white and brown house

Open Letter: An Update from The Haven OPC, Long Island, NY

Below is a letter from Pastor Bill Shishko and the Session of The Haven OPC Church in Long Island, New York, to update you on our situation following my Open Letter to the OPC: Regarding Abuse in the Church. First though, I’d like to update you on some other responses and results from it.

Following investigations in both the OPC and PCA, multiple pastors and church leaders have been placed under church discipline for neglecting to report child abuse perpetrated by my father. I’ve also been informed that several pastors are facing church disciplinary charges for committing abuse or being complicit in it. It is my understanding that these presbyteries and denominations are working to address this issue and ensure that their policies and practices are in adherence with state and federal law [Texas Family Code Section 261.101(a)].

OPC pastors in several states have filed police reports based on evidence uncovered while looking into my accounts and the accounts of my sisters in Christ. I have also learned that, based on evidence found during an investigation, a PCA pastor has filed a police report against my dad for child abuse. I am grateful to this pastor. While he apologized that it was so long overdue, the relief and gratitude I feel at having church leaders stand with me against this terrible evil is something I cannot express in words. This has been a long time coming, but God never forgot, and he is faithful. I am hopeful that more church leaders and denominations will follow the example of these godly men.

I would also like to thank our local and state law enforcement for counseling and supporting me, for advising various church committees regarding Texas State Law and child abuse reporting requirements, and for taking measures to protect my family and I during this time.


Thursday, February 25, 2021

From: The Haven at Deer Park (NY)

To whom it may concern,

This is to inform you that Jennifer Michelle Greenberg, her husband, Jason, and their three children were received as members in good standing of The Haven at Deer Park (Long Island, NY) on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.  This followed a communication to us from the session of Cornerstone OPC (Houston, TX), transferring the family as members in good standing of that congregation.  

Following Ms. Greenberg’s Open Letter to the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, which was published in early April, 2020, Pastor Shishko began regular communications with Ms. Greenberg ministering to her and advising her in a number of areas.  Work is underway in several presbyteries to address her concerns, namely the problems of child abuse, domestic violence, and reporting practices in the church.  This has been a fruitful several months of ministry, resulting in, among other things, Ms. Greenberg’s publication of an in-depth Shepherd’s Guide to assist churches in helping abuse victims and protecting children better. 

Ms. Greenberg has also collaborated with law enforcement in multiple states, as well as the FBI and the U.S. Military to document crimes, assist victims, and protect children.  These have been very encouraging developments.

The purpose of this communication is to confirm that Ms. Greenberg is a member in good standing of the OPC in an Orthodox Presbyterian congregation. Any statements to the effect that Ms. Greenberg was never really abused, that she filed false police reports, that she falsely accused innocent people, that she never filed police reports against her abusers, or that she herself is an abuser, are slanderous and false accusations.

I have come to this conclusion after reviewing literally hundreds of relevant documents, including police reports, court records, victim testimonies, and email threads. 

Should individuals have grievances with Ms. Greenberg (or with any other brother or sister in Christ), they should follow the biblical directives given in Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1, and not make public unsubstantiated accusations that put a cloud over a person’s reputation. 

We also affirm that it is wise and good for victims of abuse and crime to report incidents to law enforcement, and that they should not be shamed or punished for doing so. 

If you have any questions about the above communication, you may feel free to communicate with me at the physical address given above, or at my e-mail address given below.

Your servant in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Bill Shishko, pastor,
for the session
The Haven at Deer Park (NY)
Lihaven.inquiries@gmail.com