In an effort to provide clarity “in light of misinformation circulating in public conversation,” Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina posted an update on its website Friday (June 2) related to the recent announcements of its president and CEO, Michael C. Blackwell, taking an indefinite leave of absence and the resignation of former BCH board chair James Goldston.
The executive committee noted that Goldston’s decision to step down May 21 was “personal” and a “separate matter” from Blackwell’s announcement. BCH released the news on Blackwell May 26 through a statement, but further details were not released at that time. In their latest update, BCH said Blackwell’s leave of absence is related to an independent financial review and “questions raised about accounting issues.”
In the June 2 statement, the executive committee noted that “in order to provide additional context and avoid further confusion, consistent with BCH’s policies, and in response to questions raised about accounting issues, BCH’s Executive Committee recently commissioned an independent financial review. We are grateful that Dr. Blackwell chose to take leave from his position to support the integrity of the review process.”
To read more details on the independent financial review, click here to see the Biblical Recorder’s full report.
Goldston’s resignation
Goldston and his wife, Agnes, are facing allegations that they poisoned their neighbor’s dogs and sent threatening letters. According to Wake County Sheriff’s Office records, the Goldstons — both of Raleigh — were arrested on May 11 and were charged with three felony counts of cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of communicating threats. In a statement,
Goldston denied the allegations and said he was resigning to avoid being a “distraction or hindrance.”
BCH noted, “Throughout these circumstances, BCH’s Executive Committee has emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of all of its personnel, addressing serious questions with appropriate due process and careful consideration, and the need for transparency as soon as circumstances so allow,” the executive committee noted. “We ask for your continued prayers during this time.”
To read the executive committee’s full statement, click here.
