Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Christian ethics and theology with an Anabaptist perspective
ken_sylvania
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Re: Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Post by ken_sylvania »

JohnH wrote: ↑Sun Sep 27, 2026 9:44 am A crooked ordination would be one where the same name is simply put in the hymnbooks. One old minister told me he checked the books after an ordination once and found the same name in them (this was many years ago). He let the matter go, but he also told me that sometimes that still goes on in certain circles. I believe him.
Which group was that? I have never heard of putting names in hymnbooks for use in casting the lot.
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ohio jones
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Re: Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Post by ohio jones »

How would that even logically work?

The only name I can think of that might be used would be Samuel. As in 2 Samuel 12:7.
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Ernie
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Re: Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Post by Ernie »

ohio jones wrote: ↑Sun Sep 27, 2026 10:31 pm How would that even logically work?

The only name I can think of that might be used would be Samuel. As in 2 Samuel 12:7.
I wondered the same thing and wondered if this is a tale.
But if the story is true, the bishop could have opened the hymnbook and closed it again even if he saw a slip of paper in it. In some churches, nothing is said to the ones who did not draw the lot as the books are being opened.
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JohnH
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Re: Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Post by JohnH »

Ernie wrote: ↑Mon Sep 28, 2026 7:11 am
ohio jones wrote: ↑Sun Sep 27, 2026 10:31 pm How would that even logically work?

The only name I can think of that might be used would be Samuel. As in 2 Samuel 12:7.
I wondered the same thing and wondered if this is a tale.
But if the story is true, the bishop could have opened the hymnbook and closed it again even if he saw a slip of paper in it. In some churches, nothing is said to the ones who did not draw the lot as the books are being opened.
That’s what I figured. This was an Amish-Mennonite background person. I’ve not been to a non Amish ordination. In my own church we merely use ballots and the counting is overseen by deacons from both the local congregation and from other nearby congregations.
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Valerie
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Re: Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Post by Valerie »

Just saw this- in our area

“Bishop Atlee Yoder of Wayne County, Ohio, was arrested and charged this morning by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for failing to report child sexual abuse within his church.

Historically, bishops and ministry within Plain communities have used Ohio’s reporting laws to justify handling abuse allegations internally. We have repeatedly heard church leaders claim they have an “understanding” with law enforcement — leaving members to believe their cases have been properly reported and handled when, in reality, some allegations have never reached law enforcement and therefore were never investigated.

Accountability cannot stop with the person accused of abusing a child. It must also include those who knew about alleged abuse and had a legal obligation to report it.

Church leadership does not get to operate as its own justice system.

Thank you to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for stepping up for victims and demonstrating that positions of religious authority do not place anyone beyond accountability.”
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barnhart
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Re: Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Post by barnhart »

Valerie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 04, 2026 1:59 pm Just saw this- in our area

“Bishop Atlee Yoder of Wayne County, Ohio, was arrested and charged this morning by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for failing to report child sexual abuse within his church.

Historically, bishops and ministry within Plain communities have used Ohio’s reporting laws to justify handling abuse allegations internally. We have repeatedly heard church leaders claim they have an “understanding” with law enforcement — leaving members to believe their cases have been properly reported and handled when, in reality, some allegations have never reached law enforcement and therefore were never investigated.

Accountability cannot stop with the person accused of abusing a child. It must also include those who knew about alleged abuse and had a legal obligation to report it.

Church leadership does not get to operate as its own justice system.

Thank you to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for stepping up for victims and demonstrating that positions of religious authority do not place anyone beyond accountability.”
I agree with you but this is not related to ordination procedure.
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Valerie
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Re: Allegations of Corruption in Plain Ordinations

Post by Valerie »

barnhart wrote: ↑Sun Oct 04, 2026 2:05 pm
Valerie wrote: ↑Sun Oct 04, 2026 1:59 pm Just saw this- in our area

“Bishop Atlee Yoder of Wayne County, Ohio, was arrested and charged this morning by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for failing to report child sexual abuse within his church.

Historically, bishops and ministry within Plain communities have used Ohio’s reporting laws to justify handling abuse allegations internally. We have repeatedly heard church leaders claim they have an “understanding” with law enforcement — leaving members to believe their cases have been properly reported and handled when, in reality, some allegations have never reached law enforcement and therefore were never investigated.

Accountability cannot stop with the person accused of abusing a child. It must also include those who knew about alleged abuse and had a legal obligation to report it.

Church leadership does not get to operate as its own justice system.

Thank you to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for stepping up for victims and demonstrating that positions of religious authority do not place anyone beyond accountability.”
I agree with you but this is not related to ordination procedure.
Whoops wrong topic. Sorry!
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