Matthew wanted to jump up and smack the smug smile off of Greg's face. “I guess that you'll have
To go to the bishop” Was Matthew's response. Greg said, “Somehow, I knew that you'd say that.
Not only will the leaders of the congregation hear the report and see the photos, but the Presiding
Bishop of the church will see every thing. You'll not only be run out of this congregation, but out
Of the church body as well.” That was it. All Matthew could say was; “Get out of my office.”
Greg continued to smile. “I hope that you have a nice visit with the bishop. Have a nice day.”
With that, Greg left the office.
Matthew was by now, a bundle of nerves. He didn't know what to do. He though about calling
Phillip. He knew that he'd soon be hearing from the bishop and the leaders of the congregation. He
Picked up the phone and called Phillip, He had to talk. Matthew needed to see Phillip as soon as
Possible.
When he got Phillip on the phone, Matthew was almost out of his mind. “Phil, it's all over.
That S.O,B. Greg has photos of you and I together. We need to talk. Can you come over to the
Church? No, wait-come to my place tonight. We need to talk about what to do next.” After he
Hung up the phone, Matthew tried to get some work done. He couldn't focus on anything. He
Left the church and went home.
That evening, Matthew and Phillip tried to figure out what their next move would be. Phillip
Suggested, “Now would be the time to come out. Take off the mask and be done with it before this
Guy goes to the bishop.” Matthew resisted the idea of coming out now. “If I do that, think of what it
Would do to the people of New Hope.” “Right now,” Phillip said, “You need to be concerned about
Yourself. Look at what this is doing to you! Be true to yourself; stop hiding behind a mask. It's over
Anyway. If Greg goes to the bishop and to the leaders of the congregation, guess what they'll ask you to
Do?” All Matthew could say was; “Resign.”
Matthew took Phillip by the hand. “I'll lose my job, but I don't want to lose you. All that I can
Do until then is to carry on with my duties until I hear from the bishop. Then, we will just go on from
There.” It was a emotional moment for the both of them as they hugged each other. Phillip went home,
And Matthew turned in for the night. If Greg played his hand, than the next few days would prove to be
Rather interesting.
The next day, Greg was sitting in the office of the bishop. He had all that he needed. He felt that
He was ready for his visit with the bishop. If everything worked out, Matthew would be gone very soon.
“What can I do for you?” Bishop Junkel asked. Greg got right to the point. “One of the pastors in the
District is a homosexual.” This stunned Bishop Junkel. “Who?” “Matthew Payne.” Bishop Junkel was
Speechless. He thought to himself, “Then the rumors were true.” Looking at Greg, Bishop Junkel
Demanded, “What proof do you have? You've got to showing me something or leave my office.” Greg
Gave Bishop Junkel a folder. “In this folder are photos and a investigator's report.” When Bishop Junkel
Saw the photos and read over the report, his heart sank. He didn't want to believe it, but here was the
Proof. “How did you get all of this?” The bishop demanded to know. Greg explained to the bishop that
He had hired a private investigator, and that he had taken some of the photos himself.
Bishop Junkel wanted to know why Greg had gone through so much time and effort to do this.
Greg explained that he wanted to protect this church from people such as Matthew Payne. Bishop
Junkel didn't believe Greg, but heard him out anyway. Bishop Junkel was disgusted with Greg.
He didn't know whether he wanted to strangle Greg, or just physically throw him out of the office.
“I can't ignore this. But if I had my way, you would be excommunicated from the church. Now,
Get out.” Before left, he said, “Keep the photos. You'll need them to do your duty. Thanks for
Your time.”
Reluctantly, Bishop Junkel picked up the phone to call Matthew. When the phone rang in
Matthew's office, it was the call that he knew would come. “Hello? Rev. Payne speaking. Yes sir,
I'll be down to your office right away.” Matthew didn't ask Bishop Junkel why he had wanted to
See him. Matthew already knew why. Greg had played his hand, and now it was time to meet with
Bishop Junkel. He already knew what the outcome of the meeting would be. He knew that after
The meeting, it would be doubtful if he would continue to serve as a pastor.
