Bishop Stewart’s November 21, 2020 Email to Joanna

Dear Joanna,

It was with great heartbreak that Katherine and I read the letter that you articulately and bravely composed. Thank you for your courage to share such painful and credible details that I am sure has left you feeling more exposed and vulnerable than ever before. We are devastated that you suffered the circumstances that you did…twice…but also that you had to live through years of feeling manipulated into a confusing narrative that left you with so much shame and secrecy. We are glad you are coming forward with this now (though we completely understand why you delayed) because the only way toward healing for everyone involved is for truth to come out, for all to come into the light. Thank you for taking the very difficult path of telling [Mark’s wife] and the rest of us.

We want to urge you to go to the authorities with this information. We believe that this will be the best way to come into the light. As you are aware, there are currently criminal charges pending against Mark Rivera in Kane County. The best way to communicate your information to the relevant authorities would likely be to call the Kane County Prosecutor’s Office and ask to speak to the prosecutor handling the case against Mark. If you prefer not to speak with an attorney right away, you could ask if the office has a victim witness coordinator and begin by sharing your story with them.

Diocesan pastoral leaders will be dealing pastorally with the whole Rivera family, as well as others connected to Christ Our Light Anglican. We also want to extend to you our availability to meet with you personally and serve you in whatever way we could in your journey toward healing, if that is something you would desire.

With love in Christ,

+Stewart and Katherine Ruch