This second episode surrounding Bishop Stewart Ruch's presentment trial centers around a letter Megan Tucker (featured in the first episode as one of the writers of the lay presentment) read to Bishop Ruch in 2023. Also included in the episode is a followup response to the Nephtali Matta interview from the Holy Post podcast with a reflection surrounding "safety" in our churches, excerpts from a legally recorded meeting with Bishop Ruch where he responds about his knowledge of Josh Moon's past, insights from ACNAtoo member Audrey Luhmann, and a relevant song from songwriter and church music leader Rachel Wilhelm.
You can find a transcript of this episode here.
Links and articles referenced in this episode:
From the ACNA: "News and Updates on The Ecclesiastical trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch III"
Information from the ACNA on Bishop Ruch's trial details
From ACNAtoo: "Statement Regarding ACNA Provincial Update on Bp. Ruch's Ecclesiastical Trial"
Web Archive version of the ACNA's trial update page
ACNAtoo article: "In the Matter of Stewart E. Ruch III, Bishop of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest"
Resources from Diane Langberg on bringing church to sexual abuse offenders can be found here and here.
You can view the 1997 Rich Mullins concert Live From Lufkin Texas here.
Here are two recent X/Twitter threads with insightful commentary on Bishop Ruch's present, from Arlie Coles and Marissa Franks Burt.
Along with all music streaming services, you can find out about Rachel Wilhelm and her music here and here.
Lyrics to "Vengeance With a Sword":
Hear a bellow from the mountain,
True disaster will go forth
From my holy habitation comes
Vengeance with the sword.
A great whirlwind will be lifted
From the farthest parts of earth
And the situation shifted,
you’ll be kicked up from the dirt.
Shepherds, run and wail,
Roll about in your own filth.
Leaders of the flock,
Your own slaughter is fulfilled
For the trust, the trust that you have killed.
All your peaceful houses cut down,
All your pastures will be marred,
Like a lion I have left my lair to roar alarm.
You will not be lamented,
Or gathered, or buried.
Strewn, will be all the bodies
Like refuse and carrion.
A calamity will rumble
From the wine inside your cup
And if you refuse to take it
I’ll make you drink it up.
Fall and rise no more,
Drain the vintage of my wrath.
Shepherds of the flock,
You won’t survive the judgment passed;
It will fall suddenly and fast.
Hear a bellow from the mountain,
True disaster will go forth,
From my holy habitation comes
Vengeance with the sword.