I send this letter because I do not wish to be interviewed by any reporter of The Northern Star.

This letter is in response to the article entitled “Dispute centers around Mitchell” of the Wed., July 20 edition of The Northern Star. I was not and I am not involved with any money that may be missing from any accounts of the North Avenue Baptist Church. It was the duty and the responsibility of the officers of the church to supervise the church’s business affairs. Obviously, Mr. Diedrich “did not know the full details of how the money disappeared…” After being away from the North Avenue Church for a year, it is difficult for me to believe that this is a valid concern. If it is believed that I was involved with missing money, why has it taken so long for it to be made public? And why did I have to read about this problem in The Northern Star instead of Attorney Ed Deidrich with specific charges?

I hope The Northern Star reviewed all the evidence of the church before this article was printed. But I know by the information that was printed that this was not done. If you feel you must take a stand similar to this again, please make sure you have seen all the evidence such as bank records and cancelled checks. With good journalism your “homework” must be complete.

I am now pastor of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and every Sunday we worship temporarily, at the DeKalb Seventh Adventist Church, 300 East Taylor St., DeKalb. Order of Worship: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Worship, 11 a.m.; Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday, 7 p.m., 1501 Sunrise Drive. All are welcome to worship and study with us.

I will not be responding to any articles in the future that pertain to me.

I would appreciate a retraction or an apology after the proper research. This is only fair for my family and the congregation I serve.

Leroy A. Mitchell

CHANCE Director