FrikirkeNet's comment on Metroxpress' articles about Evangelist
It is distressing to once again read accounts of what took place years ago at Evangelist, and to know that there are victims who are still affected by it to this day. We have the deepest sympathy for the victims – several of them are now part of our churches, and we have tried to help them in the process of coming to terms with what they were subjected to.
When a church leader abuses their authority to exploit and manipulate people, it is doubly tragic because the church's message is precisely about mercy and love. People who seek out a church environment should be able to feel completely secure that they will encounter genuine care, warmth, and selfless help.
In 2007, Evangelist applied for membership in FrikirkeNet, which we rejected. There were two main reasons for this:
- Evangelist practiced a leadership style with one very strong and controlling leader
- Evangelist had a long history of poor relationships with other churches
Although Evangelist also had supporters from within the Danish National Church, the majority of Evangelist's followers came from various free churches, and a small group of free churches also collaborated with Evangelist on various events. However, the organization has always been controversial in free church circles, and both the free church denominations and FrikirkeNet have distanced themselves and expressed concern regarding Evangelist. Those who collaborated with Evangelist were thus a minority of the country's more than 325 free churches. Many of these collaborating churches were also quick to end the partnership, as they did not perceive things at Evangelist to be healthy.
It is crucial for a church's ability to remain healthy in the long run that its leaders are accountable to someone. Therefore, FrikirkeNet recommends that all free church pastors and leaders participate in an accountability structure where people from other churches have a voice in the life and work of the individual churches.
Furthermore, it is our position that one should strive for transparency in financial, doctrinal, and leadership matters. We welcome any exposure of unhealthy, cult-like environments. Living in a country like Denmark with extensive civil liberties is a privilege, but also a responsibility.
In its articles, Metroxpress refers to Evangelist as a free church. This is factually incorrect. Evangelist is and has never been anything other than an "interdenominational mission organization" (quote from Evangelist's articles of association). We are naturally disappointed that the term free church is used for an organization that we publicly distanced ourselves from several times as early as 2007.
Tonny Jacobsen
Spokesperson for FrikirkeNet
FrikirkeNet is a network of free churches, institutions, and organizations from the Pentecostal churches,
the Apostolic Church, the Mission Covenant Church, the Baptist Church, as well as independent free churches and house churches.