Suspended Calvary Church pastor John Munro will return to his flock next week after an investigation determined a complaint that he violated the employee handbook “was not supported,” a church elder announced at a service Sunday. Munro was at the service and received a standing ovation after the announcement.
“Although we’re not at liberty to share specific details, we feel one of our obligations as elders is to be as transparent as possible,” said elder Bill Bailey, representing Calvary’s lay leaders, at the end of the 9:45 a.m. service. “I wanted to let you know that after extensive analysis in the investigation report, multiple session meetings and extensive prayer, the session determined that the specific handbook violation alleged was not supported.”
Bailey continued that the third-party investigation did reveal, however, that Munro used judgment that did not align with the high expectations to which church leaders are held.
Moments later, Munro, a native of Scotland who has been the megachurch’s senior pastor since 2006, addressed the congregation. He took the podium and first let out a long exhale as the congregation gave him a standing ovation. “Thank you,” he said. “It’s good to be back.”
He then acknowledged that he had committed “an innocent error of judgment that while was neither unlawful nor sinful, failed to demonstrate the judgment the church expects of me.”
He also asked for the congregation’s forgiveness for his “shortcomings.” Munro said that while the last couple of weeks had caused pain and suffering to him and the congregation, he encouraged members to help him move the church forward.
“I thank God for my Godly wife who stood with me,” Munro said. “We will testify that this ordeal has deepened our faith in Christ. We’re not bitter against God, we’re not bitter against people. … Our love for each other as husband and wife has been deepened.”
Munro said he will resume his role as senior pastor Sept. 15 and would resume preaching Sept. 21. He said Sunday afternoon that he had been asked to return this week, but that he already had plans to be out of town.
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The Charlotte Observer
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