August 1, 2023
Dear friends, elders and workers,
We are aware that many are interested in hearing about the recent meetings in Illinois. As some of you may have heard, most of the overseers from Canada and the USA gathered. Included were a number of sister workers and some of our friends. We regularly consult with the sisters, yet wanted the extra demonstration of transparency. There were six meetings in two days.
The recent months have been challenging as we have all faced new experiences in learning about and dealing with past and current child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual abuse (SA) cases that have surfaced, and their resulting effects. One result of our gathering was the realization that we stand united in our commitment to heightened awareness, increased education and appropriate changes. We regret that in many cases past responses to CSA/SA matters were incorrect and insufficiently informed, resulting in inappropriate outcomes.
Another result of the meeting was a united commitment to deal with reports that arise in a thorough, safe, caring and appropriately transparent manner. We also discussed how to better reach out to care for and support victims. We realize the value of encouraging people to communicate early about concerns, but uniformly agree it is absolutely necessary to fully comply with the law and legal authorities. We also had discussions about best practices for the process of working through cases and how to involve elders in the decisions that are made.
In one of the sessions, a victim advocate presented information and education about CSA/SA and answered questions about specific cases. In other sessions we discussed how best to support victims who do not have sufficient means for therapy. In multiple sessions we discussed how to appropriately care for and support victims, including seeking professional guidance as we work to help victims. We apologize where we have failed to provide a trustworthy and safe reporting environment for victims. To address this lack, we stand united in purpose to hear, believe, support and encourage victims. We pray for the survivors of abuse, that God will comfort and help them on their journey to healing. With the guidance and help of God. we are working to create a trustworthy reporting environment where people feel truly supported and safe.
As a result of our days together, we stand united in our desire to address CSA/SA matters properly going forward, for the safety of all, especially the most vulnerable among us. As workers we also recognize the need for deep self-examination as we remember the God we serve, and that we all stand accountable to Him. We are united in understanding it is our duty to proactively help prevent abuse by creating safe and peaceful meeting environments as well as making sure workers are trustworthy and safe in the home.
Much was shared about the fear of God that must accompany the reality and richness of the love of God. Also mentioned were honesty, humility and reverence so that we may serve responsibly in our place as servants. We stand united in wanting to have pure motives, and follow closely in the way Jesus lived and taught for the ministry and the fellowship so that God can bless His people and ministry (John 12:26; 14:15-17, 23). It is reassuring to remember God hears the cry of every needy heart and knows those who trust Him. We have all become aware of grievous harm done by some workers, and human failure in addressing it by others, yet we draw comfort knowing that God has never failed us and He will cleanse what offends in His Kingdom and lead His people to better days.
With deep care in Him to each of you,
Your servants in Christ
Discover more from WINGS for Truth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
WINGS for Truth 
“We regret that in many cases past responses to CSA/SA matters were incorrect and insufficiently informed, resulting in inappropriate outcomes.” Is is it too much to ask for a GENUINE apology without accompanying excuses or justification??? That they were “insufficiently informed” does NOT sit well with me. Pretty sure the Spirit wasn’t “insufficiently informed,” soooo, well, hmmm, I think I better just leave it at that.
My thoughts exactly!
mferguson: Your response to this informative “report” which is manipulative and passing the blame game: is very insightfull.
You stated the problem that allows this behavior to not only exist – BUT to “flourish”! Having the “Spirit” of Christ is NOT one of their attributes.
Yes, this a relationship between us(who are unable to correctly and sufficiently inform) and the ONLY ONE TRUE WAY MINISTRY who erred because of our clumsiness. Their failure in anyway is our fault.
That legally is called a “Fiduciary” relationship. The person with the POWER and the Control; has a greater responsibility to the lesser in control. THIS responsibility includes “protecting” the vulnerable. And that does NOT MEAN taking – unfair – advantage – of. The act of taking advantage of: is criminal in court.
The ugly Truth and result is only to try to make the Victims guilty of NOT correctly and with enough sufficient information: THEREFORE there were
inappropriate out comes. Which is Truth-Proof it is Not God’s Kingdom; and God will not and cannot cleanse that which is not His. You are sooo right.
THE very SAD News to all of their posturing and great effort to serve is climaxed by their very use of God’s Word to impress and verify, YES, they are God’s only MINISTRY taught by Jesus – Himself.
AND use John 12:26 to convince you; they serve Jesus.
BUT they ignore the phrase “let him follow me”. How do they follow Jesus???
Matthew 4:13(which even fulfills prophecy) when Jesus began to serve: where did Jesus begin? 4:13-:16 In the deepest, Darkest area of that Nation of Israel -“Galilee of the Gentile” where satan had full control.
Math. 16:13-:20 This is where Jesus is when he asks his disciples
:13 Whom do men say I am? :16. Peter KNEW
:18 Jesus tells the very satan’s stronghold: in front ofPeter: upon this rock I will build my assembly; ( and you get this)
AND the GATES of HELL shall not Prevail against it. then…
:19 Jesus tells Peter what he, will give to Peter and it is great responsibility . Do you think this is HOW they follow Jesus in the way he lived and taught?
Like in Math.15:24 I am “ONLY” sent to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel
Which is an echo of Math. 10:5,6 as Jesus sent His 12 chosen disciples.
To whom did the angel Gabriel explain to Mary that Jesus would minister?
Luke 1:31-:32 throne of his father David
:33 he shall REIGN over the House of Jacob=Jews=Nation of Israel
:54 – Israel :55 to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever
:67 – :68 Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed HIS people! AND :80 YOU read —till day of “his’ shewing to WHO???
NO, that group that MET at Seneca did NOT follow or minister as Jesus did!
Or you would do—–
Matthew 19:16 for “eternal life”. :17 keep the commandments! :17 sell ALL
AND, Yep, this also… Math. 23:1-:3.This Jesus Taught — DO THE LAW of Moses!
And the GROUP of Overseers also quote
John 14:15 Keep my commandments; Yes, even John knows what Matthew KNEW. Grab :21 and :23. What are his commandments: Luke 1:5-6
AND then You well know that they follow exactly as Jesus sent his 12 apostles.
Oh, really? You must read Acts 2:5, :14, :23, :36.
You must read what they preach to all those Jews. Acts 2:14 – :23 and :25 -:36
Did it change? NO, it did NOT. Read the Apostles Doctrine: Acts 2:42 -:46
Have you sold ALL and are you worshipping in God’s Holy Temple?
As did the 11 in Luke 24:53. as all believers did in Acts2:46 = apostles Doctrine. AND, oh, LOOK what those examples for the ministry of the 2×2′ did in
Acts 3:1 YES, did the Levitcal Law of Moses; went up together into the Temple at the hour of Prayer – the 9th hour. Yes, even Yet in Acts 21:20. Who? Jews! Do You?
Is this perhaps the reason THAT this letter sounds SO HOLLOW? Because it is?It is so very brutal to learn God’s Word as written
and NOT as we have been taught. And is it ‘No wonder” there is such abuse!
Shame on them. Shame on them for not rejecting “consensual” relationships in the ministry. Shame on them for lying about dealing with sexual abuse. I know of a worker who raped a sister worker, otherwise known for relationships, who is still in the work.
Anyone in the ministry who engages in “relationships” is going to end up abusing. Their conscience being seared by living a lie, abuse is inevitable.
The overseers and sisters and elders and whoever else that penciled this letter said that “we have all faced new experiences in learning about and dealing with past and current child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual abuse (SA) cases that have surfaced”. They really must think professing folk are very stupid because Wings has many letters and accounts posted from decades ago that document CSA/SA offences committed by workers and professing folk and the effect it had on many souls. Many of those at Seneca would have been on the receiving end of those letters and accounts. And why did nobody sign this letter? Even the CCF had over 700 sign their letter to Barry, Dale, and Ray. God gave each of us one brain and two feet for a purpose.
As you repeat, you “stand united”.
United in publishing how you didn’t realize it was such a serious problem assaulting children.
United in advertising how good it is to finally now realize assaulting men, women and children have consequences.
United in supporting emotional abuse.
United in publishing a public image as to your great efforts to change.
United in building your legal defence.
United in moving your fellow workers to places to shield them.
United in spending tens of thousands of dollars on lawyers and professionals to shield and defend you.
United in spending thousands of dollars on “overseer” meetings to protect your own interests.
United in publishing you support therapy while refuse and diminish it in private.
United in your hierarchy.
United in silencing victims.
United in rejoicing when a child of God who disagrees with you chooses not to be included in your fellowship meetings.
United in your authority over the church.
United in preaching against being aware of any problems in your ministry.
United in broadcasting government help web sites while preaching not to read the internet.
United in preaching a brotherly love and unity you do not display.
United in your dishonesty to the church.
And, on it goes.
I thought when we sang together about the “Shepherd and the sheep rejoice” we were singing about Jesus.
Are you now suggesting we are singing about the “overseers” who is our shepherd?
Or perhaps you are suggesting it is the “overseers” and workers who will shepherd us?
No. More likely you are promoting and building strength in belief of your song. The “overseers”, then the workers then the “elders” are the shepherds responsible for a healthy fellowship and relationship with heaven. Salvation only possible by obedience to your hierarchy.
I’ll choose Jesus as my only shepherd.