NEW
KNOXVILLE – The Rev. L. Craig Martindale has left The Way
International, the organization he headed for 18 years.
The Way
spokesman Rico Magnelli confirmed reports that Martindale and
the religious organization based at 5555 Wierwille Road have
severed ties.
"Craig
Martindale is no longer employed by The Way International. He
is seeking secular employment," Magnelli said.
Martindale
resigned as president of The Way and from its Board of
Trustees in April after a lawsuit was filed against him and
other organization officials in Shelby County Common Pleas
Court in Sidney. The Rev. Rosalie F. Rivenbark succeeded him
as president.
There
are two lawsuits pending against The Way, both naming
Martindale as a defendant.
Martindale
was named president of The Way in 1982, replacing founder Dr.
Victor Paul Wierwille.
Unconfirmed
reports indicated officials of The Way informed followers
Sunday about Martindale leaving the organization. Martindale
reportedly was no longer a member of the active clergy, is no
longer residing at The Way campus, and has been placed on
"spiritual probation."
Responding
to questions about these reports, The Way trustees issued a
statement: "The Board of Trustees has 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. This is all we are prepared to say
on the matter at this time as we don’t believe it warrants
public discussion."
Magnelli
declined to respond to questions concerning unconfirmed
reports that Louis Lind has left his job as The Way finance
coordinator.
Separate
lawsuits filed by Francis and Mr. Allen and Ms. Parker
alleged breach of contract, sexual misconduct and fraud
against Martindale and other officials of The Way. The Allens
and Parker were former employees there.
The
Allens operate a site on the Internet, WayDale.com, which they
indicate has "insider" information about The Way.