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York doubts such meetings will resolve the conflict, noting that similar meetings have been held before. "This is a ploy that Gary uses to make himself look good," York said. "He'll go to these meetings, refuse to give in to any of the criticisms, and then issue a public statement saying that his critics refused to reconcile with him."

Phil Johnson, executive director of MacArthur's radio ministry, unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile with Ezzo in 1998, and he says Ezzo misstated the outcome of those meetings.

Aney says it is time for action. "Multnomah should recall [the books]. … They should acknowledge that they've been deceived by Ezzo. They are an accomplice and a victim. But they're not innocent."

Despite the unresolved controversy, Ezzo continues to develop family ministry resources for outlets in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

An earlier version of this story said that Multnomah was arranging meetings in hope of reconciling the author with his critics. The meetings are instead intended to review Ezzo's teachings.

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Christianity Today's earlier coverage of Gary Ezzo and Babywise includes:

Babywise Publisher Plans Contract Cancellation | Multnomah editor now considers Ezzo book "dangerous." (Mar. 23, 2001)

'Our Review Is Still In-Process' | Multnomah President Don Jacobson responds to Christianity Today's coverage. (Mar 23, 2001)

Unprepared to Teach Parenting? | Two churches long associated with Babywise author Gary Ezzo denounce his character and fitness for Christian ministry. (Oct. 27, 2000)

On The Record: Gary Ezzo | The controversial creator of Babywise speaks to Christianity Today. (Oct. 27, 2000)

Growing Criticism | Groups back away from Preparation for Parenting. (Feb. 9, 1998)

The Brave New Baby | Does a new curriculum for families build up the parent-child relationship, or put infants at risk? (Aug. 19, 1993)

Are Ezzos Culturally Insensitive? (Aug. 19, 1993)

Susan Wise Bauer reviewedBabywise and other parenting books for Christianity Today sister publication Books & Culture.

At press time, Multnomah's Web site still promoted Ezzo's books.

Steven and Kateri Rein's "Concerns about the Ezzos' Preparation for Parenting Class" site offers criticism of the Ezzos from theological, biological, historical, and other perspectives. It also reprints and links to several articles in the mainstream press. It has a copy of York's open letter to Multnomah and Aney's AAP article.

Ezzo responded to CT's earlier coverage on the Growing Families International site.

World magazine also profiled Ezzo's techniques, resulting in an controversial response by Ezzo.

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July 8 2001, Vol. 45, No. 9