Suspended pastor gets $275,750
call to help renew other ministers
The Layman, July 22, 2008
Thomas K. Tewell
Dr. Thomas K. Tewell, who was removed from the pulpit of New York City’s Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in 2005, has transferred his membership to the Greater Atlanta Presbytery and has accepted a call to another ministry.
Still prohibited from re-entering the pulpit ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) because he allegedly had an affair with a Fifth Avenue member, Tewell is now the executive director of The Pilot Project on Renewing Presbyterian Pastors.
The presbytery approved the terms of his call in April. He will receive a total package worth $275,750 annually, including a $145,000 salary, a $50,000 housing allowance, and $80,775 in pension, medical and continuing education benefits.
Tewell and Fifth Avenue Church were sued by the former husband of Rachel Vione.Tewell admitted in court documents that he and Ms. Vione had “an affair,” but he says it was not consummated. The case is still under litigation.
Upon public revelation of his suspension from the ministry, Tewell also resigned as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Princeton Theological Seminary.
The Greater Atlanta Presbytery report on Tewell’s Pilot Project says the program is being funded by The CF Foundation, which “actively seeks to turn around the membership losses of the PCUSA.”
The report said the foundation is a family foundation of Tom and Ann Cousins.
Tom Cousins has been a major real estate developer in Atlanta. He and wife began their foundation in 1987.
The terms of Tewell’s call approved by the presbytery include:
- He may not accept any position in parish ministry through December 31, 2008.
- He may administer the sacraments and perform weddings and funerals.
- Tewell’s personal therapist must report to the Committee on Ministry throughout this period certifying regular and continuing participation in personal counseling.
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Dr. Tewell was the head minister at MDPC in Houston,TX. He presided over my wedding and the baptism of my first child Grace. I seriously doubt these charges would have held up with a thorough investigation. Dr Thomas Tewell while a man of human infallibility was someone who was caught up in a malicious act.
His character is beyond approach,he wouldn’t validate another’s request for absolute pardons in the church for what is niw the wide spread passing of same sex marriage & relationship rights. This radical group will go so far as to destroy others for their opinions in opposition of this movement.
One way they do this is to destroy character, defaming all credability.
Dr. Tewell you are a man of great character, those of us who know you and the circumstances hold you in the highest esteem. May God shelter you from those whose evil spills over. YOu are always in my thoughts.