new report details TNE leadership
behavioral misconduct
GRACE has conducted an independent investigation into the behavior of Tim Whitaker and the TNE board. Now, it’s time for accountability.
RELEASE STATEMENT
UNCOVERING OUR STORY
To the TNE Community, Deconstruction Community, and Public,
It is with heavy hearts that we, Cherri Rodriguez and Adele Mulford, have made the difficult decision to publicly share the findings of an independent investigation by GRACE into TNE leader Tim Whitaker’s behavioral misconduct, the mishandling of our grievances by the board, and the lasting impact on our lives – and beyond.
Having worked closely with TNE for over two years, we played a pivotal role in building the strategic foundation behind the scenes, drawing on over 40 years of combined expertise in nonprofit and marketing sectors. Our dedication to TNE’s mission makes it even harder to come forward with this difficult truth.
Despite receiving the findings on February 11, 2025 and the final report on March 4, 2025, TNE has failed to publicly communicate the findings or follow GRACE’s recommendations, leaving us to bear the emotional and physical labor of revealing this information. Additionally, TNE’s disregard for financial transparency and its continued fundraising without disclosing the investigation's costs is deeply concerning.
We now call on the public for support for the following:
Tim Whitaker to be removed as TNE’s Executive Director and de-platformed by the organization for a meaningful period of time to pursue character development, subject to the standards he has demanded of other abusive Christian leaders. NOTE: While this goes a step beyond the recommendations of GRACE, we also have enough firsthand knowledge and industry experience to believe this step is necessary to safeguard the future of the organization.
A restructured Board of Directors, ensuring diversity, expertise, and trauma-informed leadership.
The creation of equitable policies and procedures that protect future volunteers, contractors, employees, and vendors from similar experiences with TNE.
Immediate action to remedy the grievances and findings of the report, and provide support for victims and witnesses.
Release of the report on TNE platforms and directly to their donors, as well as a public statement of apology to the victim, witnesses, and community.
Build and release a comprehensive plan to correct and rebuild the organization.
You can see a summary of the findings and its impact at the button below.
With Compassion and Sincerity,
Cherri Rodriguez & Adele Mulford
News & updates
March 4, 2025
The final report from an independent investigation into Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals Board of Directors is released by GRACE (netgrace.org).
This report finds that Tim and the TNE Board committed behavioral and organizational misconduct.
March 17, 2025
Without acknowledgement or action from Tim or the board, the burden or releasing this report has fallen on the victim and witnesses.
To ensure transparency and accountability, TNE Reckoning has been created and launched.
To date
TNE has known the results of the report since February 11th. Yet, they have failed to contact the reporting victim and witnesses. Additionally, they have not disclosed the investigation to its donors and online community of followers.
Every day that passes without addressing the report findings and recommendations perpetuates harm and hurts the integrity of the deconstruction community’s work.
caring for The community
Historically, The New Evangelicals has represented a community that has held space for those who have experienced church hurt, and has publicly advocated for leadership accountability.
We believe in this mission, but it has lost its way. We know this information is disappointing for the deconstruction community, and we grieve this with you.
As we can, we want to make ourselves available for questions and conversation. if you need additional support, we want to hear from you.