Some friends have started a newsletter series to help inform on the crisis in our church in a gentle and easily digestible way. They explain:
“This initial issue is aimed at spreading awareness for those still in the dark.
Many of us are struggling with helping others understand why we are so upset and grieved. I hope this document can help with those conversations, to show the magnitude of what we are dealing with in our church and educate on the effects CSA/ SA, grooming, low rate of conviction for crimes, etc.
Since many friends are waiting for the workers to validate the crisis, please suggest to your workers that they send it out to their whole field to inform and get everyone on the same page.
The next issues will seek to explain CSA/ SA guidelines/ protocols, cultural/systemic issues that contribute to abuse and coverup, ways forward, and more.“
Google Drive folder containing current and future newsletters: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zhEVseyWpUCchUHqr2PChTy2eK-jYqe4?usp=sharing
Discover more from WINGS for Truth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
WINGS for Truth 
Thank you for this information. It is clear and concise.
It is shocking to hear 550+ abusers.
Could that be broken down into those who are deceased (while many survivors are alive the abuser can no longer abuse more).
Hearing decades old cases of abuse is necessary to heal the survivors
The most important list is of living abusers so that they are exposed and we can work to get them removed from in-person meetings. (they are the dangerous ones!)
We need to stop this from happening to any child today.
Thank you so much for creating this newsletter! I have been agonizing over how to inform my elder and others, the full extent of the problems in our fellowship. To my knowledge, all they know, is what was shared in the “listening” session a few months ago, and they have no concept of the depth and scope of damage done to so many people! This will make education so much easier!! Wonderful idea!
sarajwojcik: We are disappointed that you are not able to do the same with the information that Wings and Advocates For Truth have so painstakingly put together. Their information is factual and is NOT biased and does not include propaganda. When a system uses false, warm, fuzzy, feely – so called facts to mislead and assure: THAT system is again traumatizing the complete membership. That “membership” at some “point in time” will LEARN the Real, True, God’s Word as written. Only then will learn of that “Spiritual abuse”.
For Christ; is very aware and lives in reality. We can read between the lines and understand that ‘For Christ’ has had a traumatic, abuse experience. Abuse comes in many forms. This site has allowed the subject of “Spiritual Abuse”; even tho CSA – SA are the main thrust. Spiritual Abuse is often the precursor to the grooming for Sexual Abuse. This allows the normal defenses of the “victim” AND that of their protectors to be negated.
When HOC lists their complete “Purpose” is to show a heart of compassion as Jesus did; then states HOC – AS His “Church”, we must do the same.
When HOC claims to be “Jesus’ Church” and it is NOT factual: that is of itself a grooming tactic. “Who doesn’t want to be of Jesus ‘only right true church’?”
When one is convinced of this fact, one is open to anything they do or say!
To counter check read Matthew 15:24 to whom did Jesus preach? Israel=Jews.
The very “Purpose” of this NEWSLETTER has been hyjacked by false facts.
With God’s very Words the real facts are hard to argue with soft, feely feelings.
That Word “Church” which is used by Jesus 12 apostles whom the 2×2’s follow; is identified in the Concordance /Bible Dictionary as a synagogue or assembly.
We know a synagogue is a Jewish place of “worship”. “Light Bulb”!!
Acts 2::42 -:47 are NOT just ‘light bulbs” BUT they are “Flashing Red” Lights!
And Acts 2:42-:46 are the “EXACT” Doctrine of Jesus’s Church – Synagogue.
If any “have any think” of this being ‘his church’ as in Acts 2:47; just try to worship as the 12 apostles of Jesus did: Luke 24:49-:53 and then after they had received the “Holy Spirit” Acts 3:1 at the hour of prayer(Jews still do this) and Acts 5:42.
THEN check-out what their 3000 believers or followers did when they gladly received Peters words Acts 2:41- :42 “in” ‘apostles’ “”DOCTRINE””.
:44. “ALL that ‘Believed’: were together and HAD ALL things common;
:45 ALL that ‘believed’: sold ALL…….
:46 ALL that ‘believed’: continuing “daily with one accord’, in the “TEMPLE”….
Once, you see this: — one cannot UNSEE IT!
That makes the process of unlearning according to “Rumi Quotes”:
“That ‘unlearning is the Highest Form of Learning’;
We have learned it is also a very ‘brutal’ type of Spiritual Abuse. When your mind relapses and one doubts oneself; thankfully God’s Word is still in Black and white: just read it again.
SOOPS – again? Our team isn’t trying to replace AFTT or Wings with our information but to share information in a different way that’s easier to pass along to people who are not online. It is meant to bridge the gap between the “internet is evil” folks and the information that needs to get out to everyone. We are running our numbers by AFTT and we will be using their updated and more specific numbers in our upcoming issue.
We didn’t mean for the phrase “His Church” to be seeped in exclusivity, but I can see how that could come across. Thank you for your critique.
sarajwojcik, I’m glad this newsletter can fill a purpose for you. I hope it makes sharing information easier.
I can’t applaud this newsletter enough. Thankyou for the time and effort you have put into it. It is factual, compassionate, educational, and helpful. Hopefully it will spread far and wide, and be received in the right spirit.
Tony M, you say, ” I can’t applaud this newsletter enough… Hopefully it will spread far and wide, and be received in the right spirit”. The right spirit includes things such as love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). If the thinking that the leadership, that would have to authorize this hoped for series of letters regarding sexual abuse, have these Biblical qualities, the answer to that has been provided already. Leadership has shown that they have none of these qualities by their past behavior and actions of covering up for the abusers, moving the abusers to a different area where they are not known and further, leaving the victims to fend for themselves and silencing them. Tony, you might have “the right spirit”, but your spirit and opinion does not carry any weight and at the end of the day, really does not matter.
Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this resource. I feel such gratitude and admiration for everyone who is tackling this problem in a meaningful way, including the Wings team, AFTT team, counseling and law enforcement professionals among us who volunteer their expertise, and anyone who finds ways to act effectively on these concerns. I thank God for you (since I believe in Him and believe He wants us all to protect vulnerable people), and please let’s keep up the efforts.
Thank you for your efforts of another step in the right direction.
Again this widespread statement of 550 “perpetrators” lacks any factual support. How many of these are confirmed and how many are alleged? Is there a master list of confirmed perpetrators? Does the 550 include perps going back 120 years? Being a victim of a perp is terrible but being falsely accused is upsetting as well.
Do you know someone falsely accused? No? I don’t either. So stop throwing the ‘What about the falsely accused’ line around and pull your head out of the sand. It’s a line used quite a bit to dismiss what’s happening. No it’s not a complete list going back 120 years so it’s a much higher number. Contact Cynthia Liles if you think it’s just a list of crazy fearless people who enjoy throwing personal disgusting molest and abuse stories around: Cynthia@advocatesforthetruth.com
Nope…I don’t any more than your apparent certainty that there are no falsely accused
Do you know for sure that all the ” allegations” have merit? Or that someone hasn’t been falsely accused.
No…I certainly believe that this isn’t a bunch of crazy fearless people telling stories. So please don’t judge me and pretend to know what I think. After all my spouse is a victim (not related to f&w) of CSA. I see the pain firsthand.
But people throw numbers around with no facts to separate allegation from truth. Did they confirm with Ms. Liles?
One brother worker was found to be falsely accused. One older brother was accused historically and his accuser recanted. So it does happen.
Beholder who was falsely accused? If they are cleared and clean you can post their name. I’ve heard of no such circumstance. Even so 1 vs this evil vile tsunami of 550+ and counting gives no reason for truth to be hidden and evil workers to be defended blindlessly. Salvation doesn’t go through meetings or workers.
Yes, is a good question. I hope someone will answer this. Thank you
Maybe Doug Ogden? Supposedly withdrawn claim.
A Friend Too – I understand your concern, the ambiguous numbers can cause doubt or can feel inflated. There is a master list and AFTT will be coming out with some hard numbers in the next few weeks.
As for the current numbers, AFTT has been careful to only include credible accusations in their counts, with more than two accusations. According to Cynthia most of the perpetrators are still alive.
Yup Didn’t think you knew any. Go ahead contact Liles. It’s more than 550. Go email, contact and set up a time to talk. No one’s hiding truth over there like the workers.
This letter will never be distributed and will never be seen by the full membership. First, the silhouette picture on the header shows women without dresses, except for one, and none have buns. Whoever made this letter, image matters. Second, this letter acknowledged the fact that there is a sexual abuse problem. Just those two things alone are going keep this letter from never getting out to the members. This letter also shows WHY there is a problem. Calling this organization, “His Church”. Jesus Christ does have a church; it is made up of Christianity, or the people who have accepted Christ into their lives and they live for Him. Christ lived, died and arose from the tomb just for humanity, giving Christians the promise that they too will rise from the tomb to live with Him. To think some organization is the only one that holds Christ promises is simply preposterous and arrogance. This makes those in leadership have the thinking of being untouchable and invincible. Look no further than Dean Bruer and the other over 550 sexual predators uncovered in the last six months. Christ is the opposite of arrogance and Christ is perfect and will always be the answer today, and going forward. As for this letter, it is a good idea, but it is going nowhere.
FC is correct – do not ever recall group members looking like those silhouetted on the cover of the newsletter- they appear to be joyful and are having clean fun. This must have been copied for some other source – the publisher needs to be aware of U.S. copyright laws. The Cowboy Code says “If it’s not yours, don’t take it”. But, we all know by now that the group does not think that rules and laws apply to them. After all, they are God’s only chosen people.
The image appears to be a standard stock image used by various websites and is available for use under licence. Please don’t accuse them of copyright breach unless you have clear evidence.
Wings – I apologize. Thanks for the good work you are doing. Decided it is time for Max to sign off for good – not anything more that I can offer. Both sides will need to either go their separate ways or learn to agree to disagree. For me and the Cowgirl – heading to the land of the Cowboy where the code is “if it’s not right, don’t do it”.
For Christ – I am happy to report that this newsletter is being distributed widely, mostly thanks to grassroots efforts. The workers in our region (NC/VA/MD/DE) have received it and it will be shared with visiting workers before the convention next weekend. We have a long way to go but thankful for the small victories.
We didn’t intend for the term “His Church” to be seeped in exclusivity, but I can see how that could be read. Thank you for your critique.
Janaleedawn — thank you for the clarification. On AUGUST 27, 2023 BY WINGSFORTRUTH2, Overseer apology to Sacramento friends and elders, refers to members of the truth church as, “God’s people”. Heart of Compassion Letter then uses, “His Church” to reference the truth church organization. This, and other similar worded references to the group are frequently found in writings of the membership on this site, and from what I remember, their leaders. That’s elitist thinking and will only lead to downfall ( Proverbs 16:18, which says “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before the fall.”). It is appreciated that you acknowledge the “seeped in exclusivity”. Unfortunately, the thinking of being exclusive has been one of the groups corner stones. It’s excellent that this letter is being distributed widely! You say it is distributed mostly thanks to grassroots efforts. That is how it will have remain, to get out. From my personal experience, leadership would like nothing more than this letter to be swept under the rug and never see the light of day. Keep up your good work and kudos for the pictured silhouette at the very top of the letter. Showing women in pants with their hair in current styles is very brave, and breaking the tradition that has been in place for 127 years. You are doing a great service with your efforts.
For Christ – I’m in agreement, Exclusivity is something many churches deal with and the fruit is very ugly. Many in this fellowship are shedding that false doctrine, it’s a really beautiful thing when it happens! Now what I’m seeing is the same thing can be read or heard in the exclusivity mindset or without it. Like “God’s people” or “His Church”, could mean just one church or anyone serving God. Since fully shedding exclusivity I’ve read our hymns differently as well, what used to be one small group of people now is anyone serving God. We will be careful with our wording going forward.
I see a lot of hope from inside, including your other point of women starting to wear pants and different hairstyles to meetings, gospel meetings, and conventions. This culture shift will be slow but it is important, even considering the current crisis. Policies can only get you so far, a culture of a church is what supports or discourages heinous acts and coverups. I am thankful to report I have seen hope both in grassroots efforts and with the ministry/ leadership.
Thank you for your encouragement! Please pray for the friends that God continues to shed light on the current crisis and false doctrine.
An interesting statistic given in this letter is that the average age of a survivor of abuse who reports the abuse is 52. Depending on the age of the abuser when the event occurred means a good number would be dead by the time the abuse is revealed by the victim. This is why so much emphasis is now being placed on detecting grooming, red flags, etc. to help in earlier detection. But we need to be aware that these are only indicators and can lead to false judgements.
Just wondering why nothing new has been posted for 4 days?
Max — go down that dusty trail and take some time by a lively stream in the shade of Red Maple, or maybe a Horphornbeams. But, after a rest, get back in the saddle. This site needs your insight, connections and humor. The cowboy code says, talk less and say more. That is what makes you different. And interesting.
I agree!! Max, your comments keep me sane here. Please don’t ride off into the sunset yet!
There is credibility lost in publishing this because it implies there are 550 abusers running around. It doesn’t define the years it covers, does it go back over 1 year or 150 years or 1000 years or 2000 years?
Then there is an article written with Cynthia quoted as saying “abuse is thick” as if every 2nd or 3rd person who attends meetings is an abuser. That’s an exaggeration, and again has no definition, or only distorted definition.
There is no doubt there are abusers and this needs to be dealt with. Vague distortions are misleading and it is questionable whether this affects the situation in a positive way. It does get people stirred up though , if that the intent.
Where are the facts? – I understand your concern, the ambiguous numbers can cause doubt or can feel inflated. These numbers are from Advocates for the Truth, who will be sending out hard numbers in the next few weeks.
As for the current numbers, AFTT has been careful to only include credible accusations in their counts, with each perpetrator having a minimum of two accusations. According to Cynthia, most of the perpetrators are still alive.
Where’s the facts says, “There is credibility lost in publishing this because it implies there are 550 abusers running around. It doesn’t define the years it covers, does it go back over 1 year or 150 years or 1000 years or 2000 years?” Where’s the facts, you should already know; the church was founded in 1897 in Ireland by William Irvine, an evangelist with the interdenominational Faith Mission. With that FACT, the absolute farthest these known sexual abuses could cover is 127 years. It is very curious where you get 150 years or 1000 years or 2000 years. IF you have been told the “truth religion” has been around for more than 127 years, you’ve been lied to, and you failed to do your due diligence in research of the organization. That is on you and nobody else. Ignorance is not an excuse. Look up the Two by Twos and educate yourself.
For Christ is avoiding the question. Please define what 550 perpetrators relates to? The current time period? The last 2 years? What are the facts? Over how many years?
Just because there are lapses in record-keeping, and perhaps lapses in time when anyone was willing to try to live according to the Bible doesn’t mean William Irving started this fellowship. God wrote the Bible, not William Irving. Just because William Irving decided to no longer live according to the words he had been preaching doesn’t mean the words he previously spoke or the Bible he spoke from is wrong.
“Just because there are lapses in record-keeping, and perhaps lapses in time when anyone was willing to try to live according to the Bible doesn’t mean William Irving started this fellowship”. Since Christ Jesus lived on this earth, there have always been people living for Jesus, and today there are people still living for Him. The Bible and the ” truth religion ” are NOT one and the same. It is very clearly documented that William Irvine started the truth religion 127 years ago. The Word of God has no beginning, or end. It is correct, God’s Word is the Bible. Jesus Christ lived God’s word for us to follow. Jesus says numerous times to, “follow me”. It is very simple. John 14:6 states, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. Jesus Christ is the answer. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” The followers of Jesus Christ, or Christians, do meet together regularly and have fellowship as noted in 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin”. Fellowship is for all Christians and takes place constantly. It is such a beautiful thing.
For Christ, sorry maybe you are following William Irving, but we are not following William Irving. Any honest hearted person can go back to the Bible and seek to live accordingly. God knows where every honest heart is and has the ability to bring them together. He has other sheep that are not of this fold, and He can bring them so there will be one fold and one shepherd
Who is William “Irving”? I think he was a state representative in 1766. 🙂
To Not Following William IRVING…
Do look more into words and spellings, and corrections. IT is not William IRVING I think you are trying to say William IRVINE..this is how things get construed. IRVING??? He was a state representative in the 1700’s. 😆
The ministry that Jesus sent out was not celibate, they had homes, wives and children, most of them anyway, and they returned to them.
They did not follow the living witness doctrine,( only hear the Gospel through them)
Did not preach they were the only way,( making another door), Jesus said He is the door and He is the way.
There wasn’t the hierarchy that we have today, nor the arrogance or haughtiness.
They were led by the Holy Spirit, not power hungry, dictatorial men, without love, compassion or wisdom.
There could never have been the problem we have today because, had it reared its ugly head, it would have been made known and destroyed immediately, not kept a secret.
You are following William Irvines doctrine, it’s just that you meet in homes like the early church. I truly hope you will come to see that.
By all means keep meeting , but I beg you to obey the doctrine of Christ and not corrupt men.
For Christ and No Confidence : Once a change to God’s Word as written has been made; the Law of Change seeks continually a lower level. We see this in vivid, naked reality when CSA/SA is accepted and becomes part of the ‘so called ministry’ of OUR God and Saviour: Jesus Christ. No, it is not the exception; it is an accepted and well known fact in a certain hierarchy; BUT for unknown reasons they pretend that does not exist…. while destroying the hurting, vulnerable, innocent victims.
Yes, this change was result of a major Denomination which changed God’s Word concerning Jesus and his fleshly ministry to God’s Chosen Nation: Israel. THEN, a change was made by a man because of his belief: Churches were corrupt. 1800 some years of MAN’S ideas and ignoring God’s Word is result.
Yes, anything, man touches goes to lower level and when one twist God’s Word to one’s own human imagination: that is the result. History is proof.
#2. The ministry of Jesus in His flesh to His Nation of Israel was cut-off by the very Government that Jesus was sent to “Bring back to God”. Matthew 15:24
Jesus then sent His 12 Chosen Apostles to “”continue”” to witness to Israel THAT their promised, covenanted Heavenly Kingdom of Heaven on Earth was “at Hand”! Your King is in YOUR midst! That Government demanded His death.
#3. Israel with very hands of the Government stoned Stephen because he had God, the Holy Spirit. Israel fulfilled Math.12:31-:32
WHAT was #1.? Amos 8: the why and result. :1-:12 God turned from Israel for 400 yrs. Then sent His Son, Luke 1:30 -:33 to Israel=house of Jacob-kingdom to bring that “Jewish” Nation back to God.That Government would Not. result #2
Paul, whom God raised-up to be the Apostle of the Grace of God explains:
Romans 11:7 – :11; and :11 also explains reason— through Israel’s “fall” salvation is COME to the Gentiles! THAT IS FOR NOW!
Man and their religion REFUSES to read and understand ALL of God’s WORD.
Therefore, man’s religion continues to seek a lower level.
‘No Confidence’ is correct! We must know and follow the Doctrine of the “Risen Christ” and Our Saviour according to the Good News=Gospel, the Risen Christ in Heaven gave to Paul. Acts 9:15. Paul explains How: Ephesians 3:1-:9
Romans 3:21 – :28 explains result of God’s redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul also explains: God is NOT “Mocked”! But 2×2’s are sure trying too.
Galatians 6:1-:10 notice this Standard of “behavior” and responsibility.
:7 – :8… whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap..You read the rest.!!!
*** see no confidence post below *****Meaning , IF you are still in fellowship under dictatorial, unbiblical overseer leadership. In my opinion, and I’m not judging, as I am still part of the fellowship, but not in my heart.😳 I KNOW
Guess I’m a hypocrite, but I’m working on it.
YES any honest hearted person can go back to the Bible and seek to live accordingly, and that’s what we need to do.
😀 WILLIAM IRVING?? IRVING?? IRVING?? LOL WRONG NAME You might change to right name..IRVING???? you are talking about a state representative in the 1760’s..i am sure none of us are following a state representative..lol..change to right spelling..kinda funny..maybe you are into politics or not..
For Christ : Not too long after Jesus prayed all night and then chose 12 apostles, Judas showed himself to be an untrue betrayer. Does that mean Jesus’ prayers to His Father were not effective or that His ministry was wrong because it included a betrayer? No, it did not: there have been tares among the wheat from the start. Jesus treated the enemy/betrayer with kindness even though He knew what was in Judas’ heart
Maybe you are following William Irving and, therefore, disappointed. Some of us just want to continue trying to follow Jesus even though a few people can be exposed as tares or betrayers. Individuals can have the purpose to continue on and seek to be true.
‘Look everyone I found a story of betrayal and I got verses to spout off and uhhh this is about betrayal?’ I’m sorry I forgot the details of Judas raping women with the Ira Hobbs cocktail and horrifically molesting our children? Tell me again how Judas story applies? How does God forgive where there’s no repentance? How do we forgive where there’s zero repentance? Some debts take a lifetime to repay and consequences always remain. Repentance requires real action and true willingness to repay the debt no matter the size or time. Words are not enough. Where are ‘Gods true ministers’!?! MIA and hiding with Dale!
I certainly agree that God doesn’t forgive without repentance, but your concept of it taking a lifetime to repay a debt is very foreign to me. I thought it was only Christ’s blood that could repay my debts.
I’m not talking about our debts between us and God. Between rapists/molesters and victims. If you raped somebody or molested children you tell me what repentance looks like. Lifetime in jail would be a good place to start repaying the debt. Survivors will spend a lifetime in pain and therapy. What does the perps true repentance to the victim look like?
Neverturnaside — you change your name every time you post. Why is that? That’s like the chameleon that changes its’ colors to the surroundings, to fit the situation or circumstances. It’s kind of like the bun and dress code. At conventions, the bun goes up and the dress goes on. For most, outside of convention and meetings, the bun is gone and the dress is replaced by pants. It used to be code to wear black stockings, too. That was in the days not far past the William Irvine era. Black stockings defined worthiness. Now the dress and bun do that. ” Individuals can have the purpose to continue on and seek to be true”, you state. Seek to be true to what? God is the purpose. It’s about Him, not us. It’s His purposes that unfold to transform every area of life. “Seek to be true” is like the one, who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory. John 7:18 “ He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. ”
Wolf– when David killed a man and took his wife, he said I have sinned against God. There was no way to repay a debt to that man. As is always the case his repentance was before God. He proved that by showing God, my way is wrong, your way is right.
Nice use of forcing a square peg in a round hole. I’m not aware of any workers killing someone and taking a wife. Keep searching for verses to protect rapists and molesters. So we only need to seek forgiveness and repent to God? We’re talking about raping and molesting and those who are alive and dealing with pain and trauma for a lifetime. Heartless ministry that runs to protect rapists and molesters while doing zero for victims and survivors. Gutless pathetic ministry that fears man and justice that needs to be served. Regardless of forgiveness there is always consequences.
‘…have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’
Sorry for bringing a square peg. I thought murder was much worse that CSA, so let’s try Joseph. He was 17 when his brothers wanted to kill him but relented and abused him, sold him into slavery, so maybe he is the round peg you are looking for. But the more I think of it, you will reject him also since he wound up giving and giving to his abusers. Maybe there is another one that will fit your criteria better?
Where is the action of repentance from the worker rapists and molesters? Many like you sound like Joseph’s brothers leaving victims in the desert left for dead and hoping what they’ve done disappears. Thousands of victims. Yes thousands. Wake up. You think 600 perps just raped or molested 1? Even K Young who left the work recently said his dad was molested by former worker who had what? 16 or 18 victims?!? He recently had meeting in his home! But keep protecting a group of ministers who are stilling ‘learning’ how to handle molesters and rapists and trying to check their spirit if they should care or do anything for victims. Too afraid of confirming what any average denomination does or too afraid of jail time? Where’s Dale Schultz hiding?