Date: April 30, 2021
From: Anne Kessler
To: Joanna Rudenborg, Cherin Marie
Cc: Eve Ahrens, [redacted advocate], Brenda Dumper, Stewart Ruch, Eirik Olsen, Steve Williamson, Helen Keuning

Hi Joanna and Cherin,

I totally understand! I was just concerned that certain things were not coming through these emails with the intention they were meant to have:-(  So I will generally answer as best I can...

Please know that we are officially moving full steam ahead on the independent investigation (of course that is the reason there will be less communications or the ability to answer specific questions). The only hesitation in naming the firm that I have chosen is that while helpful in some ways, the input and evaluation from others was tainting my independent evaluations of the firms. With that said, I have chosen a firm called Grand River Solutions.  If you google them you will not see the whole story behind their experience and expertise in investigating churches and other diocese.  I feel very confident with the investigator that will be working on this case and she has a ton of experience in this field.

Grand River Solutions is very clear on my priorities. The very first priority is to begin the process of reaching out publically to find others that may have been harmed by Mark (or anyone else for that matter) and to give them an independent and unbiased contact to voice their concerns. We are open to use any and all avenues that will reach the broadest audience. That would include websites, weekly newsletters, and the like.  Since we don't have all the specific details of the plan, I don't know what or who will give verbal announcements. Grand River is putting all that together now. The second priority is to do a full in depth assessment of all the key players across the Diocese. I have made it super clear to GRS that our goal is to find out what was done wrong, what are the steps we need to take to do better, and what training is out there that will educate and inform our leaders and volunteers on how to keep everyone safe.

I also made it clear to GRS that we are not afraid to admit our mistakes and/or shortcomings. The leaders of our Diocese have a long history and reputation for facing difficult issues and being transparent...this will be no different.

Since it won't be appropriate to continue communicating until after the investigation is complete, I am giving my word that this will be a complete and thorough process and without prejudice.  As far as final reports, I just don't know enough of the process to comment on how exactly that works. My assumption is that the reports will be readily available.

I hope this clears up any confusion on what my process will be or the commitment the Diocese has in devoting the time and resources that this deserves.

My prayers remain with all of you and I would appreciate your prayers as well.

Anne