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Lima
News - 09/21/2000
Former
The Way president no longer with organization
By
JOHN FIKE
jfike(at)limanews.com
(419) 993-2098
The
former president of The Way International is no longer
employed by the New Knoxville-based religious organization.
The
Rev. L. Craig Martindale resigned from his position as
president in April after a lawsuit claimed he sexually
assaulted a former member. Martindale admitted to having a
consensual affair with Mrs. Allen, who filed the lawsuit
along with her husband, Mr. Allen.
A
second lawsuit by another former member was filed in June in
Shelby County Common Pleas Court. It also alleged sexual
assault by Martindale.
At
the time of Martindale's resignation, a spokesman for the
organization said he would continue to work for The Way in a
different capacity. Wednesday, a spokesman said Martindale is
no longer employed by The Way and is seeking secular
employment.
The
board of trustees for The Way issued the following statement:
"We
have considered these matters very seriously at length and
made our decisions because it was the right thing to do. We've
had to respect everyone's interest here."
Board
members declined to say any more regarding Martindale or the
lawsuit, saying they "don't believe it warrants public
discussion."
The
Way International describes itself as a biblical research,
teaching and fellowship ministry. It was founded in 1942 by
Victor Paul Wierwille, a former Reformed minister. Martindale
succeeded Wierwille in 1982.
The
Way is a reference to Jesus Christ, alluding to scriptures in
which Christ identifies himself as "the way."
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