Peter Greig, the founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement, has broken his silence on Vineyard Anaheim splitting from the charismatic denomination.
Last month, Vineyard Anaheim's pastor Alan Scott released a statement announcing its withdrawal from the movement.
He said he sensed "an invitation to take another step of faith into the unknown" and highlighted he did not take the decision "quickly or lightly, but reverently in the fear of the Lord".
At the time, Vineyard leaders called it an "extreme betrayal."
Pete Greig's opinion was long awaited as he was a member of Vineyard Anaheim's board. He resigned from the position a few days after the news broke.
In a recent statement, Greig explained why he is choosing to speak now.
"Firstly, the depth of pain and confusion that this decision has caused has broken my heart. I love Alan and Kathryn. I also love the Vineyard movement which has shaped my life profoundly.
"Secondly, there is a great deal of misinformation and unhelpful presumption circulating, and I believe that this is contributing to the current confusion and pain," and "Thirdly, the 24-7 Prayer movement is committed to Christian unity."
Many people questioned Greig's involvement and knowledge of Vineyard Anaheim's leader's decision to leave due to his position in the church's board.
However, Greig says he only learnt about their intentions after a meeting in January and when they asked for his support during another meeting in late February.
"I did not give my consent because this came as a complete shock and there did not appear to have been any due process. Instead I urged Alan to slow down. As a result, on Sunday February 27th, he publicly acknowledged 'mis-steps in… communication', and announced his desire 'to host a further conversation'."
He continued: "On Sunday March 6th I attended a Vineyard Anaheim Board meeting at which a plan was made to meet with members of the VUSA Board for off-the-record discussions. At this point I resigned from the Board because I felt that I had played my part in brokering better communication between the two parties and because I could see that the reputation of 24-7 Prayer was being damaged by the public perception of my continued involvement."
Greig said he spent "many hours, much prayer and a few tears" trying to make the most of his position on the Board "for the sake of peace and grace" and refrained from making any public statements "out of a desire to help facilitate dialogue".
"I am truly sorry for any confusion and hurt my choices have made, both amongst those who wish I had not resigned, and those who wanted me to offer an explanation like this sooner. I am deeply aware of the shockwaves this decision has sent through the Vineyard family worldwide. God knows I have tried to help," Greig added.
He concluded: "I acknowledge the sense of bereavement within Vineyard and of bewilderment within the wider church triggered by this sudden separation, and deeply regret my inability to get both sides talking.
"The process has not been good. I'm sure that some people will continue to be angry with me, not least because this statement fails to address certain questions which can only be answered by the two respective Boards. However I do continue to pray for both VUSA and Vineyard Anaheim, that all concerned will flourish to the greater glory of our Lord Jesus Christ in whom we are one, confident that we shall one day."