Faith Facts

• James MacDonald resolved defamation lawsuits for nearly $10 million, clearing his name after years of legal dispute.
• The lawsuits included actions against his former church, Harvest Bible Chapel, and radio personality Erich “Mancow” Muller.
• MacDonald continues to serve men recovering from addiction and emphasizes the importance of Christian restoration.

James MacDonald reached significant settlements to address allegations and restore his reputation after a lengthy legal battle. The outcome marks the close of a difficult season, as MacDonald expresses gratitude for the opportunity to refocus on ministry and serving others in Christ’s name.

“These lawsuits were about anyone who’s ever been slandered by those who believe their microphone makes them untouchable, or their board seat puts them beyond reach,” MacDonald stated.

He maintained that his goal was to defend integrity in ministry and to protect the truth for the church community. The settlement also reflects the serious responsibility that comes with leadership in faith, and highlights the costliness of protecting one’s name from malicious accusation.

MacDonald is moving forward after years of dispute, seeking to help restore lives and renew faith through his work with Act Like Men Sobriety Houses. His focus remains on offering hope and redemption, rooted in Christian doctrine and compassion for those seeking new beginnings and God’s grace.

“My desire is to help shape a future where broken lives are restored, faith is renewed, and the hope of Christ is never out of reach for anyone,” MacDonald declared.

Faith calls believers to truth and reconciliation, rejecting the slander that divides communities. MacDonald’s story stands as a reminder for Christians to uphold righteousness and use challenges as an opportunity to witness for Christ, defend one’s integrity, and forgive as taught by Scripture.

Stay informed on stories that shape the church and our communities; walk forward in faith, defending truth and serving with humility for God’s greater purpose.

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Faith Facts

• Gateway Church, its founder Robert Morris, and elder Steve Dulin face a class-action lawsuit alleging violation of the RICO Act and misappropriation of donations.
• The suit claims church leaders falsely promised that a portion of tithes would go to global missions and offered refunds, but failed to provide evidence or transparency about these funds.
• Founding pastor Robert Morris recently pled guilty to charges unrelated to the lawsuit and has resigned from his leadership role.

The serious charges against Gateway Church highlight the vital importance of transparency and biblical stewardship within Christian communities. Allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability challenge believers to uphold truth and integrity, according to Scripture.

Church members describe this legal action as a “last resort,” seeking to protect the faithful stewardship of church resources in line with Christian teaching. As followers of Christ, we are called to transparency and righteousness in all areas of ministry and leadership.

“This lawsuit is about transparency, brought by members whose concern is not money in their pockets but rather biblical stewardship.”

Luke 12:2 reminds us, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” The Christian worldview encourages all believers to expose wrongdoing and pursue justice with humility and prayer, while remembering the call to forgiveness and restoration where possible.

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Faith Facts

• ONS reports only 49.5% of UK adults are married or in civil partnerships in 2024, down from 51.5% in 2014.
• Adults who have never married have risen to 36.8%, up from 33.9% a decade ago.
• Couple cohabitation is higher among older adults, with more than 70% of those aged 30–64 living as couples.

The decline in marriage throughout Britain highlights a cultural shift away from biblical covenant and commitment. It serves as a call for Christians to uphold God’s design for marriage as the foundation of strong families and communities.

Harry Benson, Research Director at the Marriage Foundation, responded,

“Today’s bleak and disheartening figures from the ONS show that the proportion of the adult population who are married continues to fall and remains below 50 per cent.”

This trend reflects a decades-long pattern as fewer embrace lifelong unions—with concerning implications for the fabric of society.

Benson urged the government to reconsider policies that discourage marriage, arguing that marriage supports stability and is proven to help couples stay together.

“The fact is that the psychology involved in the act of marriage helps couples want to make their relationship work. The most recent studies show that UK parents are significantly more likely to stay together if they are married, regardless of background.”

He concluded,

“Marriage may be no guarantee, but it stacks the odds in your favour. Divorce rates are at their lowest since the 1970s. Yet record levels of family breakdown have been driven mostly by the collapse of relationships that never formalised through marriage or civil partnership. The message from psychology and the data is simple. If you want to stay together, get married.”

As believers, let us recommit to honoring the sacred covenant of marriage and encourage the next generation to cherish God’s blueprint for the family.

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