Dear Community,

We write to you with heavy hearts, and with a deep belief that transparency builds trust within this community.

Over the past several months, Council has been navigating a painful situation involving Joel Ealy, a former member and Council leader. Disagreements have occurred, and while differing perspectives are part of any healthy community, the manner of Joel’s communication has escalated into behavior that has been verbally abusive and harassing toward members of this community and the pastor. Despite efforts to de-escalate, the pattern has continued.

More recently, a message from Forest Swanson, Joel’s caregiver, included language that was experienced as threatening. While this was not part of an ongoing pattern, the seriousness of that communication requires us to respond clearly.

After consultation with both the Pittsburgh Presbytery and the Western Pennsylvania United Methodist Conference, and following their guidance not to continue engaging in a cycle of escalation, Council has informed Joel and Forest that they cannot be present at worship services or congregational events at this time. This boundary is intended to protect the wellbeing and safety of the community and to create space where further harm does not occur. Should either desire a path of reconciliation in the future, an invitation for mediation has already been extended.

Sometimes love looks like patience. Sometimes love looks like forgiveness. And sometimes love looks like a boundary.

We also want to acknowledge something important. Joel lives with significant challenges and has relied on relationships formed within our community for support and care. This boundary is institutional, not relational. Members of this congregation may continue to show personal compassion and support as they feel called and safe to do. We trust you to do so thoughtfully.

We ask for your prayers… for Joel and Forest, for those who have been directly impacted, and for the continued health of this community.

With so much love,

Your Council

(Sarah Livingston, Dan Martin, Dylan Rooke, Darlene Rushing, Lauren Wolcott, & Pastor Sally Jo Snyder)

P.S. This Sunday, a representative from the Pittsburgh Presbytery will be present with us for worship and available to answer any questions you may have after the service. And as always, you can reach out to any council member or email council@hotmetalbridge.com to share concerns.