March 9, 1999
Bishop G. Lindsey Davis
Atlanta Area, United Methodist Church
159 Ralph McGill Boulevard, # 208
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Dear Bishop Davis:
The news is getting out throughout the state and the nation that you will not be
reappointing Dr. Charles Sineath as pastor of First United Methodist Church of Marietta. I
am not an altogether neutral observer in this matter, as I have among the members of my
congregation the mother and sister of a member of the Marietta congregation. Your decision
not to reappoint Dr. Sineath has hurt and disheartened a large number of dedicated,
committed, sincere Christian brothers and sisters, not only in Marietta but throughout our
United Methodist connection.
Your actions regarding the situation at Marietta make it clear that you are not worthy
of the trust many evangelicals within our denomination placed in you when you were elected
to the episcopacy. You have betrayed us for the sake of a corrupt system which puts money
and power above the salvation of souls.
Bishop, you have sinned greatly against the Lord. A fitting act of repentance would be
the surrender of your episcopal credentials.
Sincerely yours,
James A. Gibson III
