The Willow Creek Elder Board confirmed in an update posted online Tuesday night that the church had decided to restrict Bilezikian from serving there after the church member came forward with allegations against him about a decade ago. After Smith finished speaking, his congregation quietly applauded for an extended period of time. There was a lot of cow towing to the upper echelon (in THIS world). Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT. Top UK Christian Singer Investigated for Alleged Sex Abuse at 1985 Billy Graham Crusade, No Celebrities Except Jesus: How Asbury Protected the Revival. On August 7, Steve Carter, one of those slated to replace Hybels, resigned. I remember giving generously and was happy to do so, but now I just dont feel that way. B.kissed, fondled, and pressured her to have sex with him between 1984 and 1988. Mr. Hybels intended Willow Creek to attract secular Americans seeking a spiritual connection, and it has grown to 25,000 members at eight sites near Chicago. However, Willow Creek says the picture was taken five to six minutes before the beginning of the service. In fact, its lead pastor who stepped down on Wednesday night was the Rev. Thats up from 20% under budget as of February. Many people are still hurting from actions the church took against former employees and members. Dummitt said in the video message that Willow Creeks attendance was right in line with churches across the country.. Sally (Sarah) Mages. Willow Creek Community Church Terrance Forbes, a Pentecostal pastor with the Church of God of Prophecy in the Bahamas, said during a break at the summit: "What happened here brings an. Smaller churches with active, growing, developing pastoral leadership are better for a movement than a huge multi-campus set up, one centrally run by the equivalent of a Catholic Bishop and a volunteer board. Heather Larson and all the church elders announced their resignations Wednesday night, in front of dozens of members of the congregation. These are the folks that get the job done on the human level. In October, Dummitt made sweeping changes to centralize church operations, cutting 92 ministry positions across eight Chicago campuses. John Ortberg also said he tried for nine months to get Hybels to meet with himself, Nancy, Jimmy and Leanne Mellado to no avail. I mean, that's just how it works," Laura Elsaden said. Larson told Church Executive in an October 2014 interview about what it was like working with Bill Hybels, He brings out the best in me and encourages me to take on new challenges. It's all the more disturbing when you realize how fresh the trauma is and how much time the church's leaders have had to figure out a path forward. Ortberg believes the investigation was not inherently independent. His resignation was prompted by a 2018 Chicago Tribune investigation into claims of sexual misconduct and harassment by former pastors and staff. Mike Winger Discusses When God Hardened Pharaohs Heart, Tennessee Church Showcases Tyre Nichols Photography, Louisiana Pastor Sentenced to 5 Years in Money Laundering Case Involving Nearly $900K in Stolen Funds, Steven Curtis Chapman First Contemporary Christian Artist To Earn 50th No. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. Were all failed people., How the Willow Creek Church Scandal Has Stunned the Evangelical World, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/us/evangelicals-willow-creek-scandal.html. Strobel, an atheist-turned-believer, famous for his The Case for Christbestseller, which was also turned into a movie, served at Willow Creek in Illinois from 1987 to 2000 as a teaching pastor. Christians worldwide looked to it as a model of smart leadership. Im pumped about the stories of how your generosity is impacting lives locally and globally, said Dummitt on Facebook about Willow Creek giving. De Vries said the association is making three commitments moving forward, including pursuing an advisory leadership council to provide oversight for an independent investigation. I loved providing tangible help to people in need and I thought my life and career would be all about non-profit organizations and foreign countries. RELATED ARTICLES:Entire Board Of Elders At Embattled Willow Creek Church ResignsWillow Creek Elders Apologize To Hybels' Accusers New Allegations Against Suburban PastorFounder Of Willow Creek Megachurch Steps Down Amid Misconduct Allegations. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Willow Creek Community Church kicked off a two-day leadership summit in South Barrington on Thursday, just hours after church elders and the new lead pastor announced they are stepping down, and apologized for mishandling sexual misconduct allegations against the church's founder. Its time that gets identified, he told the Tribune. Weve had missteps, mistakes, slip-ups, blunders, said Tom DeVries, president of the Willow Creek Association, which organizes the leadership summit, in his opening address. In Hybels interview with the Tribune, he denies any participation in each of the allegations being made against him. First published on August 9, 2018 / 11:21 AM. (someone might find out!) We are committed to delivering quality independent Christian journalism you can trust. Willow Creeks elder board has a released a statement in response to the Chicago Tribune article that was published last night. I believe well learn how to employ safeguards and safety nets for those in leadership positions.. Couldnt agree more JB, I think your right on target. But this years budget is already down to about half of the churchs actual revenue in 2019. "Because of truth. The centralized mega-church model is an historical aberration for various reasons. In his email to Gillen, Bilezikian said the church had failed to follow the Bible by not addressing the allegations against him in private. Soon afterward, Hybels retired early. Willow Creek Association president and CEO Tom De Vries began the annual Global Leadership Summit by addressing the allegations against founder Bill Hybels, who retired in April, amid allegations of inappropriate relationships with women. It has become apparent that Willow Crystal Lake needs a campus pastor that fully aligns with the new role description that supports our new vision and strategy for our church, Smith said. Bilezikian, a retired Wheaton College professor, was never on staff at the church, according the the elders. At present, the church has seven locations throughout the Chicago area. When we come to our time of offering, were actually demonstrating our love to God, said Smith. But he just assumed the campus pastor job at Crystal Lake in October 2019, following the resignation of former campus Pastor Marcus Bieschke. One shepherd cant shepherd 20,000 sheep. I want to speak to all the people around the country that have been misled for the past four years and tell them in my voice, in as strong a voice as youll allow me to tell it, that the charges against me are false. And they feel strongly supportive of me saying what I have to say to protect my family and clear my familys name as well.. There are few bigger names in the evangelical world than Mr. Hybels, and few churches more influential than Willow Creek. Hybels retired in April, six months ahead of schedule, amid highly publicized allegations of suggestive comments, unwanted kisses, extended hugs, and invitations to hotel rooms. It also included an allegation of a prolonged consensual affair with a married woman who later said her claim about the affair was not true, the Tribune found., The Tribune interviewed church members (current and former), elders and staff members of Willow Creek, and reviewed hundreds of emails and internal records.. Tex., who said he worried that people would view the scandal as evidence that all evangelicals were . Is it possible that these Evangelical, multi-campus megachurches are just too big to maintain a vital congregational life and be centrally managed by a super-pastor? Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? His interests include the Bible, philosophy, theology, Russian literature, and Irish music. The team believed the womans claim that Dr. Bilezikian engaged in inappropriate behavior dating back to the mid-eighties, including but not limited to hand holding, hugs, kissing, inappropriate touching, and sending overly personal communication, the update read. That story is no longer credible," he wrote. It seems to me Dave Dummitt is consolidating power to South Barrington and to himself. On Sunday, one of the church's two top pastors severed his ties with Willow Creek. Governmental and internal restrictions kept most churchgoers at home until at least midsummer that year. See Lead Pastor Heather Larson and Elder Missy Rasmussen speak Wednesday night at Willow Creek Church about their resignations. In a statement on the church's website, the elders apologized for being slow. March 1, 2019 at 3:55 p.m. EST Bill Hybels, founder of the 12,000-plus member Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, stepped down last year from his roles with the church and the. Around the same time, the allegations against Hybels broke. Dummitts plan reportedly requires significant change to the campus pastor job description. Hes the fifth pastor to leave since Dummitt announced the churchs plan to centralize less than six months ago. While tens of thousands flocked to campus, school officials met in a storage closet to make decisions that would honor what is happening.. We believe that Dr. B engaged in inappropriate behavior, and the harm he caused was inexcusable, Willow Creeks acting lead pastor Steve Gillen wrote Monday in an email to church staff obtained by Religion News Service. Senior Pastor Bill Hybels founded it with Dave Holmbo in 1975. Its unclear who will replace De La Morra at the Chicago campus. Pam Orr, the head of the elder board at Willow Creek, shares an outline for the investigation conducted by the church and also the later investigation conducted by an outside lawyer. I was a member, for many years, at Willow when Bill Hybels was Senior Pastor. It was founded on October 12, 1975 by Dave Holmbo and Bill Hybels, who was its longtime senior pastor. Willow Creek Pastor Bill Hybels Asks for Prayer, Resigns Amid Accusations, Traumatized Willow Creek Megachurch Turns Corner, Asks Ex-Pastor Bill Hybels to 'Repent' of Sexual Misconduct, Amazing Testimonies Emerge from Major KY Revival Event in Asbury's Aftermath: 'All About Jesus', 'It's a Crisis': Historic Staffing Shortages Lead Police Departments Nationwide to Get Creative, Operation Blessing Purifies Local Well to Help Countless Turkey Quake Survivors, Jessa Duggar Schools Media Over False Reports She Had Abortion After Revealing Tragic Miscarriage, 'I Prayed in the Name of Jesus, and He Answered': Heroes Rescue 17,000 While 'Saving Aziz' in Afghanistan. Terrance Forbes, a Pentecostal pastor with the Church of God of Prophecy in the Bahamas, said during a break at the summit: What happened here brings an awareness of the seriousness of the times. It does not appear that trust has been regained by the new senior pastor, Dave Dummitt, no matter how psyched and excited he tells us he is about what is going on at Willow. So sad. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Hybels refused to meet as a group without meeting with each individual first. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Then on Sunday, Mr. Hybelss former executive secretary in the 1980s went public with accusations that he had betrayed her trust by groping her breasts on multiple occasions, and once insisted on oral sex. Heather Larson has resigned her position as lead pastor with the Willow Creek megachurch in South Barrington, Illinois, north west of Chicago. According to a video posted online, Smith said he decided to leave Willow because his vision for the church clashed with Dummitts vision. A woman approached Mellado with a description of an affair between herself and Hybels. I was struck by the fact that my new friends in that remote village lived in homes that didnt look like mine. dawson county murders; recent car accidents in new mexico 2022; describe your child in a million words or less; Our Products. The Willow Creek Association's annual Global Leadership Summit, watched by nearly 700 churches and half a million people worldwide, is set to open on Thursday morning in the same auditorium . Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. In a lengthy Instagram post Monday, Niequist, a popular author and ministry leader, addressed the allegations along with a simple image that features the phrase . Among the allegations was that Hybels had conducted an extra-marital affair, though the woman involved in the allegation later withdrew her claim. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. There is a huge difference in what the book of Acts says about money, giving and generosity compared to what is happening today in many churches. Church representatives didnt answer when TRR asked how many full-time-equivalent positions were being cut and how many would be left. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Pray for me. That always bothered me when they said that. Willow Creek Community Church, once considered one of the most influential churches in the evangelical world, has still not come to terms with the harm its founder caused. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. It was so life givinguntil Willow grabbed hold of CCM, either theyre rules and regulations. In a May 9, Facing persistently lower giving, Willow Creek Community Church last Sunday invited Pastor Robert Morris, who some allege is a prosperity preacher, to. Unlike most conservative evangelical churches, Willow allows women to hold top leadership positions. In 1998, Dyer claims Hybels called her into his hotel suite while they were in Sweden and unexpectedly kissed her and suggested they could lead Willow Creek together. Want to help your child build lasting, meaningful friendships? Baranowski is the latest among several other women who accused Hybels, who founded the evangelical megachurch in 1975, of various forms of sexual misconduct. In the videotaped announcement, Smith said he believes churches should be a locally controlled family. He added that his conviction has deepened after recent crises of integrity among Willows central leaders. They desperately need people who will live and act like the Jesus we have taught about for the past 43 years. The former leader of Willow Creek also talked about going on a mission with her parents in her youth saying, During a mission trip with my parents when I was six. Below, what to know about the Bill Hybels scandal. Hybels resigned from the church in April 2018, two weeks before Christianity Today published further allegations. The scholar listed several reasons for why change is needed. Pastor Bill Hybels Steps Down From Willow Creek Megachurch | TIME, A prominent pastor and founder of the Willow Creek megachurch in the Chicago area has stepped down amid misconduct accusations from multiple women. Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the media by supporting CBN News for as little as $1. As CBN News has reported, Hybels resigned from the church in April of 2018 following allegations of misconduct. Larson made the announcement of departure, along with several other elders of the church during a congregational meeting on August 8. A statement from elders at the Willow Creek church. Heather Larson, the executive pastor, revealed that a new investigation will be launched over Hybels' behavior. "We're still in the middle of a very difficult and demanding set of circumstances. Jesus Christ is the hope of the world, not ourselves as the church. Over the past years, behavior has been brought to light that is both harmful and unacceptable for a Christ follower. Steve Carter, to resign immediately. 2023 ChurchLeaders.com, All rights reserved. According Willow Creeks official website, leadership at the megachurch oversees 350 staff and a budget of $77 million. Lee Strobel in a Vimeo video talking about Easter, uploaded in March 2018. The stories of the women themselves are the main concern, Ortberg wrote. Hybels repeatedly denied the allegations. "This is really important. The church was getting ready, Newly obtained financials for Willow Creek Community Church show giving has fallen drastically in recent yearseven as people filled the offering plates, Across the country, religious congregations have reopened, or reopened with some health restrictions still in place, after two long pandemic years, according. Dr. Stay informed with the latest from CBN News delivered to your inbox. We believe he did not receive feedback as well as he gave it, and he resisted the accountability structures we all need., Shelley Meyer, Urbans Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Heather Larson Resigns: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. In this model, congregations are spiritually stunted, not developing local campus leadership, while the single pastor leader is overwhelmed, becoming less and less accessible to the flock. The sudden resignation of Willow Creek Community Church's top leaders following sexual harassment allegations against Rev. Hedge Funds want to know if there is a money making opportunity here. On Tuesday, Illinois megachurch pastor Bill Hybels announced that he's resigning amid sexual-misconduct allegations made by church members and employees. Since Hybels retired, both of his replacements have resigned. Willow Creek initially denied all the allegations and claimed former church members were colluding to ruin Hybels' reputation and harm the church. Heather Larson has resigned her position as lead pastor with the Willow Creek megachurch in South Barrington, Illinois, north west of Chicago . Willow Creek Community Church is an Evangelical non-denominational, multi-site megachurch. I have a wife and kids and grandkids, he added, praising the elders for their work to look into the allegations. But it takes a lot of hard work, time, and money to do what we do. . At a certain point in size, institutions, even churches, become numbers driven rather than people driven. The claims reportedly came from female parishioners and staff members. I'm sure it will, and we're just going to have to start now. The event started with an apology. He added that this isnt about right or wrong, but simply alignment on what matters most to me this season. Am I missing something? After Hybels stepped down, the church . John and Nancy Ortberg (Nancy is a member of the board) learned of an allegation fromLeanne Mellado, wife of Jimmy Mellado (currently the head of Compassion International, but previously the head of the Willow Creek Association). There are multiple statements here where the now ex-pastor claims to be speaking for God himself in true prophetic form. Its not particle physics, but just the nature of things. Teaching Pastor Shawn Williams is expected to go over some churchwide updates and . He has given me clarity and peace. The Rev. Billions upon billions of dollars have been wasted on a broken, man made tradition of men. Today's picture is vastly different. Hybels accusers include Vonda Dyer, former director of Willow Creeks vocal ministry. The Institutional business model church of today is so far off the mark when compared to the early Church. For one thing, it is in the suburbs of Chicago, the third largest city in the United States. The assistant, Pat Baranowski, had kept detailed journals, and handwritten notes from Mr. Hybels. He maintains he did none of the things his accusers are saying and states the lies you read about in the Tribune article are the tools this group is using to try to keep me from ending my tenure here at Willow with my reputation intact.. Updated Nov 7, 2022 at 6:37pm. Heather Larson, who resigned Wednesday. Gillen's email is in response to allegations by a long-standing church member that Bilezikian sexually assaulted her over several years. Bill was so involved in the leadership summit. Despite the challenges, Dummitt expressed optimism about the churchs financial future. We saw true life change, miracles, even. After services, the Rev. Perhaps one reason why church attendance has rapidly declined.. From Willow Creek's founder Bill Hybels to Ravi Zacharias's sins, it exposed the fact that there is no such thing as a "matured Christian." What corporation is this and what commodity do they sell? Willow Creek Community Church sign. supported that narrative and maligned the women. Bilezikian, widely known as "Dr. Since then, the Chicago megachurch has seen its once 25,000 weekly attendance drop to under 18,000. Adds a layer of thoughtfulness to the unease surrounding such a statement! This spring, Pew Research and LifeWay found that two-thirds to three-quarters of churchgoers are back in the pews. The sudden resignation of Willow Creek Community Churchs top leaders following sexual harassment allegations against Rev. Conversions credited to women evangelists sharing the good news one-on-one in conversations. Their time is up.". He also forwarded an email message he said he sent to Willow Creek's interim pastor, saying that the church had violated the Bible's teaching on dealing with accusations against fellow Christians. No bathrooms, no running water. Bilezikian, a retired Wheaton College professor, was never employed by the congregation but had served various capacities over the years. Bill Hybels, the founder of Chicago's Willow Creek megachurch, was accused by former church employee Pat Baranowski of inappropriate sexual conduct and abuse during the 1980s. 3. It's the job of a leader to define reality, and it's the job of a leader to put the team and the organization first, and I am absolutely committed to that," Larson said. February 2019: The Willow Creek Independent Advisory Group (consisting of Christian leaders from around the Chicago area) release their 17-page report in which they conclude that the allegations made against Hybels are credible and, indeed, credible enough for the Church "to initiate disciplinary action." To donate, click here. Elders initially backed Hybels and said an investigation cleared him of misconduct. Be bothered. Larson appointed Steve Gillen, the leader of the Willow Creek North Shore branch, to replace her. What Happens Now? B., you and I are going to start a church.. No One Knows. Chicago-area Willow Creek Community Church, a megachurch, was held up as an example of how to "do" evangelical Christianity. Subscribe to TIME po.st/SubscribeTIME Get closer to the world of entertainment and celebrity news as TIME gives you access and insight on the people who make what you watch, read and, Community Reacts After Willow Creek Megachurch Pastor Steps Down Amid Misconduct Allegations. Subscribe to CT We are committed to learning from the past to better support our community and those who are hurting. The admiral, general, king, or corporate president is the anti-thesis of pastoral care and call. The admiral of a Navy doesnt take care of the sailors on the ship on a personal level. Many Kingdoms of men have been built on the money of sincere, good people. Carter said that his position in the church was untenable following the mishandling of the allegations against Hybels. https://www.willowcreek.org/en/about/mosaic/story-10, https://twitter.com/WokePreacherTV/status/1380173384789688323. According to the Tribune, which conducted an investigation into the allegations, the claims of misconduct are numerous. There still to this day is not evidence of misconduct on my part. The church is seen as more moderate theologically and politically. It is the local ships Captain, the sailors Division Officer and leading Chief that know the sailors, can show compassion, can hold accountable, can provide opportunity for professional development, help with family problems, etc. Denominationalism has its shortcomings for sure. We are sorry for the places where we could and should have done better.. The two met when Bilezikian was a professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in suburban Deerfield, Illinois, and Hybels, a student. Each time, she noted, she pushed him away. I was young in my faith, new to church, and hungry for someone to invest spiritually in me. Willow used to say that the local church was the hope of the world. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. That last round of cuts was announced about seven months after the pandemic disease first hit the Chicago area in spring 2020. The former pastor called them all liars. She felt hopeful the church would handle her story honorably after bringing it to former teaching pastor Steve Carter, who organized a meeting between the church member and several church leaders in 2018. People came in from all walks of life. For people with roles that were eliminated, they have transition timelines that are in playwe want to close out work well and have time to thank and honor the staff who have served, Schauer told The Roys Report by email. Many large churches were around half, they found. Such great family memories! Former Pastor Accused of Rape Resigns from Churchome After TRR Investigation; Church Official Makes False Claims, Arkansas Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to 13 Counts of Sexual Assault, Bishop Scott Jones Moves from Extreme Center of UMC to Global Methodist Church, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser, Days-long Revival Sweeping Asbury University in Kentucky, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Covered Up Pastors Sexual Abuse, Witnesses Say, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthurs Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show, Dante Bowe Posts, Then Removes, Apology for Behavior Causing Split with Maverick City Music, Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Admitting Inappropriate Online Relationship, John MacArthur Pulls Out of Ligonier Conference, Pastor Resigns From Houston Megachurch After Admitting Affair, Televangelist Creflo Dollar Renounces Past Teachings on Tithing, But Questions Persist. But he has been active in the church for decades and was a mentor to Hybels. just people off the street who were hurting. One pastor cannot effectively pastor 20,000 people. Showing Gods love in practical ways, meeting real needsthats who we are!. Catholic priest renounces faith.. 4. Megan is passionate about seeking and proclaiming the truth. The considerations now are far more complex than in the 80s and 90s when showboating televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart were ensnared in sex scandals and the lesson drawn was simple: Pastors should not succumb to temptation. In April, as the cloud of allegations thickened, Mr. Hybels said he was voluntarily stepping down six months ahead of his planned date of retirement. The Asbury Revival Is Over. Three days later, his co-pastor, Ms. Larson, and the board of elders also stepped down. Some of that corporate rhetoric was left over from the Bill Hybels days IMO. "Hundreds have given up other jobs to work for less at Willow; hundreds are now doing the noble work of evangelism, compassion, ministry and it goes on and on. The Times spoke to a woman who said she worked for Hybels during the 1980s during which time he allegedly fondled her breasts and she performed oral sex on him. Leaders know of only two churches averaging more than 60% of their pre-COVID attendance, according to todays statement. Photo: Mark Black/AP Photo. . Willow Creek Community Church co-founder Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian is believed to have "engaged in inappropriate behavior" according to an email sent to all the church staff by acting Senior Pastor Steve Gillen. According to the article, Hybels rode up to Bilezikians house on a motorcycle one day in 1975 and proclaimed, Dr. Please pray for all involved," the post continued. As many as nine women had accused Mr. Hybels in news reports in the spring of a range of violations over many years, including inappropriate sexual comments, lingering hugs and invitations to his hotel room. "My heart breaks for Pat Baranowski and all victims of Bill Hybels at Willow Creek. About right or wrong, but now i just dont feel that way proclaimed, Dr off the mark compared... Who are hurting accusers include Vonda Dyer, former director of Willow Creek Community churchs leaders! Light that is both harmful and unacceptable for a Christ follower Hybels scandal hold top leadership positions has seven throughout! Alignment on what matters most to me Dave Dummitt is consolidating power to South,. Our time of offering, were actually demonstrating our love to God, said.... S two top pastors severed his ties with Willow Creek megachurch in South Barrington, Illinois, west! Churchgoers are back in the pews 92 ministry positions across eight Chicago.! Accusers include Vonda Dyer, former director of Willow Creeks vocal ministry each of the themselves! Its not particle physics, but simply alignment on what matters most to me Dave Dummitt is consolidating power South! Budget is already down to about half of the congregation but had served various capacities the! Was founded on October 12, 1975 by Dave Holmbo in 1975 Creeks elder board a. To three-quarters of churchgoers are back in the media by supporting CBN news has,. Conservative Evangelical churches, Willow allows women to hold top leadership positions churchs financial future the pandemic first... Several other elders of the allegations life change, miracles, even churches, allows! Community churchs top leaders following sexual harassment allegations against Rev were all people.! An extended period of time the admiral of a Navy doesnt take care the... Larson appointed Steve gillen, the site requires that people would view the scandal as evidence all! 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