When Matthew arrived at Bishop Junkel's office, he could tell that Bishop Junkel was not a
Very happy man. “Sit down, Matthew.” Then the bishop said, “When we first met, I asked you if
There was anything about you that I should be concerned about.” Matthew was at a loss for words.
He felt bad about not being honest with the bishop. Then Bishop Junkel showed Matthew the photos.
“Care to explain these photos?” They were the photos that Greg had taken. He had carried out his
Threat.
Matthew knew that there was no denying the photos. It was time to take the mask off and come
Clean. “Sir, I don't know what to say. The photos speak for themselves. The other man in the photos
Is Phillip Yang. We're lovers. I must also admit that it was true about David Ball and myself. We did
Have a relationship. I did not plan any of this. My only goal was to serve as a pastor. It was never my
Intention to hurt anyone. Bishop Junkel looked at Matthew for a long time. “You know what this
Means.” Matthew knew very well what all this meant. “Yes sir, I will resign my position as soon as
Possible.: Then Bishop Junkel said, “This Greg is a low person. He's done this sort of thing to others
Pastors. When this is all over, I'll deal with him. You should have been more honest with me from the
Beginning . Now, I'll have no other choice but to accept your resignation.” After that, the meeting ended.
When Matthew returned to the church, he received a message from the president of the
Congregation. The church council wanted to meet with him as soon a possible. The next evening,
Matthew had his meeting with the members of the church council. Greg was present at the meeting,
But said nothing. The president spoke on behalf of the council. “Pastor, some disturbing news has
Come to us about your relationship with Phillip Yang. We want to be fair and hear your side of the
Story. Before we come to a decision.”
Matthew said, “I am tired of hiding. I am going to come out now. If you're wondering if I'm
Gay, then the answer is yes. If you're wondering if Phillip and I are lovers, we are. I will save you
The trouble of making a decision. I am going to resign this coming Sunday. I will submit a letter
Of resignation to the congregation. I hope that a certain person here will be happy.”
Greg was indeed happy. He had to pat himself on the back. He had won. The pastor's career had
Been destroyed. Before Greg could gloat too much, the president of the church had some words for him.
“Despite what has happened, we did have a fine pastor in Rev. Matthew. If there were any way, we
Would like to have kept him. But you had to meddle like you've done in the past. Greg, on behalf
Of the church council and the congregation, we would like you to leave and find another church to
Attend. You are no longer welcome here.”
In the semi-dark study, Matthew's mind came back to the present. He still had to get the final draft
Of his letter written . Once it was done, he read it over.
“Dear members of New Hope;
It is with a heavy heart that I announce to you my resignation as your pastor. There have been some
Issues in my life that have caused me to examine my fitness to serve you as your spiritual guide.
Therefore, I feel that it would be best if I moved on. My resignation will be effective today.
Thank you for all of your prayers and your support. It has been a pleasure to have served you
for this brief time.
God bless,
Matthew Payne.”
As Matthew read over the letter, a tear trickled down his cheek. Indeed, the letter was short. He
Wondered if he should have come out in the letter? No, enough people knew by now. All that he
Wanted to do was get Sunday over with and start looking to the future. He now had to figure out what
He was going to do. He looked at the clock, it was already eleven O' Clock. The letter was done as far as
Matthew was concerned. It would be a sad parting, but in some way a burden was lifted. He had taken
Off the mask. It had cost him a lot, but somehow he felt free.
There was a knock on the study door; it was Phillip. “It's late Matt, comin' to bed?” “Yeah,
Be there soon.” He turned out the light and made his way to bed. He'd need his rest, tomorrow would
Be a long day.
