An Open Letter to the Contributors/Creators of the GCScreenShots website:
I write this letter for the purpose of expressing my concern, specifically with regard to the published membership list which is found on the website GC Screenshots. The full membership list, which includes names and places of employment for most members, has had what I must assume to be, some unintended consequences.
It is true that a man is known by the company he keeps. Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Cor. 15:33, NASB). Having said that, some members have been erroneously caught up in the fray that is the Genevan Commons.
• Members who previously were part of the group, but have left it.
• Members who were added to the group without their knowledge.
• Members who rarely logged onto their Facebook account and were unaware of the egregious banter which takes place in the Genevan Commons.
• Members who, like many very busy pastors, are quite clueless about the ins-and-outs of social media, especially Facebook groups.
I’ve recently learned of a pastor who left the Genevan Commons over two years ago, but his name was included on the published list. The employer of this pastor’s wife has been harassed and now her job may be in jeopardy.
Was this your intention GC Screenshots?
Another pastor is also under fire because he was a former member of the Genevan Commons. He shared, “Not only did I not participate in any of the vile things said in the Genevan Commons, I didn’t even know the names of the people who did until last week. Nevertheless, my ministry (in an urban setting with many young believers who tend toward being skeptical of Christian ethics anyhow) is put in jeopardy because of guilt by association.”
Was this your intention GC Screenshots?
Yet another pastor shared, “As one who was doxxed and didn’t participate in the behavior at GC … I was re-added after I left in 2018, and was confused for months as to why I keep seeing GC posts. I figured maybe it went public, or I was still subscribed somehow but not a member. Then I realized what happened, but also noticed that a couple theological students from my presbytery were in it so I lurked to make sure they behaved (they did). Mostly I ignored anything that popped up like I ignore half of what appears on my feed (I would go insane if I didn’t). I left in March after I listened to MoS and heard Todd say he would confront any elders in there and tell them to leave, and because I also noticed the posts just getting more out of hand and less helpful discussions occurring. That being said I was shocked, saddened, and angered when I saw myself listed as a minister and my small church plants name listed as well, on a list that could be easily weaponized as a list of racist/misogynist churches.”
Was this your intention GC Screenshots?
I’ve learned of dozens of such messages from individuals who are now having their reputations and livelihoods threatened, though they never once participated in the sinful banter on that page.
Was this your intention GC Screenshots?
Therefore, I encourage you, in Christian charity, to remove the Full Membership Lists, both October 2019 and May 2020, from your website. I believe they detract from your central purpose and are causing unintended harm.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jules Diner 