Statement from Church Council:

On September 15th the Conference Committee on Authorized Ministry (CCAM) for the Iowa Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC) notified Paula Anderson that it had performed a Fitness Review which had involved input from Paula. Paula was informed that her Authorization to perform as a UCC Minister and to hold herself out as one was suspended. The CCAM notified the Peace UCC Church Council of this action on the morning of September 16th. A special meeting of the Church Council was called for the next morning and when the council members arrived, they found Paula cleaning out her personal property, papers and office. When she was finished, she turned her keys in to the church. The Council was meeting to determine how to handle the worship service for the ensuing Sunday. It was agreed to allow Paula to preach that Sunday and then the congregation would be informed that this would be her last service.

The Bylaws of Peace UCC Church require its pastor to have ministerial standing with an association of the UCC Church. The call agreement signed by Paula also allows for immediate termination upon suspension of ministerial standing. When Paula's authorization was suspended, she no longer could be the pastor at Peace UCC Church.

On October 6th the Church Council of Peace UCC Church voted to terminate the Call agreement as per the language there-in. Pursuant to that agreement, Council voted to continue paying Paula her full salary through the end of the year.

Some of the statements made by Paula Anderson on Sunday October 4th during the announcement portion of the service were false. She was no longer the pastor of Peace Church and could not call a special meeting of the congregation. There is no special meeting this coming Sunday.

It is anticipated that a Conference Pastor will be attending our church service on November 22nd to explain the ministerial fitness process, to preach that Sunday and to answer questions congregants may have. More information will be available as we draw closer to that date.

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about this decision. Members of Peace Church may contact any Council member for further clarification of this matter.

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