February 22, 2022

In late October 2021, I officially notified Chairman Slade of ongoing disputes and potential unaddressed legal claims between me and the EC arising from that which is covered in my previous statements as well as multiple media reports (here and here, for example). Over the last three months, I’ve met with the EC’s new legal counsel multiple times at their request and provided requested information regarding my dispute with specific EC conduct and negligence. The details of that process and all associated documentation will be part of Guidepost’s investigation and thus this statement is primarily to provide context for why the EC has issued a statement addressing their failure in my case and to express my gratitude for the EC’s action regarding my case today. It is not because anything about me or what I have experienced is somehow deserving of attention when I know very well that there are others who have suffered even more and been waiting for years—decades, even—to get any form of humane treatment, much less apology and clarification. The timeframes in which legal claims must be filed relative to the damaging conduct compelled and determined this be addressed before the Guidepost investigation is complete if litigation was to be avoided. That practical reality being disclosed, I am still fearful that this correction by the EC, although necessary to make public in order to be effective, will be a source of pain for others I know have tried just as hard to get such engagement and response. As such, I cannot acknowledge my appreciation for the EC’s willingness to take action in response to a mistake they made that harmed me without noting that people whose stories I know, respect, and grieve over have not yet received resolution. So, while I hope with my whole heart it doesn’t hurt you all more for me to say so, I just want to acknowledge the courage, worth, dignity, and pain that Christa, Dave, Dee, Debbie, Tiffany, Jules, Hannah-Kate, and others I don’t know to name will go to sleep with tonight just as they have for countless nights before.

I am incredibly thankful for the work of all the journalists working to expose sexual violence, exploitation, and organizational coverups whether in the church, sports, medicine, universities. Sarah, Bob, Rob, Kate, Liam, and others with whom I’ve not worked—thank you. In light of the ongoing Guidepost investigation and my participation in it, I will not be commenting on the resolution of my claims with the EC beyond what I have shared here, but deeply appreciate your work.

Finally, I must acknowledge and thank Pastor Slade, the EC officers, and trustees who agreed to resolve our disputes through their action today as well as their legal counsel who worked quickly to process four years of information. As I’ve shared with those to whom I’ve been able to speak and to their lawyers, although this by no means restores what I’ve lost, I am grateful because it is the only action I could imagine that may at least make the ongoing damage stop. My focus will now turn to my health and trying to build a future. I do so having accepted the apology offered by the EC in their public statement and with enduring gratitude for Rachael Denhollander as well as Russell and Maria Moore—without whom I cannot imagine still being here.

-Jennifer Lyell