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Church to discuss Matheney allegations today
Sep 12, 2009 (The Times-News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Senior officials of the Presbytery of Kendall today will address an internal investigation into allegations against the Rev. Ronald Matheney, who was sentenced by a district court judge to two years of probation in September 2008 for allegedly battering his estranged wife.
The meeting at the Monastery of the Ascension, east of Jerome, begins at 10 a.m. It is a regularly-scheduled quarterly session, and includes a task force to report on matters related to Matheney, the pastor at Jerome First Presbyterian Church. The meeting is open to the public, although not many people are expected to attend.
The presbytery spans Wendell to the Wyoming border and from the Nevada border to the Montana border.
The committee spent a year examining evidence and hearing testimony in reference to allegations made against Matheney, according to a letter from the committee obtained by the Times-News. "We are reminded in the preamble to the rules of discipline ... that the church's disciplinary process exists not as a substitute for the secular judicial system, but to do what the secular judicial system cannot do," it reads.
The committee filed charges against Matheney, according to the letter. The charges -- which stem from activity that runs contrary to church beliefs and practices -- could result in a trial within the church.
The letter is signed by Jane Henley; Rev. Phil Price of the Twin Falls First Pres-byterian Church; and Ann Hunter, of Pocatello.
"I have no comment," Hunter said when reached by telephone. "It is an internal matter."
Matheney was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2008, to two years of probation for the battery charge. He entered an Alford Plea after striking a deal with prosecutors, meaning he didn't accept guilt but recognized he would likely be convicted.
Matheney was originally charged on Aug. 13, 2007, with much more serious crimes: rape, domestic violence battery, attempted strangulation, sexual penetration by use of a foreign object, and destruction of a telephone communication line.
Price also declined comment.
"It would be in the best interest of our church in Twin Falls and the presbytery if I didn't comment," he said.
Matheney couldn't be reached for comment. His lawyer, Lisa Barini-Garcia, said she wasn't sure if he will attend today's meeting but pointed out that the courtroom had been packed in the past with his congregation.
"On a local level I found them to be very supportive of him," she said. "As far as I know there has been no finding of wrongdoing (by the church committee)."
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