Hilbertjan (Hilbert) Boon

The advocacy group of concerned current and former members in Ireland, the UK, Europe and Africa, now called Safety Beyond Silence, has received from concerned friends in The Netherlands a letter written by the “responsible brother workers” in that country, about Hilbertjan (Hilbert) Boon. He was a worker in Netherlands and Germany from 1980s to 2017.

Please see an English language translation and the original Dutch language letter, pasted below.

The letter is concerning as it announces meeting privileges for Hilbertjan even though he has multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour and abuse toward other members of the meetings community. It minimizes the behaviour (e.g. by referring to “signals”).

We are especially concerned as this shows a willingness by senior workers, and indeed apparently the entire Dutch staff, to ignore multiple credible reports of abuse. Recent painful experience in the US is just one example of how ignoring reports can lead to further terrible consequences (e.g. Ira Hobbs).

It is good that the workers acknowledge that they did not respond properly in the past. However, it is concerning that they are allowing the abuser to attend meetings, special meetings and conventions.

It is important to disclose this information before the convention season in Europe, which already is getting underway, so that people can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

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Apeldoorn, Tuesday April 21, 2026  

Dear friends.

Approaching 2025 convention season, we received multiple reports regarding Hilbertjan’s behavior. In the context of the broader unrest surrounding transgressive behavior, this raised questions and also created tension within our community.

Out of concern for the community and for Hilbertjan himself, we decided to escort him home before the start of the conventions. After the conventions, the reports were discussed with the involved confidants.

A formal report was received. This was discussed with both the person making the report and Hilbertjan, under the guidance of two confidants. The person making the report experienced this conversation as healing, and the report has therefore been closed.

An incident from the past was also discussed. This was recently addressed with those involved and has been taken into account in the current assessment.

Furthermore, another incident from the past was mentioned in anonymous messages. This incident was resolved between Hilbertjan and the person involved quite some time ago. Clear agreements have been made between them.

We acknowledge that signals regarding Hilbertjan’s behavior in the past were not taken sufficiently seriously by us. With hindsight, we are aware that things should have been handled differently. We also understand that this situation has caused tension or pain for some.

Hilbertjan is currently participating in gatherings within his own area and receiving guidance outside the community. Based on the conversations held and this guidance, we deem it responsible for him to attend gatherings and special meetings outside his own area and participate in conventions starting in May 2026.

In this regard, clear agreements have been made regarding participation, contact, visits, and evaluation moments. These agreements have been discussed with Hilbertjan and accepted by him.

Should new signals arise, the situation will be reassessed.

This message has been drafted on the advice of the involved confidants, in consultation with Hilbertjan, his immediate family, and in collaboration with Wim, Bart and Martin. The content of this message has been discussed extensively with all Dutch workers.

We realize that this subject is sensitive. Anyone who needs to talk or has questions can contact us or one of the involved confidants directly.

With Brotherly Greetings, 
Wim, Bart and Martin