News at a Glance

By Michael Wacht

ORLANDO — Gil Fonger and Glenn Gutek, former senior and associate pastor, respectively, of University Carillon United Methodist Church here, surrendered their credentials in February, according to Orlando District Superintendent Dean Witten.

Two separate complaints charging Fonger and Gutek with sexual misconduct were filed with Witten Dec. 1. Witten said the complaints did not involve children or youth, nor were they criminal or homosexual in nature. Both ministers were suspended the same day by the late Bishop Cornelius L. Henderson with the approval of the executive committee of the Florida Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

"The church is doing well in view of the unfortunate events surrounding this situation," Witten said. "This has been an especially difficult time for all involved…the church family and the pastoral families. There has been much pain experienced by all persons concerned."

During the past four months, Witten has led a team of ministers who have provided pastoral care and worship and administrative leadership to the 1,400-member church. That team included the Rev. George Dettman, a retired pastor living in Orlando, and four members of the faculty at Asbury Theological Seminary’s Orlando campus.

Witten said he has also worked with Asbury’s pastoral counseling faculty and Orlando-area counselors to provide counseling services to "people who have suffered through this experience."

"I have been personally saddened that many people have suffered…but I look with hope for healing as we face the future together," Witten said.

Witten said Bishop J. Lloyd Knox has appointed one new pastor to the church, who will begin serving the week after Easter.

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