November, 2017
Danny tells his family he's planning to transition
July, 2018
The volunteer advises John and Nancy Ortberg of their sexual obsession with children. John encourages them to continue volunteering and traveling with children
2019
November 15
The volunteer tells Danny about their obsession with children, and that John and Nancy have known since July, 2018. Grace and Danny speak to John and he confirms the situation
November 18
Danny writes to the volunteer, sending information about therapists and suggesting they stop volunteering with children. He also writes to John, advising him to tell the church about this. John refuses.
November 20
Danny tweets that he's taking two weeks away from the Slate column to deal with a family crisis
November 21
Danny and Grace provide this information to multiple employees and elders at the church
November 22
John is placed on an unspecified Leave of Absence.
November 28
Danny publishes an article in his newsletter, saying that he has severed all ties with the Ortberg family. He doesn't give specifics about what happened. This is the first public information about the story, and where I first heard about it.
Late November/Early December
Danny and Grace move to New York
December 3
Danny tweets about completing paperwork to legally change his surname to Lavery
December 22
Danny and Grace get married
2020
January 21
Menlo Church sends an e-mail to its members, advising them of what happened, why John was on leave and that he will be returning on January 24. The message does not identify Danny and Grace as the ones told the church what was going on
January 24
John returns from his LOA, in an internal role and participating in a Restoration plan.
Added on 2/13: I believe John delivered the remarks below on Saturday night, January 25.
February 2
Danny tweets out a detailed explanation of what happened. Christian publications, as well as a few secular sites, cover the story.
February 6
In a newsletter article, Danny writes about his last phone call with his father, including quotes from John. Anyone reading closely could probably discern that the volunteer in question is a family member. As I've said in previous posts, although I don't know for certain, I believe the volunteer is John's son/Danny's brother. It's the only way the situation makes sense.
Details about all of this, including Danny's statements, the church's statement and some of the press coverage, are in the posts below.
Update on February 13. This is a transcript of John Ortberg's statement to the congregation:
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