To Christ’s Church and the citizens of Roswell and Chaves County:

Several months ago, the board of Christ’s Church of Roswell, New Mexico (“Church”) was asked to approve the formation of Christ’s Church Foundation, Inc. (“Foundation”) for the specific purpose of receiving and administering large donations which were intended to benefit the Church and its various ministries. Preparation was being made to receive a generous gift related to a pending business matter which involved the transfer of water rights. A decision was made by the Church board to approve of the formation of the Foundation which was administered by an initial four person board, all of whom are members of the Church. The stated intent and heart of the Church and Foundation was to facilitate donations from members and others to advance the work of God’s kingdom.

After the formation of the Foundation, members of the Church and certain citizens of Roswell and Chaves County raised concerns that the Church and Foundation were endorsing the proposed business deal which involved the leasing of water rights in the Pecos River watershed to the City of Santa Fe. The Church did not intend and does not take a position in this issue or generally in business matters in the community. The Church has members on both sides of the proposed water rights transfer who continue to live in community with one another despite conflicting views or personal interests in this business matter. The board of the Church has come to recognize that it was a mistake to approve of the formation of the Foundation because of the unintended appearance that the Church and all its leadership were approving of the proposed transfer of water rights.

As a result, the Foundation has been dissolved as of October 1, 2009 upon the request of the Church board, returning the Church to its desired position of neutrality. The Church desires to be a testimony to the Holy Word of God as set forth in II Corinthians 8:19-21 wherein “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.”

Prayerfully,

The Deacon Board of Christ’s Church Roswell, New Mexico

Boyd Barrett
Eric Coll
Richard Pickle
Jeff Smith
Mark Taylor
Mike Taylor
John Worrall