My reading of the situation: It is claimed that the leader (Pastor Gary Kent) was 'fired' from his position leading a semi-independent ministry (It Is Written Oceania (IIWO)), because the SPD is threatened by conservatives who are not completely under their control.
There are claims in the comments section that the SPD hates conservative pastors and church members.
Is this sensationalism or is there an element of truth to it?
If this is an example of persecution, this is an opportunity for each of us to remember our own choices and commitments. We need to be dependent on God for knowledge, understanding and most importantly wisdom.
Thank you for sharing this insight. We'll have to wait and see what transpires when the dust settles.
Keep in mind that Australia has very strict confidentiality agreements for employers and employees. If the SPD is completely justified in dismissing Pr Kent, they would not be able to give details to clarify the action.
Prayers are needed for all concerned, including us onlookers. I have read some very nasty comments, but this is uncalled for. God wants us to be Christlike in our attitude and approach regardless. Anyway, it is an opportunity, at a time like this, for each of us to sit up and take note of our personal commitments and choices.
A fundraising page has been set up. It doesn't look like there is much financial aid forthcoming through this channel. Perhaps donors are waiting for the upcoming fundraising event as stated in the Record article.
It is possible that the SPD administration had an ulterior motive in dismissing Pr Kent from church employment. However, Australian employment law is so strict that they must have had a "valid reason for the dismissal related to the employees capacity or conduct" otherwise the administration would be in deep legal trouble.
The dismissal of Gary Kent as director/speaker of IIWO was part of an attempt at an intellectual property grab by the south pacific division SPD from the international arm of It Is Written (USA). SPD failed in their attempt to Grab Amazing Facts/Discoveries. Three of the four staff let at IIWO. The SPD are trying to control the social media backlash by cold calling the regular posters like myself. SPD want to merge and collapse IIWO under Hope Channel against donor wishes. Further information here https://www.facebook.com/supportersofprgarykent/
It seems to me that they got rid of him because of his employment practices with that one woman who needed a visa to work.
Whether that was warranted or not, I don't know.
However, in going to the "RECORD" website, and reading several of their articles, it looks to me that they are all for rebellion in the church.
Time to drain the church swamp!
Indeed, there are signs of rebellion everywhere. I've lost count of the times I've given into peer pressure. We are all engaged in the Laodicean church.
We must REJOICE, PRAY AND GIVE THANKS! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. We must abide in Jesus at all times in anticipation of his soon coming.
Please pray for SPD, IIWO and Gary Kent as mediatation is conducted. It's a big mess. My concern is the humble SDAs and non-SDAs looking on in bewilderment.
In checking up on this story, I found this news: "In a display of humility, we understand that Pr Kent has discontinued his unfair dismissal case in the Fair Work Commission against the Adventist Media Network (AMN) that was due to be heard in mid-September." That was after the SPD didn:t do much, if anything, to mediate the case, and they even hired lawyers to defend themselves.
Gary Kent is listed among the speakers at a November 4-5 "Prophetica 2017" in Toowoomba City, near Brisbane.
