Lawsuit Against Pastor, Church Dropped

A lawsuit filed late in 2008 against Rev. John Visser; Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Belleville, Ontario; Classis Quinte (a regional group of churches); Classis Eastern Canada; and the denomination has been dropped.

Bradley Thompson, who at one time had been in counseling with Visser, had filed the suit, alleging that Visser had used his position of influence, trust, and authority for his own financial gain. Thompson sued for almost $1 million in damages.

Some issues remain unresolved for the church. Classis Quinte will appoint a five-member team, including three people from Pastor-Church Relations, to assess the situation and, according to the Classis Quinte minutes, to “bring this matter to a just and God-glorifying resolution.”