The following attributes are some of the conditions that make the Friends and Workers church ripe for abuse and deception.
Historical Belief in Exclusivity: The workers and meetings represent the“Only True Ministry” and “Only True Way”.
- The belief that the form of the church and ministry is “the Only Way” is explicitly or implicitly taught and reinforced by many workers at Gospel meetings and other gatherings such as convention. Many friends do not do their own scriptural research to test the validity of this belief.
- Workers who believe they have been called into the Only True Ministry may submit to emotional or sexual abuse so as not to lose their “place”.
- Ex-communication or separation from the Only True Way can be a real and powerful fear, and result in ignoring or minimizing immoral or criminal behaviors.
Culture of Secrecy: From its establishment in the late 1800’s, there have been divisions and scandals in the church.
- Typically doctrinal divisions and/or scandals have been ignored, diminished, or covered up because open acknowledgment of imperfections, including immoral or criminal behavior, could reduce confidence in the Only True Ministry and the Only True Way.
- Many F&W are ignorant or uncertain about the church’s history.
Due to a deliberate or unintentional lack of knowledge, when questioned about church history, a default position is a vague or secretive response.
This “ignorance is bliss” attitude influences their outlook on church activities and information, including CSA and SA.
Undue trust in workers. Until recently, trust in the honesty, morality, ethics and general reliability of workers, was automatic and absolute among the majority of Friends.
- A high degree of trust is one of the most effective tools of a CSA perpetrator.
The homestay system. Perpetrator workers know that the homestay system offers them many opportunities to groom and violate victims. The addition of the above noted “trust factor” makes for an extremely vulnerable situation.
Unaccountability. This historical reality is systemic among the ministry and creates an environment for many levels and areas of deception. It is related to the One True Ministry belief.
- Unaccountability by the ministry exists from the regular worker level up to overseers.
- There is a general perception that ministry decisions, including financial, movement of staff, meeting selection, and other matters that affect the friends (eg baptism, divorce and/or remarriage, how CSA is dealt with), are privileged, sacrosanct and immune from review or analysis by the friends.
- Historically, the friends rarely question teachings or decisions made by the ministry. This acceptance allows for vulnerability in church matters, including how CSA/SA is managed.
- No accountability of the ministry allows a perfect breeding ground for corruption and deceit.
A Distinct Hierarchy
- Male dominated culture. CSA/SA is notably more active in male dominated cultures. Males adopt a privileged position. Immoral or unethical workers will take advantage of their systemic privilege. Friends may be intimidated by the perceived dominance and therefore ignore or minimize known abuse.
- Two distinct groups. A commonly used phrase like “God’s people” often refers to the general congregation, not the workers. This and other delineations creates two groups/levels of organization, an imbalance of power, and implicit subservience by the Friends.
- The uneven power system within the ministry hierarchy (male vs female, senior vs junior), has contributed to worker-to-worker abuse and at times, prevented necessary recourse.
- Reporting. Historically, reports of CSA/SA went up through the chain of worker command rather than directly from the information source worker or friend to the authorities. This allowed the senior workers and overseers discretion in what would be reported and the outcome.
Discover more from WINGS for Truth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
WINGS for Truth 
The NUMBER ONE characteristic of a CULT is, by definition, “cult
[kəlt]
NOUN
a relatively small group of people having beliefs or practices, especially relating to religion, that are regarded by others as strange or sinister or as imposing excessive control over members”. It’s noted above, “Historical Belief in Exclusivity: The workers and meetings represent the “Only True Ministry” and “Only True Way”. When it is told to people that they, the workers, control the “Only True Ministry” and “Only True Way”, YES, the workers and especially, head workers, can very much extend sinister and imposing excessive amounts of control. To the point that, child sexual abuse becomes common place. ” Nothing to see here” has become part of the ingrained culture, and criminal activity has become common place.
This is an excellent Cliff Notes version of the very fine and thorough book “Preserving the Truth: The Church without a Name and its Founder, William Irvine”, by Cherie Kropp-Ehrig”. Encourage all to read the book if you liked this piece.
Wingsfortruth2, your first two headings (exclusivity & secrecy) were the items I brought up in our Georgia ‘town hall’. My question to the workers was, “do the workers plan to continue teaching the exclusivity doctrine?” The brother workers were adamant that this is not preached! Yet, I’ve seen so many comments from myriad friends about the ‘exclusivity doctrine’. So if it’s “not being preached”, yet it is so prominent, were the brother workers gaslighting me?
Very gaslighting!
I’m obviously not Wingsfortruth2, but the answer is: Yes, without a doubt.
I’m not sure what gas lighting really means, but exclusivity definitely has been preached.
They may stop preaching it now but I doubt they will stop thinking it.
Andrew: Just because the exclusivity doctrine is not being preached doesn’t mean that it’s not believed or implied. I think most workers are careful about not preaching it directly now, but I would love to see workers asked directly whether they BELIEVE that doctrine. I think that’s what you were really trying to ask, only to receive a deflection & likely misleading answer.
Gas lighting for sure! Many times I’ve heard about the narrow way and only through them can you have even a Hope of salvation. All other religions are false all other clergy worldly and ridiculed. I’ll never forget when my grandfather passed “ outside” it was devastating thinking he wasn’t saved, even though Sunday morning meeting was IN his and my grandmother’s home and the workers stayed at their home a lot. Why would I think that? Indoctrination!!! My grandfather was a kind and loving man, he did not know how to read or write, I’m sure he was intimidated by the workers. But he opened his home to them.
I guess if they can cover up CSA/SA a little lying just tops it off! I’m thankful my eyes have been opened up after 33 years of indoctrination.
Andy – This is very interesting and is not what I heard in 60 years of “false religion and preacher ” bashing from the big boys on the platform.
NOTE TO WOKERS: Please let us all know which other churches are now acceptable, since your group is not safe with all the CSA/SA offenders on the loose. Especially interested in churches south of the Red River Valley. Do not want any more little cowgirls and cowboys or anyone else harmed.
Andrew….Find yourself a nice Baptist church. You obviously do not have the values we thought you had.
I hope this is sarcasm.
I go to a local Baptist church sometimes, it’s really nice. Not a lot of judging or exclusivity, just people meeting together because they love Jesus. I recommend going to one and trying the Spirit.
Our dear Beholder, the abuse you doled out to Andrew is par for the course for our fellowship. It is part of the root that brought us to this point. He asked the workers a question and he felt that they made him feel like he was crazy to think that we subscribe to an exclusivity doctrine. That, my friend, is gaslighting!
We are confident that you will be part of the solution. 🙂
Dear BEHOLDER, I want to thank you for a couple things: 1. Thanks for hiding behind your keyboard. It reminds me of the wonderful decades of secrecy when I tried to ask questions. 2. Thanks for abusing me! It reminds me of the wonderful decades of abuse I have endured while trying to be a help to others. We can talk in private; what I have endured is very private and will floor you.
Maybe I can help you become a caring person. There is enough abuse going around, please don’t add to it.
Dear BEHOLDER, I want to thank you for a couple things: 1. Thanks for hiding behind your keyboard. It reminds me of the wonderful decades of secrecy when I tried to ask questions. 2. Thanks for abusing me! It reminds me of the wonderful decades of abuse I have endured while trying to be a help to others… others who were hurting. We can talk in private; what I have endured as an elder is very private and will floor you!
Maybe we can help each other become more caring people. There is enough abuse going around, let’s not add to it.
Plenty Love!
Andrew
Beholder,
You said “if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything”. These people are standing for healthy positive change, they’re standing against child abuse and all other forms of immoral behavior and hypocrisy by the very people who have been “teaching” you about God, yet committing far worse sins than anyone I’ve ever met outside of “the Truth”. I don’t see the relevance of your comment about “doing whatever you want”, because scores of people who are part of your “narrow way” have been doing whatever they want at the expense of the lives, safety, and innocence of children. So respectfully, back off of the people who are advocating to bring all the dishonesty to light, including the fundamental flaws in your doctrine, and instead try to join in advocating for the changes in your fellowship that it so desperately needs
Beholder….. I question if even know Andrew…..because his values and sincerity are above reproach
We asked the same question and were told “we don’t like to judge”. But if you keep them talking, you’ll soon find out how they really feel. It came out in the form of a question, but it was clear they don’t believe people outside our church know how to love God. So don’t let them off so easily. Press the issue and make them tell you how they really feel!
I believe there is a narrow way….one way. Few that be that find it. Not in the doctrine of doing whatever you want……If you do not stand for somthing you will fall for anything…
Wow, beholder…just wow. Your comments make me thankful that I left this narrow(minded) way and found true Christian Love on the “outside”.
Andrew Newman, I was raised in “the way”. My lineage goes back three generations when this religion was first brought to the early1900’s America. My mom’s aunt was a very first generation U.S. worker. My wife’s grandfather was a first generation worker from Canada. Andrew, ” the “Only True Ministry” and “Only True Way” is very real verbage. It’s VERY REAL and it has become ingrained culture of the religion. IF anyone states otherwise they are telling you a lie. It’s that simple. Having noted that though, do lies in this religion surprise you? Think of all the sexual crimes against kids that are being covered up and lied about. It is all the same. Just a different topic. Lies come easy to a liar, I found out the hard way. Now, it is front and center, in front of all to see. Andrew, you can say, are the workers lying to me? I was lied to for 50 years. No more, though. Yes, the workers are lying to you. Recently 13 workers were exposed for covering up a sex crime involving one child. This child had a pillow placed over it’s head while the sexual assault took place. Now the child has brain damage. There were 13 workers that ran cover for this ONE sexual assault crime. Do you think that these same 13 workers would not lie to keep you from leaving if they could, saying, “the “Only True Ministry” and “Only True Way” is ONLY through them? If you think that the workers do not lie, Andrew, please let me know. I have a really nice, hard to get bridge, in Brooklyn, to sell you. And, the price is very reasonable.
Yes, exclusivity is and has been explicitly and implicitly taught for years. I vividly remember doubting my grandmother’s faith as young children due to her being in a ‘worldly’ church. How would a child know how to do this if it was not taught?
While this is unkind to the individuals, more deeply it isn’t kind to God and the Holy Spirit who have and continues to do a work in ‘outsiders’ lives.
Sadly, professing people have bonded for years by looking down on others and patronizing their faith.
The truth must stop doubting the God’s work in others’ lives. It is not kind and hurtful.
God works in the lives of those outside to bring them inside. Yes he works in all. Look at Noha….8 were saved….salvation is hard…not easy. Some want to make it easy. That’s not God’s way.
The statement is a view and opinion not undisputed fact.
If one’s bias and experience is such then you will accept it as undisputed fact!
Many of the statements could be refuted by the experience and sincere factual statements of numerous workers or friends. People who are satisfied with their personal relationship with God and deep satisfying fellowship with others. Most of them unaware and and if aware then disinterested and unconconcerned by views and opinions of the writer of the above.
Their experience is different. I’m not sure if the writer of the statement would be able to accept that?😀
True they don’t preach it from the platform directly but indirectly.
I asked x2 sister workers if Christians outside the fellowship could be saved, and they said no they can’t, this is the mind set of this fellowship in general and for them to deny it would be a lie period.
Louise: Thank You for your affirmation. It is and was an undisputed fact!
Oh, what a grand testimony we could expect when someone had attended an
“outsiders funeral”. All that was spoken at the service was subject to ridicule. And in that 2×2 testimony voice – we expressed how fortunate WE were to know God’s “ONE ONLY RIGHT WAY”.
We can express stories about the “Lost” who attended our group; but it is too raw a memory of the hurt imposed upon the person and family. AND those workers with the Heart of God — gleefully were guilty of stomping on them. while they shined their shoes; put on their 3 piece Suit and adjusted their Tie.
We will address the Old Testament Ministry to God’s chosen appointed Nation of Israel by the Fathers and the Prophets AND the very Tabernacle God instructed Moses to build for God’s very dwelling place among God’s chosen people as they wandered in the wilderness 40 years.
1600 years later God was still seeking to bring that Nation to himself.
They would NOT. Hosea 5:15 Amos 8:11-:12. God turned from them.
#1. That Nation of Israel rejected their God, the Father.
#2. What a relief to know and understand God’s ministry “to bring” His chosen Nation of Israel back to himself by God the Son = Jesus. This is what some of you are calling the “New Testament Ministry”.
It is NOT! Reason is: A “Testament” ONLY goes into “affect” after the Death of the “Testator”.
Jesus ministry WAS before he Died!
Jesus ministry was to the Jews. To bring God’s Chosen Nation to Himself.
God would THEN give to them ALL His covenants and promises=THEIR Gospel! IS the Gospel=Good News of their Perfect Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Matthew 5:, :6, 7: is Jesus’ promises and benefits in THIS Heavenly Kingdom on Earth that is revealed to John and is recorded in Book of Revelation 20:and 21:
It is NOT:: as a “Testament” ONLY goes into AFFECT after the Death of the Testator. Jesus ministry WAS “BEFORE HE DIED”!
That Nation of Israel – The very Government – The Priesthood demanded crucification of their King – their Messiah – Judge
#3. Then by God the Spirit Acts1:8 That Jesus promised to the 12 apostles as
they were to preach the Kingdom of the Heavenly Kingdom on Earth is at
Hand. Acts 3:20 – ‘:25’, :26. IF YOU DO :19 They would NOT.
That very Govern. of “Israel” stoned Stephen with their very own hands
EVEN when they saw and Knew Stephen was indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
That was the “unforgivable sin” Jesus, Himself informed that very govern. about in Matthew 12:31-:32.
God turned from that Nation of Israel. God withdrew their Kingdom Gospel!
So who do the 2×2’s follow? They cannot and do Not follow Jesus or the 12? The only alternative gospel and answer is 2 Corinthians 11:13 – :15.
That explains the action of the Present and Past Leadership.
astounded,
where do you get your confused complicated understanding of scripture from?
please give us a website link.
Not positive, but pretty sure BEHOLDER is catfishing people on Wings. A few days ago this character claimed to know who Louis is and now he/she claims to know who Andy is. There may be others that I missed that BH claimed to know and condemn. In the South, most people tend ignore catfish at all times, except when frying them up with some good hush puppy’s. Very tasty food. It is God’s place to know about salvation – do not need BH’s opinions one bit.
Max I know Andrew well….don’t know Louise….let’s take care of CSA. I’m tired of people on the fring giving the workers trouble. We have enough to deal with just with CSA
BEHOLDER, Only one person knows me well. YOU DO NOT!! I take offense at your statement! Please stop abusing me!! NOW!
Andrew Newman, thank you very much for extended kindness to “beholder”. Andrew, instead of demeaning this individual, you showed kindness, love and pity, which is needed here. Andrew, you are a man of God and that is evident by your beautiful words. It’s obvious that you have the Lord Jesus present in your life. I no longer belong to the “way”, however, having said that, I would gladly worship with you because we both have the same focus. May God bless you. Thank you again for your kindness.
I appreciate you, Louis! It seems BEHOLDER is browbeating me into submission.
This document continues to resonate with me because it is well written and I am so convinced that the attributes of our fellowship, as laid out in the document, are what fostered every type of abuse coming to light today. I so wanted our workers to acknowledge these attributes, so that we can start addressing the root-cause; but it wasn’t acknowledged.
Not until it is acknowledged can we look forward to a brighter/safer future. Maybe I am asking for too much too soon. But I have grandkids and am very protective of them. I fear for their safety if the root-cause is never acknowledged and addressed.
Thanks again to the author of the document. It should be used as a reference as we work at fixing what’s broken.
Re “this “ignorance is bliss” attitude”
Ignorance of lies and deceptions (=most mainstream news and establishment decrees) is bliss because exposing yourself to that is self-propagandization.
Ignorance of truths is not, or only temporarily or rarely, bliss because it is ultimately self-defeating.
The FALSE mantra of “ignorance is bliss”, promoted in the latter sense, is a product of a fake sick culture that has indoctrinated its “dumbed down” (therefore TRULY ignorant, therefore easy to control) people with many such manipulative slogans. Eg…
““We’re all in this together” is a tribal maxim. Even there, it’s a con, because the tribal leaders use it to enforce loyalty and submission. … The unity of compliance.” — Jon Rappoport, Investigative Journalist
You can find the proof that ignorance is hardly ever bliss (and if so only superficial temporary fake bliss), and how you get to buy into this lie (and other self-defeating lies), in the article “The 2 Married Pink Elephants In The Historical Room –The Holocaustal Covid-19 Coronavirus Madness: A Sociological Perspective & Historical Assessment Of The Covid “Phenomenon”” …. http://www.CovidTruthBeKnown.com (or https://www.rolf-hefti.com/covid-19-coronavirus.html)
“Separate what you know from what you THINK you know.” — Unknown
“If ‘ignorance is bliss’ –there should be more happy people.” — Unknown
Andrew Newman, stay strong in the Lord and know that Satan in ever present. Your grandkids are blessed to have YOU in their lives. Actually, ALL who know you are blessed to have you in their lives. Fake internet shadows living in a basement somewhere don’t have a clue to your kindness and goodness.