The Partners in the Gospel series of articles has stirred up controversy in the subculture formerly known as the ICoC. In them, it seems pretty clear that Kip is trying to justify a split with the ICoC.

I mentioned an article posted by Salt Lake asking to not be on any list because of their concerns over being divisive. It appears that similar sentiments are voiced in Central America, especially in regards to the former ICoC churches in Honduras.

I say similar because Hector Cardona comments about being considered ‘divisive’. William Ellis, the missionary keeping the blog exhorts Hector to take the same view as the Salt Lake church.

On the icmea.org website, an official publication dated November 10, 2006 explains the situation with San Pedro Sula and the Honduran churches. Don’t worry if your Spanish is rusty, it is essentially the same letter written by LA in regards to the new LA church, including the history of Kip’s sabbatical and the two letters written to him last year. Only the names and locations are different. Mexican and Central American churches are warned to cut off all contact with Hector and Kip’s churches.

No surprise that the letter is basically the same as the HQ for Mexican and Central American mission work is where?
LA.

Another, more lengthy piece is more deliberate and detailed in addressing Kip’s claims. I actually met the author of this document, named Aurturo (cannot spell last name). He has planted churches throughout Mexico by creating small Bible schools. Pretty creative, eh?

I mention this because the battles against Kip are now being waged on more fronts:

Hawaii – Gordon and LA Elders.
Central and South America – LA
Europe and Russia – Sean Wooten sent by Boston
Midwest US – Steve Staten
SE Asia – Phil Lam and Scott Green (Kip went to Vietnam and other churches two years ago and was providing financial assistance to them. I do not know if that assistance is still being accepted.)
Throughout the US – Gordon, that I know of. He mentioned a trip to Reno and other places.

I would guess that all these battles is keeping Kip pretty busy. No new articles, no posted sermons, etc. This definitely isn’t the CoC response he got 20 – 30 years ago. These guys are a whole lot more coordinated in their fight.