Independent Panel for Review of Child Abuse in Mission Settings - Democratic Republic of Congo
A retired United Methodist bishop and two professors in the field of medical care make up an independent panel that receives and assesses reports on alleged child abuse more than 30 years ago at a denominational mission facility in what is today the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bishop Marshall "Jack" Meadors (right), who has a background in justice issues, chairs the "Independent Panel for Review of Child Abuse in Mission Settings," named by the president and chief executive officer of the General Board of Global Ministries,The United Methodist Church. The bishop's two colleagues are Dr. Edith Fresh, an expert in child abuse issues who teaches at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Rev. Jim Evinger, a Presbyterian clergyman who teaches clinical nursing at the University of Rochester. Mr. Evinger assisted the Presbyterian Church (USA) in an independent investigation of allegation of child abuse at the Methodist-Presbyterian Hostel in Kinshasa. During the investigation conducted by the Presbyterians, information surfaced suggesting that Methodist students or personnel also may have been involved in situations of abuse.
Whom to Contact
In addition to the three members of the United Methodist panel, is the coordinator, Lauri B. Bracey, who receives all reports intended for review. Persons who wish to convey information to the independent panel should contact Ms. Bracey by letter or email:
Lauri B. Bracey
P.O. Box 1375
Roswell, GA 30077
Telephone/fax: 770-641-0134.
Email: panelcoordinator@hotmail.com
Bulletins, Reports, and Other Documents