SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. - TelAve -- Justin Calabrese Speaks Out on Concerns Regarding Wapping Community Church's Values and Direction

Hartford, CT — Entrepreneur, author, and public figure Justin Calabrese is speaking publicly about what he describes as a painful and deeply personal disconnect between the stated mission of Wapping Community Church and the experience he says he endured.

In a statement released this week, Calabrese shared concerns about what he believes reflects a broader issue within some faith communities: the gap between public messaging and private treatment.

"For years, churches have been seen as places of healing, support, and spiritual refuge," said Calabrese. "But when people feel dismissed, judged, or harmed behind the scenes, it raises difficult questions about whether the mission being preached is truly the mission being practiced."

Calabrese also pointed to an individual he associates with his experience, stating that Kristen Kleiman, who he alleges contributed to his negative experience, is now serving as a minister at First Congregational Church in Bristol. He emphasized that this claim reflects his personal account and perspective.

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Calabrese says his decision to speak out is not rooted in bitterness, but in accountability and healing. He believes faith institutions should be held to the same standards of integrity, compassion, and transparency that they encourage in others.

"This is not about attacking faith," he said. "It is about challenging systems and environments that can sometimes prioritize image, control, or financial structure over genuine care for people."

While Calabrese did not call for division, he emphasized the importance of honest reflection within religious organizations, particularly when their public-facing identity centers on love, community, and support.

"There are people walking away from churches not because they lost faith," Calabrese added, "but because the environment they encountered did not reflect the very values they were told to trust."

Calabrese hopes his statement will encourage broader conversations around church culture, accountability, and the emotional impact of spiritual harm.

As he continues his work in business, writing, and music, Calabrese says he remains committed to using his platform to advocate for truth, healing, and personal transformation.