Author: wingsfortruth2

On Thursday 2 November 2023, a meeting was convened in Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland at the request of certain of the friends to discuss issues relating to child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual abuse (SA) within our fellowship in Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI), referred to in this document as Ireland). Two of the Irish brother workers (John Conley and Craig Fulton) together with 24 of the friends were in attendance. Some of those present were victims or family members of victims.

These notes are a summary of the main concerns raised and some of the rationale / discussion in relation to each concern, that were presented to the workers during such meeting. These notes also include suggested solutions / requested outcomes to address the concerns raised in the meeting. These notes are not an exhaustive summary of all matters discussed at the meeting which ran for some 3 hours.

Introduction

The meeting began with an introduction from the meeting organiser. 

Following this, Craig Fulton gave opening remarks during which he (among other things): 

• thanked everyone for coming;
• acknowledged that they (the workers) have received a lot of help and feel a great need of further help (and that is what is desired at the CSA / SA meeting);
• shared a personal anecdote regarding a family member who is a CSA victim (which he said helps him to understand the deep hurt experienced by both victims and families of victims);
• stated that he wishes to make it clear that we want to do all that we can to protect our children so they don’t go through the same experience;
• acknowledged things haven’t always been gotten right in the past and apologised for that and any hurt that has been caused as a result;
• noted that good progress and development has been made in recent times and this CSA / SA meeting will also contribute to the development of our policies;
• acknowledged that they (the workers) feel they must communicate more with friends and want to make all aware of what they can do and how they can help;
• stated that at the beginning of the upcoming special meetings, a document regarding child safety will be read out; and
• stated that there is a workers’ staff meeting in January 2024 to help staff understand what they can do to help and give them appropriate advice.

Following further opening remarks from the meeting organiser and another attendee, the Designated Liaison Person appointed in ROI gave a summary of procedure and practice in relation to CSA / SA in Ireland. This summary included, without limitation, an overview of the following (which are not covered in detail in this summary):

• the basis of the policy / practice (legislation and related guidance documents);
• reporting requirements and some information about reports / disclosures received – for example, that most disclosures aren’t first hand (i.e. they are made by someone other than the alleged victim); and most are in relation to retrospective abuse; 
• consideration of precautionary measures and safeguards; and
• sanctions – the Designated Liaison Person’s role is safeguarding children but any sanctions imposed may also be a response to justice or fellowship issues. It was noted that the issue of sanctions is highly complex. If changes are made in response to CSA / SA allegations, they could be because of child safeguarding issues (within the Designated Liaison Person’s remit), justice issues and / or fellowship issues (and that the overseer and other leaders may factor in other considerations that relate to fellowship before steps are taken / changes are made).

WINGS Note: The pdf document below has details of concerns raised and ensuing discussion.
The following outcomes were documented:

Note: The purpose of the CSA / SA meeting was to make the workers aware of / educate them regarding friends’ concerns about CSA / SA issues and the rationale for those concerns. The requested outcomes / next steps as set out below were either raised by friends expressly in the meeting, or (where they were not expressly raised in the meeting), have been included in these notes as suggested paths forward based on the concern and discussion on the relevant point in the CSA / SA meeting. 

A.           Child Safeguarding Statement / Policy and Procedures document (the Child Protection Policy)

The fellowship is required to have the above document pursuant to relevant regulations and guidelines in ROI and NI. It was most recently reviewed in January 2021 and is due for review in December 2023.

1.           That the Child Protection Policy be updated to reflect the role of bishops and other men and women within the church who can assist with managing the CSA / SA crisis.

2.           That additional Designated Liaison Persons or similar people to whom victims can approach (including women) be appointed or identified (and communicated to the friends and directly with children of friends in line with requested outcomes (16) and (17) below). 

3.           That (outside of the Child Protection Policy) consideration be given to an ongoing role that bishops and their wives, and other men and women within the fellowship who are willing to help, might have going forward in relation to handling the CSA / SA issues within our fellowship in Ireland. 

4.           That sister workers be more involved in handling the CSA / SA issues within our fellowship in Ireland (not just attending the mandatory training).

5.           That the Child Protection Policy be made directly available to all people within the fellowship within Ireland in hard copy in January 2024. Suggested route to achieve this is to give bishops sufficient copies for members of their Sunday morning meeting and to request that all bishops hand same out after the Sunday morning meeting.

6.           That consideration be given to the comments contained in the annotation provided when undertaking the upcoming review of the Child Protection Policy.

B.           Culture Change / Need for a Response

7.           That the fact there are serious CSA / SA issues within our fellowship be openly acknowledged.  

8.           That ‘top-down’, responsive and immediate action be led by the workers (with help and involvement from the friends) in relation the CSA / SA issues, so that the existing culture of acceptance in relation to CSA / SA issues becomes a thing of the past and history (of CSA / SA issues occurring but not being properly dealt with) does not repeat itself. It is suggested that continuing to engage with the friends and implementing the other suggested outcomes in these notes would be a good starting point.

C.           Zero Tolerance

9.           That consistent decisions be made in accordance with a clear set of rules going forward in relation to the attendance of alleged perpetrators at all meetings. In particular, please see requested outcomes (11) and (12) below. 

10.         That the Child Protection Policy (specifically the part that is to be publicly available) be updated to reflect the set of rules implemented in relation to requested outcome (9) above to provide accountability going forward. 

11.         That alleged abusers be prohibited from attending any meetings.

12.         That all members of the fellowship be made aware of the internal policy in relation to alleged perpetrators’ attendance at meetings (in line with requested outcome (16) below) and in particular if the decision made is to allow perpetrators to attend certain meetings (although it is strongly hoped that will not be the case), that members are made aware of an alleged perpetrator’s attendance at meetings.

13.         That no alleged abuser be permitted to have a place in the gospel work.

D.          Education and Training

14.         That the bishops and their wives attend a workers’ staff meeting in January 2024 at which (the meeting was told) training in relation to CSA / SA issues will be provided to workers (as a follow-on from training that has already been provided to workers).  

15.         That the request for open communication (in line with requested outcome (16) below) also factor in the need for the friends (and, directly, their children) to be made aware of who they can approach for help / support as needed. 

E.           Communication

16.         That there be ongoing and open communication with all members of the fellowship in relation to CSA / SA issues and the approach taken to remedy them as well as who can be approached for help. Again, the role of bishops in handing out written information to churches should be considered. 

17.         That going forward bishops (and their wives) be kept directly informed regarding alleged perpetrators and decisions made in relation to CSA / SA issues. 

F.           Victim Statements

18.         That going forward, any victim who approaches a worker, Designated Liaison Person, Designated Officer, Deputy Designated Liaison Person or Deputy Designated Officer (or anyone else appointed within the fellowship) with a statement regarding CSA / SA is believed by the person to whom the statement is made, and that that person takes all required action in relation to that statement. 

Closing remarks

• Many attendees thanked the workers for their attendance and shared words of encouragement to address these issues.
• Many attendees stated that they wished to help with these issues and the spirit of wanting to help was acknowledged by the workers.
• The workers noted that there is a long journey ahead and they want to be sure that what the workers start now is something that workers in the future, if time goes on, can reflect on and say that what was started is something of value. 
• An attendee made the remark that this is something we can unite on and grow stronger from.
• The meeting organiser thanked everyone for their attendance.

Nov, 9, 2023

Dear Concerned Friends,

The time has come for us to emphasize where we are with past issues that have been brought to us by you folks. We have sought professional and responsible council all along and have found profitable help from people like [redacted], who supports our positive direction in going forward.

From today, we will not accept any complaints about the past. If there is anything illegal or criminal in any way, we are asking you to take it to the police. We will only deal with the present and the future.

We are embracing the idea of a support/witness plan for those that need help and restoration for positive recovery in the fellowship, taking into consideration the needs of victims. We are not a part of a persecution/prosecution team, but rather seek restoration for every individual. We are not working against our brother or sister, but rather being our brother’s keeper. This fellowship and ministry doesn’t need big changes, but it does require each of us to be honest and accountable.

We can all be a great help and support through prayer for each other. We all have expressed we want unity, and that means we must work towards that together. Godliness is contagious… let’s go forward in that way.

With care for each, Scott, Tom, Tammy, Heidi & Alexis

Scott Rauscher (current overseer of Montana and Wyoming), Tom Hinkle, Tammy Carr, Heidi Henderson, and Alexis Carrier.

It is with deep concern that we are moved to send this letter to all of you. We understand that an email in which Ira and Joan Hobbs misrepresent key information about Katie’s special meeting visit at their home has been circulating privately, though it has not yet been posted publicly.

Katie is our dear sister, and we are worried about the additional harm she may experience due to Ira’s email. We do not want Ira’s letter with misinformation to cause division between us.

We believe and support victim-survivors, and we believe and support Katie. Because the majority of SA and CSA cases go unreported due to shame, fear, and lack of support, we feel it is our responsibility as shepherds to support those who cry out for help.

We would like to directly address the misinformation in Ira’s email.

• Ira has a long history of sexual assault allegations, some of which he has admitted to. In 2008, Ira was removed from the work because of credible allegations that he committed CSA. One of the victims was only eight years old at the time that she was abused: she is now 71 years old.
• Mona Reece was not present at the Hobbs’ home during Katie’s visit. Although our special meeting rounds had scheduled Mona and Katie to visit the Hobbs on that date. Mona attended a funeral and stayed in a different home on that date instead. This change of plans left our sister Katie alone in their home.
• After staying at the Hobbs’ home, Katie experienced complications and sought medical help. The medical professionals who looked after her confirmed that she had been assaulted. They also discovered that she had been drugged with a ‘date-rape drug’ that rendered her helpless against Ira’s assault. This drug is known to have amnesiac effects, meaning (hat the drug prevented our sister from remembering exactly what was done to her during the time that she was drugged.
• Law enforcement continues to investigate the case against Ira. We, along with Ray Hoffmann, support Katie’s legal team in their efforts to find justice for her and the other numerous victim-survivors of Ira’s assaults.

As friends and workers, we want to be united in our compassion for victim-survivors and to take appropriate steps that will bring an end to this shameful history of abuse. We pray that all victim-survivors would find comfort and peace.

Your brothers and sisters,

Craig Winquist, Daniel Farris, Steve Marshall, Diane Harper, and Jennifer Horton

Comments from Abbi Prussack:

I’d like to take this opportunity to point out a very common defense strategy used by perpetrators of abuse. As we know, abusers “groom” potential victims by establishing trust, and building an image of themselves that makes the victim less likely to resist their behavior and less likely to report it. Abusers also use this tactic with parents, in order to get closer to child victims and create a buffer of doubt, should the child ever try to speak up about the abuse. This letter is an example of someone who is “grooming the public.” By loudly presenting their fabricated version of events alongside vivid details, empathetic statements, and pitiful feelings, they are able to plant a seed of doubt in observers’ minds. If they can convince enough of the public that they are humble and trustworthy, the public will be more willing to doubt, dismiss, and blame the victim-survivors who they have harmed.

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There is ample evidence of this assault, and there is an ongoing legal investigation. Most survivors aren’t afforded these privileges, and many abusers’ attempts at grooming the public end up to be successful. Please keep this survivor in your thoughts as attempts to retraumatize and silence her continue. We will always stand with survivors, and we are grateful to you all for doing the same.

TRIGGER WARNING

The following letter from Ira and Joan Hobbs is posted to demonstrate how sex offenders operate, often successfully. WINGS strongly supports the response from Craig etc (above) which is a proper response to this type of letter from a perpetrator.

From: “Ira Hobbs” [email redacted]
To: redacted
Sent: Sat, Nov 4, 2023 at 8:48 PM
Subject: false report corrected

Our dear Ones,

Due to the internet publishing of false allegations that we heard of this spring, we want to share with you the account of the visit to our home by Mona Reese and Katie Keim 4 years ago.  It was the only time either of them were in our home.

Four years ago, the first week of April (our special meeting time each year), Mona Reese and Katie Keim came to our home in late evening,  Joan and I greeted them, shaking their hands in welcome.  After a very pleasant visit in the living room, we all retired to our bedrooms for the night at 8 p.m.  Each of the visitors got a glass for water as they went.  Our guest rooms are located at the west end of our house, with a private bathroom.  and our bedroom and bath is at the east end.  So, it offers totally privacy for all.  We did not know whether both slept in the one bedroom or used both rooms.

At 7:30 a.m., we served breakfast at the agreed time,  Both Katie and Mona were cheerful and ready for breakfast.  We asked Katie if she would like to offer thanks at the table.  She gave thanks for the food, for the restful night, and for the fellowship we  share together.  She asked for God’s blessing on our day together.  After breakfast, we asked Katie to share how she heard the gospel, and she responded eagerly.  Mona also shared of her experiences.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship.

They returned to their room for continued meditation and prayer in preparation for the special meeting that evening at Edgar Wilson’s home.  At some time in the morning, Katie went outside and gathered early spring flowers and boughs that were budding and arranged them in a vase to present them for the dining table.  Joan was elated, and asked Katie if she had worked as a florist since it was such a nice arrangement.  At lunch, Mona offered thanks, and again we had such pleasant and refreshing sharing.  It was a very memorable visit, so similar to our visits with other workers and friends before then and after that.  They went to another home for supper, and then to the meeting that night.  All the visitors spoke helpfully, giving fresh inspiration and comfort.

So, you might understand why we were shocked beyond measure when we had a visitor to our home this spring – an investigating officer (a lady) from the state police.  She asked if we sometimes had visitors and meetings in our home, and how the visits went.  We spoke of the wonderful fellowship that meant so much to us and to our friends.  Then she asked if we knew Katie Keim and Mona Reese.  Yes, we said they had been to our home a few years ago, and we had such good memories of  the time together.  Then she mentioned that it was reported that Katie might have been abused when they were here.  I said, “What?  Has Katie totally lost her mind?”  We shared memories of the day they were at our home.  The officer examined the layout of our home before she departed.  Joan and I wondered what has happened anyway!

Unfortunately, Katie has been in a field where some relatives of saints have been very active in following the internet opposition to our fellowship in Christ, and have been very critical of workers and saints with accusations both true and false.  They have had their effect on Katie, causing her to be very restive and with loss of interest in the mission work this year.  When Katie was questioned about her accusation of abuse, she said that she had no knowledge of abuse from any man, but others had advised her that it might have been possible without her knowing it.  So, it was obvious her thinking had been controlled by evil advisors who search for ways to reproach believers. Workers and saints were alarmed that Katie was having such a difficult time.

Fortunately, it was arranged for Katie to have a change of fields, to get away from the influence that had troubled her.  She spoke at Rogers, AR convention from Psalm 137, saying she had experienced something like Israel did when they were in Babylon, when she had lost her song in the confusion, and she was thankful for deliverance.  She said, “I never want to experience that situation again ever!”  We are glad that she is in a new field and with fresh prospects of usefulness.

The report from civil authorities this summer was that there was no evidence of any abuse at our home, and there was no reason to justify litigation in the matter.  That was determined after extensive and thorough investigation.

We pray God will forgive those who have published such a devastating accusation that was totally false, and would hope that they will publicize their apology for such lack of discretion.

In spite of all that has taken place, Joan and I have found peace and comfort, knowing that God the Judge of all understands and has given grace to bear the reproach cast upon us.  All in the church here have been great comfort to us.  We thank God for such rich fellowship with them.

Joan joins in loving greetings to each of you.  She wants to add a note to this.  All good wishes, Ira

Dear Hobbs family,

I cannot understand how such a report was published on the internet!  It was totally false, and without any attempt at confirmation of facts.  It has caused us to pray for those who have been so thoughtless and unkind, hoping God will be merciful to forgive them and make them wiser and merciful to others.

We are comforted in that God understands and cares.

We love you and hope that all goes well for you.  Thank you for praying for us.  Love, Joan

WINGS Note: Due to the potential impact on victims of Ira and other perpetrators, comments are blocked for this post.