96 thoughts on “Email from Craig Winquist (MO, AR, OK) regarding CSA/SA guidelines”

1. Where are the guidelines? Were those included?

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   • It would appear that the point of this posting is that there are no guidelines, just Mr.Peterson’s scripture quotations. That is probably sufficient for many people. edit: the guidelines, as such, have been added to this post.

     One serious problem with it is that there is a vacuum of instructions on how the community can protect children and how to deal with abuse allegations.

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     • The Guidelines have now been provided to WINGS and have been appended above.

2. Does anyone know Craig’s email address?

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   • Craig Winquist: cwinquist@aol.com

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     • @anonymous64 – thank you!

3. WINGS; Who is this George Peterson? How does someone who does NOT even know WHO Jesus is; nor to whom Jesus preached nor what Jesus preached ; get or be selected to scramble-up a “Our Foundation”?!

   AND is he saying in the “added later” that they are willing to open-up and divulge all of their knowledge and actions(past and present) TO THE Legal system for the administration of “JUSTICE”??? This would also mean that all of their money accounts in members Names and etc. would be declared plus the past accounting of the use of all funds and to whom – how much – and for what purpose. They would now make all funds declared to be available for treatment of the abused and their families. They would NOT declare each member of the ministry as having No income and immediately withdraw from the Government program of Medicaid. This information also would be provided to all present and past members.

   They would provide each and every person full reporting of all abuse and where and when. Also declare all monies used for legal advice, why, where, when and who they consulted with their resulting advise. This is just the beginning of what they should do now that we know there is a foundation. The so called form and order of the New Testament Church is impossible because it does not follow the exact teachings of Jesus. Jesus explains to that Nation of Israel in Matthew 5:, 6:, and 7: when Jesus went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.

   Jesus promised them the “kingdom of heaven ‘ and that they would “inherit the “EARTH””. Matthew 5:1 -:5. etc.. And ended by 7:28-:29.
   Then continued with his miracles .

   We have never heard or seen a declaration of Our Foundation.
   Does this mean each region has their own Foundation or is THIS Monolithic?
   We again are so grieved that it is so impossible to acknowledge the extreme criminal and continuing abuse to each victim and their families while explaining their very own importance or their need to help.

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   • The best way I know of how to answer your question is this. If you are a child of God and you knew George Peterson, you would love him.

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     • This is the same thing that cult members said about Bruer, Reynolds, Corfield, Thayer, LeRoy, Burgess, Ellsworth, and all the rest before they were exposed (no pun intended). My mother worshiped the ground that Ellsworth walked on – when he was kicked out of Michigan, she lied to me and said she had no idea what happened to him. She was one of the biggest gossipers in the state – she knew exactly what he was doing.

     • To drive home my point, please see the 404 tributes that were posted in praise of Dean Bruer after his passing and funeral listed on professing.proboards.com, dated March 27, 2023. These tributes were from both cult members and workers and even Winquist’s sister and her husband. Bruer was praised over and over again as “a true servant of God”, “a pillar”, “a shepard”, “a feeder of His Lambs & His Sheep”, Gold of The Kingdom”, “greatest man I ever knew”, etc, etc, etc. All 404 of the so called “children of God” that left comments believed that this serial CSA/SA monster was the the next best thing to God. Very troubling cult mentality.

     • @Bucky, sorry your Mother I am sure you still love her much. With regard to how friends feel toward others, you are right. Our perception of others that we have had contact with is solely based on our personal relationship with them. This has nothing to do with cult mentality it is the way we humans interact. Sure, if we later find out that they treated others very differently we are sad, angry, (put in your own reaction). That is our human failing and why most of us are so glad that God is the final judge. We can go on with our life after by just enjoying the relationships we enjoy with others or become super suspicious of everyone around us, imagining the worst possible motives of each. It’s our choice.

     • @Bucky. With regard to Dean Bruer. When I first heard of all the terrible things he did I felt glad that I never met him. But perhaps I did? 30-40 years ago my wife and I were traveling retouch Wyoming on our way to the SD convention. We stopped at a fast food restaurant in Wyoming. Inside, a man, who said he was the overseer asked us if we went to meetings? We then joined him and had a wonderful time sharing our testimonies. Was it Dean? Can’t remember his name but do remember a positive impression. If it was him, perhaps it was before he went astray or he might have been in the midst of his problems. I will have to leave it to God.

     • @Amen – I can’t believe you made that statement! “If you were a child of God…” No, that’s not true. If someone truly has the Spirit of God (which His children WILL have) they would know he didn’t have the Spirit, or he couldn’t have made the decisions he did. He may have been a likeable person (or better put, a good groomer) if you just had minimal contact with him (as most of the congregation does with the workers on their staff), but that doesn’t mean we would “Love him” as you state.

     • Henoffour, perhaps it’s my fault because you are commenting on my comments on two very different people. Concerning George, I do love him. He helped bring the gospel to my home, he has continually fed us and our children. Concerning his dealings with IRA, yes he made some mistakes, he has admitted such. As far as I am concerned he has done just as David did when confronted with his much greater sin by simply saying I have sinned. I hope to enjoy eternity with God, David and George.
       Dean is a very different situation to me and as I said I am not even sure I ever met the man and from what I know of his life I greatly fear for him. Thanks for your response.

     • @Amen – George was good to your family, because he must have been aware that he couldn’t get away with misbehaving while in your presence. The trait of a good groomer. Many people “Loved” Dean Bruer, because HE was a good groomer. We are so used to thinking the best of everyone, that it’s hard for us as humans to see who people really are. Some groomers take years before they strike, some are sooner, because people in the victims circle are more easily groomed into thinking the predator is “wonderful”. Scary stuff! There is no greater or lesser sin (according to the scripture), there’s just sin. One holds no more weight than another, they all will take us to hell if we don’t make things right before our time is over on this earth.
       Allowing predators access to God’s children…is an enormous error, and considered sin, because they are KNOWINGLY allowing these children to be offered up as new victims.

     • @Bucky – that list of people in support of Dean Bruer just goes to show you what a wonderful groomer that Dean was! Those people haven’t a clue that they were snookered by Dean…even NOW. They still…with pounds of evidence and victims statements, do NOT believe that he would do such a thing. So, that’s what happens when people follow humans, and not God!

     • As Billy Joel sang “you may be right or you many be wrong”. I still believe it is the cult’s mentality to praise the big dogs. For comparison purposes, Al Goff had four or five praises on his tribute wall compared to Bruer’s 400 plus. Another example is that elite cult members have every worker within 500 miles attend their funeral while the small time cult member that lives in an apartment may get two low level journeyman type workers.

4. The commentary given ahead of this post is with the intent of guiding the reader into a particular opinion, clearly assuming that those who read this website are not spiritual enough to draw their own conclusions. The conclusions drawn appear to be simply for the sake of inciting the same old hysteria from the same people and literally have nothing to do with the actual content of the letter. WHERE DID YOU GET THE CONCLUSION THAT THE ELDERS ARE “PROTECTED” from the “REBUKE NOT AN ELDER” quote? Protected from what? That’s the first 4 words of the verse that is quoted! It sure looks terribly horrible if you stop there. But if you continue to the rest of the verse… hm, oh it also includes how to treat a younger man, an older woman, a younger woman. So evidently it’s how a worker ought to behave towards others WHICH SHOULD FIT RIGHT INTO YOUR AGENDA! But since you twist the words to make the writers appear to have evil intent, then clearly your agenda is not enforcing appropriate worker behavior but instead slandering the writer and the ministry.
   .
   The rest of the commentary points are so laughable I am not sure why they were included. Where in the letter does it say that the ministry is right even if it’s wrong? It seems that was refuted with the verse that says that an offender of a little one deserves to have a millstone around his neck and dumped into an ocean. So I guess in a funny way you could say that a ministry who agrees with this verse and lives by it is “right”. When they commit such an offence, they are “wrong”. So since the ministry isn’t one person, and hypothetically 99% are “right”, but there is 1% “wrong”. The 99% think the 1% should be thrown into the sea with a big rock to ensure that they drown… so this is how the ministry is right even when it’s wrong.
   .
   Your agenda appears to be to take down the fellowship even if you don’t belong to it anymore. Not sure why your hatred for all of the people in the fellowship run so deep that you want to destroy what they have. I hope you can find some comfort and peace through your relationship with God. Let’s all keep working toward our common goal of providing a safe and healthy fellowship and an accountable ministry so that no-one needs to fear.

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   • The only “agenda” that WINGS has is the protection of children and support of victims. WINGS took this position in 2009 and stays true to that. WINGS neither promotes nor denigrates the fellowship. WINGS admin are all but one actively involved in the fellowship and individually, every one desires a healthy, safe environment to enhance their faith practices.

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     • With what is written at the beginning of this post it is totally evident that the writer had a very clear agenda. The words of that author about something being confusing and disappointing have no abiquity. After establishing the authors facts about something being disappointing we then are slowly fed the essence of what is being talked about . I have long suspected that the moderators have an agenda and it’s not about child safety. I realize that my post is only for the eyes of the biased moderators and it will be trashed like my last two posts, but so be it.

     • The agenda of WINGS is the protection of children and support of victims. Is that so hard to grasp?

   • Hey “perplexed”. It is easy to see why you are perplexed. You are blind to how these writings by Winquist and Peterson are dangerous to vulnerable people, including children.

     You may think you are a great child protector, but you are a system protector at the expense of children and vulnerable people.

     Suggestion: try to analyze and ask questions before making comments that are far from rational. To lash out at WINGS when predators are lurking in your neighborhood is the very definition of ridiculous.

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   • Peterson and Winquist are child abuse enablers. It is right there in black and white in their own words. How is this not obvious?

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   • Perplexing. That is dingbat level commentary.

     Children are suffering as are adult victims. Yet you wring your hands over commentary. You must be MAGA to be so uninformed.

     Provide solutions to the widespread abuse of children and women. No? No surprise there.

     Next step: call yourself a victim. We have seen this movie many times.

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   • I think there are enough responses to this post to realize that there are plenty of others who felt the same as I did regarding the commentary tacked on at the front of the post – it simply wasn’t well thought out.
     .
     Of course I don’t feel like I’m the victim if others attack me for what I say. Our focus is on SA/CSA victims and naturally there will be a lot of hurt not only on the part of the victim but also the loved ones and friends of victims – and that hurt can spill into responses here. Anyway, It’s easy to be a keyboard warrior and sit in the seat of judgment, finding fault and condemning and nitpicking – losing the whole point of the letter, and certainly not being a part of the solution. I’m not here to defend either George or Craig. I don’t envy their position and knowing them I believe they are men who work in good faith, even if their understanding was insufficient. But I also don’t trust my own judgment. If there is one thing I have learned in all of this is that it’s easy to make a quick judgment and assume that a person is “good” or “bad” based on some superficial personality traits. This is a weakness of humanity that groomers use to their advantage.
     .
     I think the point that George was trying to make in this letter is that the Bible itself is already full of strict policy and guidelines regarding the present issues. The Bible dictates our stance.
     —-
     These teachings would apply to the present CSA/SA distress.
     .
     [Regarding Sexual abuse and improper sexual conduct:]
     “…Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart…” (Matt. 5:28) No policy written by man will equal this precept.
     .
     [Regarding CSA:]
     “…whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me. it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matt. 18:6) Judgment for those who abuse little ones.

     [Regarding how the ministry ought to conduct themselves:]
     “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.’ 1 (1 Tim. 5:1,2). This dictates the proper conduct for ministers to friends.
     .
     [Regarding criminal and improper conduct of anyone, ministry included:]
     “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters …” (1 Peter 4:15) This passage expects God’s people to avoid criminal and improper conduct.
     —-
     .
     And yes, I’m all about coming up with solutions…
     .
     How the church deals with issues that breach our stance is not as clearly set forth in the scriptures. If no legal recourse is available, then it will be up to the church leadership to decide. If we automatically take the side of the alleged victim, then we are saying that the alleged offender is guilty until proven innocent, making the laws of the land more righteous than our policies. However, we don’t want to place the alleged victim in a position to receive additional harm, and also don’t want others harmed. Child accusations are statistically highly accurate (95%), but for such accusations coming from adults, statistically about a third are false accusations. If the criminal system is not possible for whatever reason, then it is a civil case. If the allegations are deemed credible (such as multiple victims or witnesses), then the offender should be dealt with accordingly, such as a removal from all fellowship meetings. If the allegations do not have sufficient credibility, it will have to be the one making the accusation (the victim) that will need to make a change for the sake of their own safety and well being. It might not seem fair but this is in line with the way the legal system works as well – like a witness protection, etc. False accusation is a serious trauma, especially accusing someone of causing a harm to a child 20 years ago. If it’s true, it is unthinkably bad. If it’s false, it’s unimaginably traumatic. Unfortunately a lose lose situation.
     .
     For prevention, simple education does help children and parents (and the ministry, and others) learn to spot grooming behaviors and what they should do as a result. It doesn’t take much education actually as long as it’s clear and with timely repetition. This can help a child to live and love freely but safely – and the parents to create safe environments for their children. Unfortunately, for those who are in situations where they are naturally more vulnerable to grooming… they may not get help from home. If these children can receive education through outside sources such as school and the meetings perhaps the cycle can be stopped. All of us can keep our eyes wide open to red flags on their behalf. Of course this is just a quick summary of my thoughts, not intended to be a complete set of guidelines. All of us doing what we can – it does make a difference. We all want safe meetings and safe visits from the workers.

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5. Thank you for adding the guidelines! Not sure what the difference is between a policy and guidelines. This sounds like a policy to me.

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6. Who authored the bullet points and paragraph at the top? Wings moderators? They do not seem to be an accurate summary of the document. For example, the document clearly says “men and women,” not “men, and women” or “men, and lastly women” as the bullet point makes it sound. In the document, I Tim 5 is quoted as an example of how the ministry should treat all people (genders, ages) as family “with all purity,” but the bullet point gives a completely different and negative impression by taking words out of context. Why?

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   • That’s what I wondered. I would like to read the document to form my own opinion, not have the preface be prefaced by someone else’s opinion.

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     • Critical thinking enables people to ignore or accept prefaces, whether from Craig or from WINGS. Everyone has to analyze and accept or reject any information or opinions that come their way.

       If you don’t like commentary, this comment section might not be for you.

     • It seems I can’t reply to BGM below this comment, but I would like to tell them that I am perfectly capable of critical thinking and you missed my point entirely if you think that I don’t belong in the comments section. I believe it is important to know who authored those lines, as “Who?” asked above. They don’t seem to be in line with the published agenda of Wings, so it begs the question, “why are they there?” and “who wrote them?” They appear to be authored by Wings because they introduce the post from Craig and William, but they are not well-thought out (That verse about “rebuke not an elder” is not quoted to protect elders but rather to prescribe proper conduct) and seem rather denigrating of meeting folk, which BGM has claimed is NOT the agenda of Wings. I think it is highly likely that some who attend meetings would read those initial lines preceding the preface, completely disagree (and rightly so) and discount the entire rest of the post. I think it is in the best interest of Wings to identify the author of those first lines.

     • julipasta. Critical thinking skills enable people to exorcise commentary from fact. If you are a critical thinker, commentary is irrelevant. Facts matter. You have the facts in front of you in the CraigW and GeorgeP writings but you have lost the focus. That is not critical thinking. Far from it.

       These fellas have abandoned children and victims and you should not need WINGS commentary to explain that.

     • Non-Critical Thinking.
       So the opening commentary is written by WINGS?

7. My question is about the assertion that the ministry is the foundation of God’s household, building, or holy temple, as it’s referred to in I Cor 3 and Eph 2 which are cited in the posted notes.

   I’ve read both chapters in full and in a few different English translations, and there are some beautiful and very helpful thoughts in both, but I can’t see how a person could interpret them to mean that the ministry is our foundation. Corinthians clearly says that Jesus Christ is the foundation, and Ephesians says that the foundation is apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone. Any modern-day ministers (of any denomination or group) wouldn’t be defined as prophets or apostles, but rather disciples or workers or another term that we read about in the Acts and the epistles of the New Testament. Not so?

   This seems important because if God intended for a modern-day ministry to have the power and authority described above, then we have limited options to insist on better behavior and treatment from ministers (though I don’t believe this is true). If instead God intended the foundation to be His beloved Son, which is what it seems from the verses quoted, then we have more liberty from a human ministry’s errors.

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   • Well said. They quoted a verse to establish their authority then immediately disqualified themselves by saying, “but we of course don’t have the authority to forgive sins.”

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   • Observer. Very excellent observation. AND Yes, that puts the very authority of mislead and diluted men OUT of the realm of “authority”! NOW read 1 Cor. 3:11. According to the “grace of God”: which is given to Paul, ((Ephesians 3:1 – :9))
     as a wise master builder,
     I(Paul) have laid the foundation-What foundation? :11which is Jesus Christ
     Paul explains this foundation that Paul laid -Ephesians 3:1-9 =Jesus Christ
     This gospel(Good News) Paul preaches is in 1 Corinthians 15:1-:4.

     You will notice this is the foundation the “risen Christ Jesus” from His Father’s throne in Heaven revealed to Saul. Acts 9: is where we are able to first read about Saul whom God named Paul. Acts 9:15 – :16
     Paul confirms: Galatians 1:16, Rom. 16:25, Ephesians 3:3, 2 Cor. 12:1, :27

     That is why Paul could write to those in Rome;
     Romans 3:21. BUT NOW::: You read that GOOD News :24 – :26 which believe in Jesus- through FAITH in Jesus Blood etc. etc…..

     That is why Paul could say in 2 Corinthians 5:14, :15, :16 That we only KNOW Christ “risen”!
     Jesus earthly ministry; as Laura Bryan explains, WAS ONLY to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. When the Government of Israel with their very own hands – stoned Stephen: God withdrew their Gospel of “Your KING of YOUR promised Kingdom of Heaven” is in your Midst; for a season-Romans 11:25.

     Now the “foundation” WAS God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit:: The promise of that Gospel was A Perfect Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

     THAT is the Gospel Jesus preached to Israel and only to Israel. Jesus preached God the Son, Matthew 2:2 born as the King of Israel came to bring Israel (Luke 1:68-:80. to guide their feet in the way of peace) back to God. Yes, this was a beautiful Gospel = Good News to God’s chosen Israel; but they again rejected the very God the Son and God the Spirit.
     The “foundation” of their Gospel was Jesus as their King of Israel’s perfect Kingdom of Heaven on Earth IF they would be a Nation of Priests ((Exodus 19:5, :6))
     Why? Luke 2:32 This # 1 purpose of the Gospel to Israel Luke 2:32 was for that Nation to be Nation of Priest’s:::so Gentiles could also rejoice. Isiah 42:6 and 60:30. Luke “2:32″confirms this was still God the Son’s purpose. The ministry of the 12 were to be witnesses of that “foundation”!
     BUT First Israel had to accept Jesus as their King, before they could be Priests. Israel would NOT! God turned from them.

     When a ministry is formed by a man, without knowledge of God’s WORD or any attempt to understand God’s mind or purpose::: sooner or later the fruit exposes the roots and foundation. Oh, if it were NOT SO! There are so many serious, kind, compassionate souls with deep concern for our very criminally abuse little ones. Without mentioning those destroyed by other types of abuse, not by chance, but by very determined design. OH, what a heavy burden for all. AND these Post by Craig and George, however hard they try; cannot rise above their LOVE of self and their inability to understand their complete destruction of precious souls.

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8. “All confirmed predators will lose their normal meeting privileges. For other situations, elders of the meetings (who will consider the concerns and feelings of their own meetings) together with the workers in the field, will determine future meeting privileges”.
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   ALL CONFIRMED PREDATORS WILL LOSE THEIR NORMAL MEETING PRIVILEGES. But, “workers in the field, will determine future meeting privileges”. This was said while previously it’s noted; ““…whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me. it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matt. 18:6) Judgment for those who abuse little ones”.
   –
   This is very confusing. If you sexually abuse a ” little one” and are then thrown in the depths of the ocean with a milestone tied to your neck, you’d be drown. Dead. Now if you’re dead how then do, “workers in the field, (will) determine future meeting privilege(s)”?
   –
   If you sexual abuse children, shouldn’t you be treated like you are dead and never allowed ANY meeting privileges? If you’re dead you are to never be heard from again. But, “workers in the field, will determine future meeting privileges”.

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9. Your preface to Craig’s letter and George’s statement is in error, I feel. There is no doubt that the fellowship established by Jesus Christ is just as George has stated, with solid scriptural backing. I would suggest that anyone who cannot accept the order established by Christ needs to look elsewhere. Man has created a plethora of churches that are founded on the desire to please people who were unwilling to floow the eternal gospel of Christ.

   The ministry Jesus established is indeed responsible to take the lead in the guidance of the fellowship. The fact that grievous errors have gone too long unaddressed does not mean that the order of this fellowship should change. Every effort is being made to deal with perpetrators of crimes that have been numbered among us. This must be done without altering the teachings of Christ.

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   • Mark L. You are right. Anyone thinking that the right “order” is some Irish whitey church system is the correct system should get out.

     The order is wrong. It has been wrong from the beginning in 1897. That is not the big problem. It is the fact that exclusivity has been the order since 1907 and that is anti-scriptural and the fundamental reason why we have a huge power imbalance and massive levels of abuse including CSA.

     Can you even fathom that our fellowship levels abuse daily? Have you even connected with victims of fellowship abuse? I suspect not. Your misinterpretation of scripture has you captive.

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   • Mark L We read your comment about WINGS preface. Mark, do you realize each one of those people face an horror unimaginable as broken souls continue to come forward, some years and many years after their destruction. The ability to walk these souls through the process needed to document each individual story and yet protect their raw inner being is beyond your comprehension.
     Now when Craig and George completely ignore; desperate concerned well thought-out solutions, those protections are kicked to the curb. Then, Craig and George publish THIS. After the ‘overseers’ decision to NOT BE Monolithic; to legally protect their funds. THAT, again was hid. Yes, as is their very well practiced nature. Meaning that those victims are of absolutely NO concern to “this ORDER established by Christ”. Even ‘this “MINISTRY” Jesus established’ is “indeed responsible to take the lead”.

     You state this must be done without altering the teachings of Christ.
     We value all and everyones input here; as each one is made in the image of God. However, it is with heavy heart and mind that we realize from your statements THAT you do NOT KNOW what is actually written for our learning concerning Jesus in his fleshly ministry to the Nation of Israel to bring Israel back to God. They were far from God. For 400 years God was silent to His Chosen Nation.
     Now in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we see God the Son, become flesh and dwell amongst them.

     Mark, it is a fascinating record of Jesus(THE King of Israel) as his ministry unfolded. Jesus, himself says: Matthew 15:24 “I am NOT sent BUT unto the “lost sheep of the House of Israel”. Yes, we quote Jesus, himself.
     No wonder Jesus told His chosen 12: Matthew 10:5 Go Not into the way of Gentiles…. :6 go to the “lost sheep of the House of Israel”.

     What were they to preach? Matthew 10:7
     What were they to do? Matthew 10:8 – :15 Luke 9; and Luke 10: they departed preaching the Gospel of their Kingdom of Heaven on Earth is at Hand and “healing everywhere”!

     Matthew 2:2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews?
     You guess who knew the answer. 2:3-:4. It is interesting when those also demanded Jesus crucifixion; the Roman Govt. wrote “This is Jesus THE King of the JEWS”.
     AND Jesus himself in Math.19:28 explained to His 12, that when he, himself; shall sit in the THRONE of his glory, ye also shall sit upon on 12 thrones, judging the WHAT? FELLOWSHIP?

     NO, the” 12 tribes of Israel”! Jesus is WHAT? Luke 1:30-:33 reign over the house of Jacob. Revelation 21:12 & :14 confirms this.

     OH, Mark, this is just the beginning of all we learn from God’s Word about ‘who Jesus was and what Jesus taught’. You must make God’s Word your own. The four gospels answer Who, What, Where, When, and WHY.
     Why Mark? must you learn to whom Jesus and His 12 were sent?
     Why must you learn what they preached?
     Why must you learn their Doctrine? Acts 2:42-:46 WHY is it important?
     IT has everything to do with the Present Distress and evil AND inability to “honestly” with Godly counsel enfold our little ones and all who have been destroyed.
     You read Sue’s post and understand Laura Bryan’s letter. It is helpful.

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10. Regarding “all confirmed predators will lose their normal meeting privileges”

    Who would be considered a “confirmed predator”? Is this only someone that has a criminal conviction for CSA (and presumably SA) ?

    Regarding “ All credible allegations of CSA/SA will be taken seriously”

    That sounds like it is still the workers that get to determine if an allegation is credible.
    Hopefully victims now stand more chance of being believed by the workers, but it all still seems to hinge on their interpretation of credible.

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11. So remember this is the George Peterson who did not care much about women as he admits to withholding information about Ira that led to a very serious attach on a sister worker. Read his own words that were posted here on Wings For Truth. I have copied them at the bottom.
    Everyone one with any kind of conscience knows that if you have information about a Known serious predator you do not send a sister to visit that home. RED FLAGS regarding that person’s judgement. But this man feels that we cannot read our bibles and see clearly that Jesus is the foundation and then messengers were sent to tell the good news of grace and mercy. They were not sent to control and weaponize scripture to manipulate and gain power over the church.

    Laura Bryan posted this yesterday on another web site and she gave permission to post other places.
    Response to George Peterson “foundation preface” about the guidelines/policy of CSA in the Tri-State:

    *This is written and shared with permission by Laura Bryan*

    “To the Tri-State Worker Staff:

    Thank you for showing concern for the present day situation we are facing. Much of it has not seemingly been our own doing but could be laid to our guilt by the way God sees it if we have/had knowledge and do/did nothing. God help us to go forward under the strong guidance of His Holy Spirit.

    I do have somewhat against what was written in your email however. This comes from a place in my heart of sadness and not of anger. I quote your letter here,

    “In addition to these guidelines, He gave specific instructions regarding the form and order of the church. The New Testament church would be established on a foundation. This foundation, the ministry, was set up by Jesus Himself when He chose the 12 and later the 70.”

    And again:
    “You are built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)”

    Two items here that I want to address: the foundation and how it includes the prophets and the apostles.

    If I listened to only what is being taught here, I would be inclined to believe it. I have wrongly said in the past that the ministry is foundational. However, as I actually read those words in black and white “the ministry is the foundation of the New Testament church” the spirit within me was very unsettled. I was keenly aware that those words were not right and in no way what God intended.

    I pondered over the letter, read in scripture about the foundation, the prophets, and the apostles. I prayed deeply for clarity. As I pondered these things, those scriptures became very clear to me as they never had before.

    The prophets of old were spoken to directly by God and His angels. The prophets were given the prophesies concerning Jesus being the Son of God, the Messiah, and the spotless Lamb of God. When we read in the Revelation concerning the foundation of the city wall, the names of the 12 apostles are there. Revelation 21:14 KJV “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Judas’ name would not be included in the 12 apostles. They were to choose another man “which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22. God’s choice was Matthias. These were men who walked with Jesus in the flesh and were witness of his works, death, resurrection, and ascension. This is key…witness to his works in the flesh. No other apostle names are there in the new Jerusalem city wall, not the 70 apostles and not even Paul’s. Why? Because the twelve walked with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry and were purposefully chosen of God to be EYE WITNESSES to Jesus being the Messiah and the Son of God. They were witnesses that the prophesies were true. That’s what the foundation is about. All about prophesies from God given to the prophets being witnessed to by the 12 apostles. All about Jesus. THAT IS THE FOUNDATION AND THE ONLY FOUNDATION. Prophesy and the fulfillment of it. Only Jesus. Do not add or take away from that foundation.

    What Paul said about the prophets and apostles is absolutely correct. “You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20)” And what he is talking about is foundational because he is talking about the prophesies concerning Jesus and the witnessing to the fulfillment of them. Jesus is the foundation and the prophesies and witnesses are pointing directly to Jesus the foundation. They line up with that chief corner stone.

    When Jesus sent the 12 apostles 2×2, perspective is important here. It wasn’t about their being sent 2×2. It was about their being witnesses to the prophesies.
    The 2×2 ministry is not foundational at all. Jesus sent the disciples out by two, because of two or more being witnesses “establishes a matter.” Deut 19:15. He did not send them out to be the foundation of the New Testament church. By the time the New Testament church was being organized, the foundation had already been established. Paul wasn’t even bold enough to claim that he was part of the foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

    I am not saying that the preaching of the Gospel shouldn’t go 2×2. Jesus sent out men in that way to preach the Gospel to places wherever He Himself would be going. Matt. 10:5 Luke 10:1 He sent them with a temporary mission: Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matt. 10:8. He sent them with temporary conditions: no purse, no bag, no change of clothing or shoes. Matt. 10:9-10. He sent them with temporary powers: heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Matt. 10:8
    When the seventy returned to Jesus they were excited that the devils were subject to their command through Jesus’ name. Luke 10:17
    When He was ascending into heaven again, He commissioned them in a different way: “teach ALL the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Matt. 28:19. He did not send them without purse, bag, change of clothing, or even a command for them to be celibate.
    He deemed going by two a good way to go. I do not speak against a 2×2 ministry preaching the Gospel although we can read that the New Testament ministry was often sent alone, by 2, and even by more than 2. I support a ministry that teaches Jesus: His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and His return. I support a ministry that teaches salvation by grace through the blood of Christ. I do not align with the teaching that the ministry is the foundation of the New Testament church.

    I have heard from more than one worker that a person cannot claim salvation unless he/she hears the Gospel from a 2×2 minister. That is a teaching I cannot align with. That is not a ministry of salvation by grace through the blood of Jesus. That is like saying Jesus is the Way, but the 2×2 ministry are the gatekeepers. It’s like saying that the Bible is a dead book and only the 2×2 ministry can quicken or illuminate it for a person. I don’t put God/Jesus/Holy Spirit in that kind of box. Nor do I align with the teaching that a person cannot know salvation unless they are in meetings, gospel meetings, and conventions. God uses mankind to teach the Gospel. Matt. 28:19-20. But we certainly don’t want to limit His power to that.

    The ministry is not an extension of the Levitical priesthood as I have heard some say. The levitical priesthood ended with Jesus Christ our high priest. We have no need for any other high priest or intercessor other than Jesus. The ministry is not an extension of the 12 apostles as being included in the foundation. As far as I know, none of the workers have been eye witnesses to Jesus works in the flesh.

    I initially thought, “Who am I to be saying these things to the workers? To the overseers?? Surely there’s someone else that can do this, and much better than I can.” However God has laid it on my heart, and He will not leave me alone about it. Speaking truth and speaking out against wrong comes with a burden and a cost. I’m thankful for God’s strength and guidance through all of this.

    I have just shared with you truth. Just as the Lord has extended His grace towards me in revealing this foundational truth, He also extends the same mercy and grace to you. Please consider these words prayerfully with all honesty and humility, laying aside any prejudice or preconceived beliefs. I am very open to any discussion about these things.

    Signed with humility and great thankfulness for God’s grace and power,
    Laura Bryan
    This letter is sent with Jim’s consent.”

    Monday, September 4, 2023

    Dear friends and fellow servants,

    It is needful for me to express thoughts and feelings that have come to me over the past few months. When I arrived on the Missouri/Arkansas staff in April of 2012, I now realize there are judgements I could have made and actions I could have taken at that time that may have prevented immoral conduct during the time I have been on this staff. It is said when laws of the land are broken, ignorance is no excuse. I understand that I failed in giving information regarding Ira that would have prevented arrangements for sister workers to stay in Ira’s home. I’m very sorry for the lack of action that would have prevented sexual abuse. My present knowledge of both perpetrators’ pursuits and laws regarding actions committed by them enables me to seek to make proper judgments in the future, should it be my lot to do so.

    Sincerely,

    George Peterson

    Reply

    • Thank you for sharing the email written by Laura Bryan addressed to the Tri-State Worker Staff. It is among the most thoughtful, articulate and scripture-supported refutations of a false doctrine I have ever read! Thank you, Laura, for courageously sharing what God has laid on your heart! One can only hope that there are some honest hearts with which your message will resonate.

      Reply

    • I’d also like to thank Laura Bryan for writing this, and Sue for sharing it here. It was so unsettling to read the notes from George Peterson, saying that the ministry is the foundation of Jesus’ church. Laura has addressed this error much more thoroughly and thoughtfully than I did in my earlier post above.

      Reply

      • Observer Yes Laura has at least read her Bible. George Peterson whom anyone who knows him will love him, has not!
        He is the one who controls YOUR POLICY for Criminals who have undercover of declaring they are NOT ONLY Spirit LED – BUT are the VERY FOUNDATION of the Good News of Jesus and the Very promised, perfect Kingdom of Heaven on Earth:::???
        “”while they criminally molest and destroy our very LITTLE ONES””. George in his innocent; took how many years to respond to the brutal rape which needed medical life saving intervention!!!???

        Laura has gleaned that Jesus came to that Nation of Israel (Jews) with the good news that their Kingdom is very Nigh – even in their midst. Jesus, God, the Son was – is – and will be the “King of their Kingdom” on a physical earth, for 1000 years and ALL eternity.

        That “government” of the Nation of Israel rejected their God, and Saviour 3 (three times). As prophecied; Isaiah 6: and 42: and Paul explains in TO HIS CONVERTS in Romans 11:7-:11 that “prophecy” was being fulfilled right in the very midst: :8 Israel’s ears not hear, eyes not see; even unto this day. (Their Gospel was ‘on hold’)

        WHY? Romans 11:11 – :13 That God could bring “salvation” to the
        Gentiles
        :15 for if the “casting away of Israel be reconciling
        of the world……
        Paul tells Romans 11:25 that they should NOT be ignorant! of this “mystery” –
        What mystery? Not THAT ‘blindness is happened to Israel’: ((BUT “only” until the “fulness of the Gentiles be come in” is the mystery!))
        THEN WHAT??? Romans 11:26. THEN and only then will God, our God and Saviour Jesus Christ – “turn ungodliness from Israel”.
        SO SHALL All Israel be saved: as it is written (Isiah 40:13).

        Now with this in mind, realize the Gospel Paul was given:
        1 Corinthians 3:11 the “foundation” which is Jesus Christ
        3:10 Paul says:
        according to the “grace of God
        which is given unto me, as a “wise master builder”
        “I have laid the “foundation” :11 which is Jesus Christ
        While YOU are reading this to learn WHAT is our “Foundation” read
        :12 – :23 to learn the “Doctrine of the Gospel of the Grace of God” given to Paul. 12 – :13. everyman’s WORK shall be made manifest
        : If any man’s work shall abide; he shall receive a ‘reward’
        :15 If any man’s work shall be burned, HE Shall Suffer Loss
        BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.
        AND another Doctrine
        :16 Know ye NOT that ye(all believers) are the “TEMPLE”” of God
        AND THAT the “Spirit of God” dwells in you
        OH, OH, maybe 1 Corinthians 3:17 is why they do not want to know Doctrine of Grace of God. If any man destroy the temple of God,; him shall God “”destroy””; for the temple of God is holy!!!

        Does George Peterson preach Spirit of God dwells in “ALL believers” of the the Mystery – The Gospel of the Grace of God and Jesus Christ is the Foundation that Paul LAID 1 Corinthians 3:10-:11

        Ephesians 2:20 considering George’s quote: to help you get the full meaning read Ephesians 3:1-9.
        Paul is writing to Gentile church at Ephesus
        Paul is explaining the “Dispensation of the Grace of God which is given to him :3 by revelation God made known unto me the mystery..
        :4 when ye read, you may understand the “mystery of Christ’)

        :Which in other AGES was NOT MADE KNOWN unto the sons of men, as it is NOW “revealed” unto his holy –“apostles and prophets” by the Spirit:This is explained in Romans 3:21 by explaining BUT NOW

        WHAT is Paul saying? AS it is”” NOW”” revealed: is the KEY to also understanding Ephesians 2:20
        NOW is “60” something AD and Paul says apostles and prophets and 3:4, :8 – :9. the Gospel of the “mystery” is “THE Gospel”
        Jesus and the 12 ministered the “Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” in 30 to 341/2 AD and says prophets and apostles as prophets were first for many may years before the apostles.
        But the important thing is if you knew George Peterson you would love Him. Regardless of His Overseership not being based on WORD OF God, or His claiming to have formed the Very Foundation of the Gospel of the Kingdom which is Spiritual Kingdom. Revelation 21: describes this Kingdom as physical; John could see it descend down out of Heaven. John could read the very names of the 12 tribes of Israel; the names of the 12 apostles. :15-:17 the very measurement.

        Regardless of him claiming to NOT KNOW Sexual Assault is a crime and any one who commits such is a criminal. He labels CSA/SA as unsafe behaviors. He claims to have NOT know Ira’s action destroyed people, kept meeting in a sexual criminal’s home and NOW thinks he is capable of deciding future meeting privileges. Now he is capable of supporting victims//survivors in finding appropriate therapy AND assist with funding.((How does that fit with Doctrine of NOT Monolithic?)). Is that who you want to be in charge of deciding who and what therapy is needed?
        WHY IS HE UNABLE TO SUPPORT WINGS?

    • @Suerj – thank you for sharing this. A huge Thank You to Laura for standing for what’s true!

      Reply

    • Sorry, I don’t buy George’s response. That’s an awful amount of time that he ignored abuse that was occurring and his excuse that he used, “ignorance of the law” sounds more like a “deflection” strategy that is used to “gaslight” people.

      Reply

12. Tony M, you really don’t think ANYTHING is changing, do you? You say, “Hopefully victims now stand more chance of being believed by the workers, but it all still seems to hinge on their interpretation of credible”. If you ever dealt with a head worker in a situation where one of their comrades should be dealt with, to face the consequences for their actions, and then nothing was done, you’d understand. Nothing has changed. It’s a different day, but the same old malarkey. Just say some words to pacify the masses, and then, ” move along now, nothing to see here”. The workers have their own little “kingdom” where they are king. You don’t mess with that rice bowl.

    Reply

13. I am in total agreement with WINGS here.
    One can always find scripture to justify one’s actions and that is what is happening here.
    It is VERY clear to me that when Jesus was talking to the scribes and Pharisees he was talking to the leaders in religion, and He had NO respect for them AT ALL… said he didn’t even know them, because they didn’t know Him. Remember he overturned the tables in the temple???
    It is far safer to take scripture as a whole and in context rather than cherry pick verses from here and there to justify (your) actions.
    More and more, words don’t do anything for me. You need to SHOW me with humility and love that you do have a relationship with Christ.

    Reply

    • Marg: thank you for your letter. It is excellent. Wings is tasked with a tremendous Job and responsibility. They are the “intake” of HISTORY of a vile, hidden, secrete criminal ministry THAT destroyed our most innocent , precious souls: right under the very protection of us as parents for Decades and Decades. AND then WHEN Wings tries to help the ministry deal with the “reality”: WINGS is vilified! Oh that the George Peterson’s out there, understood just a percentage of what you have posted. There would NOT be a need for 2×2 so called wurkers to scheme and hide what they are actually doing – as in “Safe Fellowship”. Now, George ignores those revealed “overseers decisions” MADE IN SECRETE AND KEPT Secrete as they try to avert and divert their responsibility to the victims and deny any hope for them and their families to live as normal a life as possible. George trys to lull all back to sleep with soft, warm and fuzzy “Our Foundations” : with the email post of Craig talking about the “Leading of His Spirit”?????? Safe Fellowship reveals the very broken and destroyed souls who are leaders as this all is revealed and their heart id with the victims.
      Your posting of Laura Bryan”s Letter is very factual, and correct.
      Could we add to what you have posted? You seem to be the most able to read God’s WORD as written. That seems to be a rare occurrence. Thank you.
      The leaders of religion that Jesus was talking to were very legitimate and had been appointed by God, Himself: when God in Exodus established through Moses the Law and commandments and ordinances.
      This was established for God’s very chosen Nation of Israel who had come out of Egypt. Who were these Israelites? They were the very “promised seed” God had given to Abram in Genesis 12: to be his people.

      Paul explains in Ephesians 2:11-:12 that the Gentiles(that is who we are, NOT Jews) had NO HOPE during this time.(Genesis 12-Acts 12). Put your left hand in your Bible at Genesis 12 and your right Hand at end of Acts 12. This is the amount of struggle, pleading and TIME God sought to bring His Chosen Nation of Israel unto himself! They would NOT!
      #1. Rejected God! God was silent 400 years. Hosea 5:15, Amos 8:11-:12
      #2. God sent Jesus, in human flesh to bring Israel back to God.
      Matthew 10:5 As you stated Jesus sent the 12 to the Lost Sheep of house of Israel.
      Matthew 15:24. Jesus made very clear that God SENT Jesus unto the lost Sheep of House of Israel.
      WHY? Exodus 19:5, If ye will obey my voice, Keep my covenant—-
      :6 Ye shall be unto me(LORD) a kingdom of “Priests”!
      This is what that Nation of Israel could NOT Do! Tell all nations of their living, holy, righteous God of all creation and of His perfect promised Kingdom.
      The ministry was the very Government of Israel AND they were “far from God”; refused to recognize Jesus as Their prophesied King, Messiah and Judge. It was not a temporary mission. It was to be their very idenity and life.
      Matthew 23:1-BUT Jesus explained what they were but they still had authority of their “position” and Jesus said: verse :3 all were to DO whatsoever the “scribes and, Pharisees bid you observe, observe and DO!!! What were they? Math. 21:33- 23-:39 and Luke 20:1-:47!

      As a result; WHAT did Jesus DO?
      Matthew 21:42 – :45 “The Kingdom of Heaven shall be taken from YOU!”
      Then read to WHO The Kingdom was given! Luke 22, yes after the Passover supper. “Luke 22:28 – :30” I “appoint” unto you a “Kingdom”… AND what was to be their responsibility IN THAT coming Kingdom. :30!!! Shall sit on 12 thrones, “JUDGING the 12 TRIBES of Israel”.
      ((After the Judgement at the Great White throne; will be Israel’s promised prophesied City For all eternity. YES, for ever and ever, and ever.
      Yes, in that THAT NEW Jerusalem on the NEW Earth there are 12 GATES:
      What is at the 12 Gates? 12 angles and NAMES written on 12 gates are the NAMES of the 12 TRIBES of Israel.
      This Holy Promised City of God, The New Jerusalem, IS THAT Holy City God HAD PROMISED to Israel. Israel had finally become Exodus 19:5, :6.))
      Also read Matthew 19:28 when Jesus sits as King on David’s throne in that Kingdom of Heavenly RULE on earth. =Revelation 20:1-:3 after, then Rev. 20:4 I saw thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given to them— YES, isn’t that something-that prophesied, covenanted, promised Kingdom of Heaven on Earth is a very real physical Kingdom on this very Earth with Jesus sitting on the throne of HIS GLORY as KING for 1000 YEARS.
      YES, isn’t that amazing Luke 22:28 is exactly what Peter explained to those gathered in the upper room in “Acts 1:21-:22.
      Jesus had been preparing His Chosen 12 apostles for this responsibility of THE very Government of Israel; all during their time with Jesus.
      This they did through Acts 12: You read Acts 2: and the “Apostles Doctrine Acts 2:41- :46 and you will understand it is the Ministry to Jews! Ministry to Israel; God’s Chosen People in Exodus; the Law of Moses.
      as we see they were still doing to help believers in James, Peter, and John to endure to the END.
      2 Peter, is record of Peter encouraging his converts that God’s promises are sure 3:1-:14 and :17 — Endure to the END. :18 grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour; Jesus Christ.
      We feel # 3. Is very important in Israel’s complete rejection of their God, the Father; their God, the Son=Jesus; and God, the Holy Spirit. What did God “do after #3”. ??? Laura Bryan, you have been able to openly and truthfully read what is exactly written in God’s WORD. Now for you to completely understand what God did after #3. “BUT NOW”: is of utmost importance.
      Love what you are able to not just READ but able to really study.
      WHY is this important???
      IT HAS EVERYTHING to do with the present evil and inability to honestly with Godly counsel enfold our little ones and all who they have destroyed.
      Thank You, Marg.

      Reply

      • You can count on there being many honest hearts that absolutely resonate with what Laura shared. That is my memory of the members of her church. I checked the dates and members had posted positive postings about Dean Bruer when he died prior to learning about the enormous liberties and horrific assaults that he committed. That is why so many members were deeply hurt by the news, it was devastating & still is.

        Child sexual predators are master manipulators and they scheme and work diligently on their image/facade that gives them not only power over the victims voice, but conceals their abusive acts. People are not black/white, even serial killers had neighbors speak highly of them. Living a double life is not a new concept. So to blame the members overall for not seeing this side of Dean earlier is unfair. With that said, there are those who are accountable because they did know and did not report it to the legal authorities, thus have to live with the fact they allowed more victims to occur. Again, this nondisclosure behavior has commonly occurred with other Christian denominations as well.

        When I read what George P. (worker) sent to members and how he laid out the beliefs of the church, I too felt unsettled because it was like I was reading something about a different group, not the church that “friends and workers” are a part of.

        At first, I thought, Either he was not able to express his thoughts clearly (depicting his writing abilities) or ….. hmmm… never quite heard a “worker” talk or explain things in that tone before. However, I have heard many fundamental Christian preachers speak in that tone on the radio or on T.V.

        And honestly, I have never heard of or seen the ghastly behavior of two male workers:
        1. taking a “professing” female adult into a room with a closed door to have a private discussion.
        2. Setting up ahead to humiliate the person by placing only 2 chairs in the room and then instructing her to sit or kneel on the floor in front of them! Personally, I would have said, Oh, we need one more chair and went and retrieved one and then left the door open when I returned. But then again, I didn’t grow up in the church and I tend to be out spoken and assertive. The betrayal of trust was sickening. That was not my experience with “workers” when I was in the church for 16 years.
        3. Psychologically abusing a member using authority of their position in the church…. and then creepily touching her and telling her to not go…. egads that’s just out right predatory creepy.

        The light is shining on all things that were once hidden and that includes all of us.

        This George worker guy does not have the power to establish rules or govern this whole church. Egads! no preacher of any denomination has that power unless the members give that power to that person/persons instead of keeping God first and foremost as their guidance. Again, that was not my experience with members of this faith. Hopefully, the members of this group still put their personal relationship with God first, before any other.

        Personally, I find it distasteful to read postings that are in a self righteous condescending voice and impose ignorant blanket judgements onto all the members of a church group as if they were familiar with the group. Honestly, I don’t know of any Christian church that has NOT had to deal with similar issues. When one finger points out, three are pointing back at cha.

        just saying…..

      • Starr — thank you for your insight. Your post notes, ” I didn’t grow up in the church and I tend to be out spoken and assertive. The betrayal of trust was sickening. That was not my experience with “workers” when I was in the church for 16 years”. It’s interesting to hear your view, not being part of a generational family. The perspective you have seems to be shared with other people such as “Amen” and people who were not born into the religion. Having parents, grandparents, and all of your in-laws in the religion gives a different perspective with viewpoints and stories dating back a 100 years, to the groups founding. The facade, or outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality, is lifted.
        –
        You note: “…no preacher of any denomination has that power unless the members give that power to that person/persons instead of keeping God first and foremost as their guidance”. First, when you grow up in the group you give the ” workers ” much more power and credibility than just being a preacher. The workers determine and have control over how you dress, if you can be on a sports team or most likely not, who your friends should be, how you use expressions in your language, and basically how you live. A worker is much closer to being a god than a preacher when you are very young and they are living in your house and sleeping in your bed. You learn while young, if you can fake out the workers and make THEM think you are good, all IS good. God doesn’t matter. Only the workers matter, and what they think you should do and what they think you are. So “professing” is a way of life with the workers at the center of it and it is NOT just “any Christian church”, as you mentioned. And, from my experience, ” God first and foremost as their guidance “, is not the case. The workers are first and foremost as their guidance. The workers determine lifestyle and they have the power. It’s not driven by Christ, that is without question.

      • To Starr and “worker’s power”

        Other born-and-raised-in-professing-families friends have experiences like those “worker’s power” describes here, and clearly many people were raised fearing workers’ authority and judgment. No question this is damaging and wrong, and it enables abuse.

        I do want to point out that this isn’t the attitude of all families and individuals in our fellowship. I was born into a family where people have professed on both sides for 2-3 generations back. Our professing relatives showed love and respect to the workers, but they also explained to us kids that workers are human beings, and they never encouraged us to confuse workers’ opinions or judgments with God’s.

        Just mentioning this because it helps to show that it is possible to handle things in a healthier and wiser way. But I do agree that some things need to change to better align our fellowship with Christian principles (as recommended by many other posters on this site.)

14. Questions have been raised about Craig using the term credible sources and unsubstantiated allegations. CSA andSA are terrible crimes. Abuse of any kind is horrible and I doubt there is a soul alive who hasn’t suffered to some extent. In addition to all the possible abuses that we can suffer there is one that is seldom mentioned on these pages, it is the abuse of false allegations. There is hardly a day goes by that the headlines don’t address this problem. I personally have heard and lived through hoar stories of lives damaged and changed by false allegations. So how do we know a true allegation from a false allegation? It takes judgement on someone. That is why all allegations must be reported to the authorities, so hopefully good judgement can be made. It would be good if each of us ask ourselves the question. How would I like my case to be handled when I am falsely accused. Hopefully our answer is the same as an allegation against our brother or sister.

    Reply

    • @Amen: Just to be clear, false allegations are truely horrific. Thankfully, less than 2% of the claims that have come forward over the history of reporting in our country, have been proven to be false. So, that’s why the focus is on the victims and the need to report (to law enforcement first, and then to the workers and your elder).
      I know of one recently in Canada, who was falsely accused – it’s terrible. Because, often once things are proven to be false, the workers (as in this case) want it kept quiet. Well, what about the part of NOT keeping the accusation quiet, so everyone KNOWS they were accused, and then not INSISTING that the false accuser PUBLICLY apologize, so that everyone can clear their conscience towards that person??? This man was treated horribly, and even though it’s been proven that it was false (by local law enforcement), the workers ripped the meeting out of his home, put him out of fellowship, and won’t even meet with him to discuss anything – absolutely sickening! Yet, these same workers are allowing proven predators to attend in other cases.

      Reply

      • Totally worth noting: “Thankfully, less than 2% of the claims that have come forward over the history of reporting in our country, have been proven to be false”. Think about that. Less than 2% of sexual assault claims are false! Really, who would make this nasty, vile stuff up? It’s far from what the regular person could even begin to conjure. It’s the truly evil that do act and carry out THEIR desires though.

      • We live in a mixed-up world when false accusations lead to such an outcome and proven predators attend meeting and even are set up to have meeting in their home.

      • Yes the statistics on children reporting CSA is 2 % that are false. For SA it is much higher. And for third party allegations it is even much higher. Lawyers are known to advise their clients to bring up as much dirt as they can to win their cases. Predators are evil and so are jealous people. Most of us don’t comprehend how someone would ever hurt a child, another human in sexual abuse, but it is just as hard to understand or believe someone would hate and want to hurt others by falsely accusing them. We used to use statistics in my line of work. Our favorite saying was statistics are true but statisticians lie.

      • @Amen – I should have clarified that it was children I was talking about. I know that statistics aren’t always 100% accurate, but it’s extremely rare that children lie about sexual abuse. If a child ever comes to a parent with such a claim, I would hope that it would be taken as Gospel Truth, until proven otherwise. Adults, that would be hard to quantify, because there’s a lot of dishonesty in this world today.

      • It’s all new territory now that victims feel safe to speak up. Sadly, some see this as a power tool and will callously use it. These are not easy issues to tease apart.

    • Let’s use logic here. What would be a motive for ANYONE in this church to put out a false allegation. There is absolutely EVERYTHING to lose and NOTHING to gain by making an allegation. Survivors lose, family, fellowship, friends, support systems by reporting in this church. They gain scorn, mockery, pain, hurt, being called a liar, watching pity & sympathy lauded on their predators. There is no positive gain, where in other arenas such as politics there is. No monetary gain, no destruction of your opponent, no status gain. NOTHING!

      There may have been a minuscule reporting of false allegations. Just remember, if you’re being told it’s a false allegation, look at the source, it usually is coming directly from the perpetrator or their family and close circle of friends. These people are 100% groomed by their perp to believe he is innocent. I know of ONE perp who has owned it, been remorseful and removed himself from meetings voluntarily.

      Reply

      • Exactly. There’s absolutely nothing gained by falsely accusing…no one seems to go to jail for this disgusting behavior, most of the United States have Overseers that look the other way because they don’t care,
        workers on the staffs that “feel uncomfortable”, and there are a lot of older folks who are in complete denial that “anything like this could happen”. Creating a VERY ripe environment for abuse of ALL kinds.

      • Absolutely correct here! “What would be a motive for ANYONE in this church to put out a false allegation. There is absolutely EVERYTHING to lose and NOTHING to gain by making an allegation. Survivors lose, family, fellowship, friends, support systems by reporting in this church”. Yes, that is correct. It happened to us. Best policy to stay with the present status quo and status — don’t report. It will come across as complaining and not fitting in. Accept what happens to you, or a family member and keep your mouth shut. If you want to stay.

      • My apologies, it was late when I posted and I was thinking of the general population and the false accusations that some adults are using to discredit another adult. I was not thinking of those in the faith. All allegations need to be professionally investigated by legal authorities no matter where it is coming from.

        My heart aches for all of you who are still in the faith. There will need to be an international unification of policies, education and understanding that God’s Spirit does not get rid of autism or schizophrenia just because that person is a worker or professing. The same goes for child sexual offenders. These people have to want to change and continue taking precautions to prevent them from thinking (feeding it) about it and acting on it. They have to live with it, as there is no cure to get rid of it.

    • There are false allegations occurring these days and I appreciate you emphasizing the value of reporting to legal authorities who have the training to properly investigate and document because patterns will appear over time if the same person is reported by different parties.

      Reply

      • The comment regarding reporting — ” I appreciate you emphasizing the value of reporting to legal authorities who have the training to properly investigate and document because patterns will appear over time if the same person is reported by different parties”. Different parties reporting a sex crime in the two by two group? It’s lucky if ONE person, or party reports a sex crime, given the culture where matters that don’t fit the mold of the group are not to be shared or talked about. “These things happen, you don’t talk about them”, one sexual abuse victim I know was told by her mother. The mother said, “Things happened to me when I was younger too. You just move on”. Reporting is for people that are not shackled with a culture of “obedience” and subjection to a superior status of people; the workers. That is not this group.

      • Thank you for sharing your experiences of growing up in the 2×2 church. I had not realized how invasive it is to have workers in your home on a regular basis when you are a child. I think the “friends” I was close to who grew up with workers in the home, had more out spoken parents despite also having the meeting in their home because they took in foster care and shared their training with workers for problematic teen issues.

        @Dont Report: I think one of the reasons why some have not reported is partly because some people out there still don’t understand all the behaviors that constitute CSA. They know it’s inappropriate behavior but are still unclear as to what constitutes “against the law.” Also, many people still don’t understand how damaging CSA is and the lasting affects it has throughout a lifetime.

        Abusers and Predators know that church members will give their power over to another person when they hold the belief that the first or best action to take is to pray, give the problem to God and trust God will address it. Unfortunately, some also take no further action because they then “wait” on the Lord for God’s timing to resolve the issue. This belief/practice fosters the perfect environment for sexual predators to thrive and it contributes to victims enduring long periods of abuse, repeated abuse and/or for victims to remain silent.

        Yes, prayer is essential but when laws are being broken and/or abuse occurs, that is when believers need to make a stand and take action. When they don’t, it waves a big flag that says CULT.

        I think some “friends” feel they need to wait on what the workers will do while they pray.
        Yes, support the ministry in prayer, but when you pray, also be willing to be a part of the solution and take a stand when no action is happening.

      • Starr — what you’re saying is done in a kind manor, objective and truthful. You nailed it with this: “Yes, prayer is essential but when laws are being broken and/or abuse occurs, that is when believers need to make a stand and take action. When they don’t, it waves a big flag that says CULT”. Believers (ie. believers in the “workers”) can’t make a stand because they will be going against the very thing they believe in. So, the big red flag is what it is.

      • I agree that EVERY incident, no matter if people think “it’s insignificant” or not, take it straight to the police. DO NOT talk to your workers about what happened until you have gone to the hospital and/or police. Give them the names of the perp – they don’t have to have details of the incidents…and if they want details, they may be ‘getting off’ on hearing all the details! The police are the only ones that need the details. What the workers need to know is: They are being charged with ________________ (child sexual assault, sexual assault, pedophilia, rape, etc.).

        Remember, if ANY perpatrator truly wants to “get right with God” THEY will CHOOSE to not attend meetings or ANYWHERE children or vulnerable people might be.

15. I agree that the Bible SHOULD be enough, but clearly it’s not being read or followed, and because of the assumption that it IS being read and adhered to…we are now in the current MESS that we are!
    I also believe that if these predators aren’t going to follow the scripture, they likely aren’t going to follow any “guidelines”. Criminals feel that any rules, laws, guidelines, common federal laws, etc. applies to everyone, except them…”it’s a free country, right?” (being facetious here).
    Does anyone know if ‘set guidelines’ will give us any legal standing?
    1) I would like to see a global web-site for everyone to be able to report abuse of any kind on, with the list of predators and abusers on there too (updated weekly, say, on Saturday) so that on Sunday morning the Elders can check the list to be sure no one attending their meetings is on it. At convention time, the homeowners would be able to check each person’s ID before entering their property, at Special Meetings there could be Elders checking each arrival. (I know it’s being worked on, but there’s no launch date yet – lots of legal hurdles).
    2) We also NEED a guideline for removing anyone from the ministry (Clergy) that isn’t following the teachings of Jesus (because they are choosing to be above the rest of the ministry (overseers), aren’t going in faith (packing things away in people’s homes & their vehicles like they are squirrles), or that aren’t reading and praying anyways, or they WOULD be following Him). They are not above the law of our cities, states, or country – which we are also told to adhere to. That they are charged as the law states if they knowingly allow a predator to have access to women or children.
    3) We need guidelines for the Elders (who are considered legally as part of the Clergy), and need to be held to their oath to protect those in their meetings. They are NOT above the law of the cities, states, or country – which we are also told to adhere to. Plus, a course of action to be sure that the a meeting isn’t put in or left in a KNOWN predator’s home. That they are charged as the law states if they knowingly allow a predator to have access to women or children.
    4) We need a global pot of funds that is available for any of the sites on or off this list at NSVRC: https://www.nsvrc.org, including EDMR (rapid eye movement therapy), RAINN – https://www.rainn.org to name a few. To help children and people who have been assaulted or abused in any way. Along with a team to handle the organizations being paid (with receipts). It’s going to take several people to file and keep up with each of the thousands and thousands of victim/survivors getting processed for a quick turnaround, so they can have access to the help they need. Perhaps this is a side organization, so that no one person within the fellowship has a say over the workings of it.
    5) All Dean Bruer’s hymns written should be removed from our hymnbooks (and ALL of those who committed crimes against children or women) – because we don’t need a reminder of evil deeds every time those hymns are chosen in a meeting.
    6) We need complete transparency – no more ‘secret meetings’, EVERY single one of the Elders and Bishops need to be invited, so they are aware of the types of problems the workers are having, thus giving the congregation a heads-up on how we can help, ie: specific subjects of prayer, providing transportation (like: giving a ride or offering a vehicle, or a plane ticket), showing up to help with a project either at a convention ground, or the creating of new hymnbooks, etc. and allowing the Elders and Bishops the opportunity to share what is happening in their fields and meetings if there’s more help needed (prayers or ?)
    7) The ministry needs to accept help from those who are actually trained or their jobs directly relates to a specific field of study when help arises in the future, and they need to get out of the way so those changes can be made quickly (with the Spirit involved). Their obstinence is what’s allowed this criminal behavior to drag on, and keep access to victims for the predators.

    I’m sure others can come up with more things that should be addressed, these are just a few thoughts that have quickly come to mind this morning.

    Reply

    • “I would like to see a global web-site….”. This is a very legitimate request for transparency and showing a basic standard. The reality is much different. There is no one standard in the ” fellowship “, as it’s now known. There’s a bunch of different little groups doing their own business.
      –
      Noted from one leader, who pointed out in the above, “we believe it is necessary to provide limited practical guidance on how we in the ministry will approach this problem in our three-state area”. Just three states! Keep the groups small so that the sexual abuse lawsuits will be limited to that little geographical area.
      –
      “We need a global pot of funds that is available…”. The ” fellowship ” is global in reality, but in legalistic terms it’s very spread out over a bunch of little groups. Again, this is simply to avoid, “a global pot of funds”. The workers have it set up this way because they don’t want their funds to be global, where victims of sexual abuse from workers, would have access to a global pot of funds.
      –
      Legitimate request of all noted. With a global scale sexual abuse scandal with workers traveling world wide, and victims at every port of call it’s much more sensible from an organization standpoint to keep the ” fellowship ” divided up, so the payout in any one lawsuit will be very limited.

      Reply

      • I understand how things are presently, but they don’t have to stay that way. The things I am pushing for are necessary, and since they have no scripture to back their current situation and way of handling things, we NEED the congregation to insist that things change!
        I know people are speaking of law-suits, but there’s no chance of any of those coming to fruition. The individual predators need to be charged in civil court for what THEY personally did to someone. I just saw a case on Judge Judy (or maybe it was Justice Judy) where a young lady was successful in suing a quasi foster dad for sexually abusing her years previously. We will get no where on cases from decades ago going after the ministers who knew and are now dead, especially in states where there’s like a 2 year limit or even a 5 year limit. There needs to be laws that allow for retroactive cases, even 50 years ago, because even ONE case is one too many (although no predator only has ONE victim, but only one might be willing to come forward)! But, people need to step up and hold the current heads of the hierchy accountable now, that are KNOWINGLY allowing predators access to children or vulnerable people. If we want things to be better…we have to be willing to stand up and stand firm!

      • In Canada, there is no time limit for child sexual abuse. This article today is two Friends in Ontario who were charged after many decades.https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/two-facing-charges-for-historical-sex-assaults-1.6720054

    • All great ideas, sadly and unfortunately, most elders and bishops will do exactly what the workers tell them to do, whether it is right or wrong. This makes them poor advocates for anyone or anything.

      This is very evident in this present crisis. We have elders who normally are level headed , fair minded people when it comes to their own business, but quickly bury their heads in the sand to avoid displeasing the workers.
      They do this at the peril of their own Souls, seemingly forgetting the the God of heaven requires Truth in the inward parts.
      Definitely the whole church needs to be involved as it is very clear most elders, workers and overseers are not taking this horrendous abuse seriously.
      Woman especially needs to be at the forefront of decision making , God knows, that if women had been privy to the information regarding sexual abuse that the overseers have, this would have never reached the epidemiic proportions that it has.

      Isn’t it about time that people realize , that when God gives His Spirit to anyone, the fruit of His Spirit will be seen, and it should be respected as Gods Spirit whether it is in a woman or a man.

      It is VERY clear that decisions made by elders, workers, and overseers in these days regarding Child Sexual Abuse are NOT from the Spirit of our HOLY GOD.
      I do not state this arrogantly, but in hopes that all will consider the consequences, that will affect our own Eternal destiny.

      Reply

      • @Doreen – agreed. But, it’s a safe goal we could shoot for! If the congregation would desire a different (by changing to the teachings of Christ) and safer journey naturally for all.

      • Doreen: Very good point, I forgot that female ministers don’t have senior minister roles/responsibilities in the “truth”.

        Women have always been strong and effective advocates for children, the vulnerable/needy, patients….. .

        Workers/elders need the “friends” to actively participate in the solutions and actions to prevent abuse. Otherwise, this group will continue to be attractive to sexual predators. I hope parents keep making their voices heard.

        Honestly, with the complex issues that ministers deal with these days, it’s unrealistic to expect “workers” to have all the professional training to address them all. That’s like expecting “workers” to have the medical knowledge and expertise of a medical physician. Child sexual abuse and Sexual abuse are issues not unlike physical medical issues, both require professional knowledge and expertise.

        Sexual predators have always favored spiritual communities. And unfortunately, they come in both male and female bodies.

    • @BGM – I’m glad to hear there’s no time-limit in Canada on sexual abuse. I sure do wish that were the case here in the USA!

      Reply

      • I was given the impression that Dean had hymns in our hymn book, I have done some investigating, and that’s not the case. It’s hard to figure out who wrote some of the hymns, because there are names of those who wrote the tune, often listed, but not the one who wrote the words. So, I’m sorry for that. I should have investigated that further when I was told that there were.

      • This is the most comprehensive compendium of Hymns Old and New. You can use the search tool to find authors.
        https://sites.google.com/site/hymnsoldandnew/home/hymns?authuser=0

      • @BGM – Thank you!

16. I think Craig doesn’t like me asking people to turn HIM and the Elders in to law enforcement… But, HE is guilty and so is George! They KNOWINGLY allow predators to have access to new victims on an almost daily basis.

    Reply

    • You can keep your name off the reporting, do it! If they have nothing to hide, then the investigation will come up empty handed.

      Reply

17. “I think Craig doesn’t like me asking people to turn HIM and the Elders in to law enforcement… But, HE is guilty and so is George!”.
    —
    There are so many people behind you!!! Go for it!!!

    Reply

18. Numerous individuals have brought up Math 18 concerning Gods indictment of anyone who would offend a little child. There is no question that God will judge anyone who commits CSA or SA. However what Jesus was teaching his disciples in Math 18 has always had a much deeper and broader application for me that just CSA and SA offenses.. The actual words of Jesus are 6 ¶ But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. So the broader context to me is in his words “who believe in me”. When we enter the kingdom of heaven as a little child as Jesus says we each must, do we all see everything the same? Do we all see all at once what he desires of us? Of course not. So why do we think it is right to judge every child of his as if they should see all things just like we have come to understand them. And worse than that if they see things differently they must be of the devil?
    I for one would fear the day when we stand before Jesus and he tells us of the things we didn’t do for him and then says in that ye didn’t do it unto the least of my breathren. The hungry, thirsty, sick, the unclothed etc.

    Reply

    • Sexual predators who are truly trying to not act out illegal behaviors need to stay away from children or young adults. They can’t be around schools, parks or places where children are so why would you want to invite them into your places of fellowship where children or young adults are. That is one of the strategies that helps them after counseling/treatment. Auditory sermons/meetings can be shared and they can meet up with members that are not going to pose problems for them.

      Reply

      • Starr, those are good points you mentioned. The trouble is that the workers would rather have control and keep these matters hidden, meaning the sexual molesters have freedom to stay the course and do what they do. Like the Dean Bruer matter. None of that was to be made public to the members. The illusion of purity is the goal.
        –
        A prior Wings For Truth post titled, Breaking the Silence, stated, “In March 2023, the past life of the late Dean Bruer as an overseer who was a sexual predator of adults and minors was exposed, nine months after he died in June 2022. The following letters to workers and friends, sometimes distributed via elders, show a variety of attempts to provide limited belated disclosure and transparency; justification for delay; limitation; and in some cases the appropriate links to external agencies. >>>>>These communications occurred after the news spread rapidly on social media, after one elder photographed the Doyle Smith letter that was meant to only have limited distribution. <<<<<<The news generated huge concerns from many members.

        Abuse matters should not be kept secret or hidden, as that would just allow perpetrators to continue their actions against further unsuspecting children".
        –
        The culture of the workers are to " white wash tombs" so the dead bones aren't exposed, only the white purity that they think you should see. Dean Bruer's real character, and even WFT, would never have seen the light of day, if the workers had their say. Keep the dead bones, or anything that may tarnish the carefully cultivated image of the long dresses, pinned up hair (for women), dark suits, white or blue shirts with ties, and trimmed short hair (for men).
        –
        Back in the day when I was younger I remember a worker, Al Goff, coming to stay at our house with his suitcase in tow containing his hair cutting supplies. Al always wanted to stay in my brothers bedroom in the basement where my brother had his Modern Photography magazines, and they had the occasional nude woman in them. The magazines would be in disarray later and All would come upstairs, out of breath, but wanting to cut our hair that was beginning to go a little over the ear.
        –
        "Gotta keep the out side of the cup clean"! The workers motto. Don't worry about the inside. Nobody can see that. Or at least, their not supposed to! " That elder was NOT to have copied that letter. Now Dean Bruer is out of the bag"!
        –
        Months later overseer Doyle Smith wrote, "There has been concern and misinformation about the “timeline” in connection with reporting the Dean Bruer situation. First of all. my apologies tor not making this clearer in my first letter. I am in uncharted territory. We are all responsible to avoid spreading unverified, untrue or dramatic information that thereby makes it more traumatic, difficult or frightening for any still-unknown victims to come forward and get the help they need and deserve.

        Dean passed away June 21 or 22 and unfortunately nothing was known about the dark side of his life, except by victims of course, until September…" This was said six months later and the news was already out. Trying to shut the barn door, after the horse gets out, is never going to work.

      • @Starr, first I would like to thank you for your time to reach out and help. You seem to have a very good background in the issue of CSA. It has been helpful and refreshing to hear without all the anti religious overtones of some. I am not trying to bring up those verse in Math 18 to justify having a pert come to meeting around children. You bring up a very good point that as far as known past child molesters there are things we can do to try to help them that doesn’t involve bringing them into the meeting. As I have stated to the chagrin of some, it hasn’t been a problem in our Lorre area in the past. Hopefully that will continue. We will continue to look for red flags but I realize that I will probably be the last to see them and have asked for each member to help and let me know of any situation that makes them uncomfortable.

      • Anti religious?! “It has been helpful and refreshing to hear without all the anti religious overtones of some”. All in for Christianity. Not so for cults.

      • @White Wash – were you in Al’s field in North Carolina? He was one dangerous man. He was in our field when we lived there…and my hubby told him to “get out, and that he was no longer welcome”.

19. The opening unattributed opening comments contradict the “neutral” mission of Wings as did the snarky headline a few weeks ago “Scott Rauscher studies silence”. Come on guys, don’t unravel your credibility with this kind of thing. At least take ownership of your views as an individual in the comment section.

    Reply

    • If I see you unintentionally practicing something bad and say something to you, does that make me your friend or enemy? Would saying nothing be good, bad or “neutral”?

      If there is something there that is false, point it out as I am sure WINGS will correct it.

      WINGS needs to make more commentary, not less. That is what a friend does.

      I see others complaining about the commentary…..while reading and writing in the Commentary Section!! Anyone see the irony?

      Reply

    • “Scott Rauscher studies silence”. What is snarky about that?! Please explain. Scott Rauscher himself said, “Dear folks – this came to me the other day. I’ve not studied it out. But it looks to be a good study, many thanks for all your prayers and support
      Scott

      WHEN TO BE SILENT “.

      Even though Scott wants everyone to be silent, Scott did say ” it looked to be a good study “, even though he didn’t want to actually commit the hour it would have taken to do so. Probably the better heading would have been, ” Scott Rauscher wants YOU to study silence. Scott has better things to do with his time”. “Scott Rauscher studies silence”, is still the best heading. …..You wonder if Scott ever did take the hour to ” study silence “?

      Reply

    • @Dale – What Wings was trying to get people to see is that Scott posted that list about being silent, but HE had never read /studied any of those verses HIMSELF. Scott was mad that I had told people to turn him in to law enforcement, because HE is guilty of offering up the congregation’s children and women, to those predators/criminals that HE is allowing to attend meetings. Just because you are in the ministry doesn’t mean you have the RIGHT to exploit our children and women!! If Scott were truly a man of God, he would have put every single one of those predators OUT – permanently!

      Reply

      • I totally agree that sexual child predators need to be kept away from children. With that said, child sexual predators need therapy too. One of the first things they do is eliminate the temptations in person, online, pics… . Unfortunately, like substance abuse, even with appropriate therapy and support, adult child sexual offenders struggle a constant daily battle. We have not had much success rehabilitating adult offenders who are sexual child predators. The outcomes are better if we can get them intensive therapy while they are young.

    • Dale Get a life! Only your Judgement through your eyes reads this as snarky. When one deals with the never ending brutal details and brutal facts of CSA/SA and the devastation of innocent lives and their families; by self proclaimed messiahs who claim to have all control and power: instead of “helpers of our Joy”::: reality of their life mocks their every Word! THAT is reality for hundreds and does NOT put any question about WINGs credibility. In FACT it is Truth!

      Reply

20. I may or may not agree with the Wings “news” as posted. Wing’s brokerage of that news is not honest when a moderator editorializes that news with a headline or commentary and discounts my capacity to judge the content on its own merit. My view is that the moderator should take personal ownership in the comments section as I must. That might free the platform from “news” moderator bias.

    Btw I do applaud much of what Wings has achieved and submit these comments with respect for the platform.

    Reply

    • By your own admission, your capacity to judge the content on its own merit is limited if commentary at the beginning creates a bias for you. My only suggestion is to practice the separation of commentary and primary source material. But you do make a good point as you are not likely the only one who had difficulty reading that article without being affected in some way by the WINGS summary.

      Regardless, I don’t doubt WINGS would be happy to change anything that is in error. This isn’t the first article posted with WINGS commentary. I presume it won’t be the last.

      Reply