24/september/2008

THE Brentwood Gazette has been given an exclusive look at letters sent by Michael Reid to his former flock at the Peniel Church in Brentwood.
The nine letters, handed over by sources close to Mr Reid and sent out to residents in just one month, include details of two settlements offered to him and his wife Ruth in the months following the revelation of his affair with another church member.
The sources claim that, rather than encouraging church members to follow Mr Reid to another ministry, the letters are his attempt to set the record straight and that he has no intention of trying to return to the Peniel.
The two settlements offered to the couple – the first for £100,000 for Ruth and the second of £500,000 to them both – were subsequently turned down. Our sources say this is because they did not reflect the contribution Reid had made to the church over more than 30 years.
The sources claimed the settlement offers have been brought to the Gazette in order to explain why Mr Reid remains living in Testimony House in Coxtie Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch, and why no settlement has yet been agreed.
In the sixth letter Mr Reid acknowledges that one of the subjects which has antagonised Peniel members is his refusal to accept the Board of Trustees' offers and says: "In no way were we going to do anything to create problems for the church members. We love you."
And in the seventh, he adds: "We would never destroy what God gave us the vision to establish."
The first of the letters, sent on August 24 and signed by "Bishop and Ruth Reid", explains: "My wife and I are alive! We would both like to apologise for the unexpectedly long time since we have been in touch, and we want you to know that our concern for you is as real as ever."
While the second makes reference to his "adulterous affair, which I have never denied nor would do so," the following three surround biblical passages concerning sin, forgiveness and personal responsibility, the fifth adding: "Do not allow others to turn you into something that you are not".
The eighth letter again repeats the earlier message, stating: "Be assured we would never do anything to disrupt the survival of God's establishment which He used me and my wife to nurture, develop and grow for 32 years".
The ninth letter, simply attaching the second offer the couple were made, was sent on September 14, just three weeks after the first.
When asked to comment, Mr Reid said: "I am aware you have my letters and I am quite happy for you to use them."
The Peniel Church refused to comment.