Our Own Little Trinitygate

My law enforcement experience definitely influenced my feelings about how Rick Altman should be dealt with. There was ample evidence of criminal behavior ranging from fraud and embezzlement to statutory sexual assault on minors (male and female). Since our strategizing for how to approach the Altman mess took place during the early “honeymoon” period, Michael Downing initially seemed to respect my opinions on the matter. What I didn’t realize at the time was that Downing was also establishing his turf with regard to the new district superintendent, Tom Mattick. Mattick was a representative of the annual conference, more specifically the bishop, William Dew, and it eventually became clear that the three of them were going to be complicit in covering up the whole affair. There was, of course, Don Smith’s collusion with Altman that also had to be swept under the carpet because he remained in the active ministry at a new appointment. As far as the local church was concerned, everyone from the church treasurer to the chairperson of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee was in danger of being entangled in the scandal if it ever came to light.

Downing acted decisively when it was determined that Altman would be terminated. There was no question in anyone’s mind that Linda Petty was deeply involved, and Michael cautioned her not to communicate with Altman prior to his dismissal. Rick showed up for work that morning and was immediately confronted by Michael who instructed him to turn in his keys and to leave the premises. Downing and I then entered Altman’s office—which Rick had always carefully kept locked—to discover falsified statements for thousands of dollars worth of reimbursement, pornographic literature, and, most disturbing, a map of the various places on the church campus—including the altar—where Altman had either encouraged youth to engage in sexual intercourse or had himself participated. I remained firm in my conviction that the authorities needed to be involved and that criminal charges needed to be filed against Altman. As Downing learned that in order for the church’s insurance to cover the financial losses police reports would first have to be made, he leaned in that direction. Mattick, however, in consultation with Preston Howard, an attorney and former chairperson of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, quashed any efforts to pursue the matter legally for fear of airing Trinity’s dirty laundry in public.

Downing took it upon himself to personally counsel the families that had been affected, in large part to seek their agreement to keep quiet about what they knew. The Petty family, long-time Trinity members, began soliciting support from old-timers to counter what appeared to be the inevitable firing of Linda. Mattick and Downing (and I have to assume that Dew was directing things from Phoenix) effectively orchestrated a cover-up that left many in the congregation wondering what the hell was going on, while those who knew were entering a hell of their own making. My very existence was becoming problematic.