * H: (616) 846-7777 * F: (616) 842-3476
Rev. Richard Veenstra, Classis Minister, Classis of Muskegon (RCA)
        17432 North Shore Estates Rd., Spring Lake, MI  49456
        O: (616) 788-2321 * H: (616) 842-0454




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