Habitat nails down Fuller decision_32105

Posted: 3/18/05

Habitat nails down Fuller decision

By Adelle Banks

Religion News Service

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (RNS)–Habitat for Humanity's governing board has unanimously affirmed its decision to fire Millard Fuller, the founder of the house-building organization.

Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, board members made their second decision after Fuller and his supporters had attempted to pressure them to change their minds. The board originally voted to terminate both Fuller and his wife, Linda, after months of differences over alleged inappropriate conduct by him.

“The vote by the board demonstrates our resolve to put this matter behind us and to move confidently and faithfully ahead in the mission that unites us,” Habitat board Chairman Rey Ramsey said. “No longer can we stand silently while people question our dedication to this ministry or to its Christian principles.”

A loose-knit group of volunteers called Habitat Partners had urged the Habitat board to reconsider its January action. The volunteer group called on supporters to pray that board members “be given the courage to put an end to the tragic series of events that have brought us to this unfortunate place.”

Fuller, 70, denied wrongdoing after being accused of inappropriate behavior with a former female employee of the organization based in Americus, Ga. He said that if he wasn't reinstated, he would like to start another organization that would continue to support Habitat projects.

While Ramsey said Fuller's “founding vision” always would be appreciated, Habitat CEO Paul Leonard said Fuller's ideas about the future are unwelcome.

“Millard's threat to create a new organization is very harmful,” Leonard said in a statement. “Staff, volunteers, affiliates all have grown weary of Millard's behavior and want to move on. So does this board.”