The California chapter of Capitol Ministries, the Christian group led for years by pastor Ralph Drollinger, has dissolved to join a new organization. Drollinger, known for controversial statements about religion and the role of women in public life, continues to run what remains of his ministry from his home in Santa Clarita.

On Oct. 12, the leader of the Sacramento chapter, Frank Erb, sent a letter to several legislators who had participated in the Bible study sessions run by the group, saying he had “sad news.”

“As of last week, I have resigned from my position as the California State Director for Capitol Ministries,” Erb wrote. “This decision was not a pleasant one, but I believe it was necessary in light of concerns about the ministry’s leadership…Furthermore, almost everyone else who was serving in the ministry when I started last December has also resigned for similar reasons, including nearly all state directors, board members, and other staff.

“I believe God would like me to carry on with my ministry in the California State Capitol,” Erb continued, before introducing a new group, Capitol Commission. The Commission consists of chapters in 16 state Capitols—all former affiliates of Capitol Ministries. Many of these state chapters are in southern states; the overall organization is led by pastor Jim Young in Raleigh, North Carolina.