Category: News

Items of interest regarding child sexual abuse, and especially as it relates to the Friends and Workers fellowship.

MinistrySafe: Is it Sufficient?

MinistrySafe has been recommended by many churches and has been used by ours for a number of years to show that a worker has been educated on child abuse issues. While MinistrySafe provides good content, it does not offer complete CSA training per se; dealing with allegations and caring for victims is not where they have expertise and where more work needs to be done within the church.

Their website states:

MinistrySafe was founded by legal professionals and sexual abuse experts, Gregory Love and Kimberlee Norris. Through their litigation practice representing victims of child sexual abuse, they recognized a vital need to equip churches and ministry programs to better protect children from sexual abuse. 

With over 60 years combined experience in sexual abuse litigation, consultation and crisis management, Love & Norris understand the risk of sexual abuse and how it unfolds in ministry programs. 

There are a number of articles written that share concerns about MinistrySafe. Here’s some examples:

https://thewartburgwatch.com/2019/07/22/ministry-safe-video-they-claimed-to-be-victim-centric-but-would-never-sue-a-church-because-they-dont-tear-down-churches

https://thewartburgwatch.com/2019/06/10/attorneys-boz-tchividjian-and-mitch-little-help-a-sex-abuse-victim-in-her-quest-to-hold-matt-chandler-and-the-village-church-accountable

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/august/village-church-matt-chandler-baptist-abuse-settlement.html

(NYT link gifted for 30 days; after that a NYT subscription will be required)

Extracts from NYT Article:

The firm, which advertises a “victim-centric” approach, offers training on child safety and sex-abuse prevention to churches that are eager to show they are up to date on how to protect their congregations. Many church members trust that if their congregation uses MinistrySafe, it must be to benefit victims.

… Ms. Norris and her husband are lawyers, and they have an associated legal practice to manage crises and minimize risk for clients. MinistrySafe’s website offers legal consultation, and those services are provided through Ms. Norris’s law firm, Love & Norris.

Some survivor advocates have raised concerns about how churches employ MinistrySafe services after abuse has been reported.

MinistrySafe may address legal risks for churches, but it does not help promote greater transparency as part of its response to abuse, said David Pittman, a survivor.

WINGS has had numerous resources listed for more than 10 years. See Resources
Some might not be available now, but we haven’t had time to review them all.

Some well-known sites are:
RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest Network ~ Largest US anti-sexual assault organization
STOP IT NOW! [USA] and STOP IT NOW! [UK; Available in 27 languages]

At WINGS we are grateful for readers who critique our work, so please send us your thoughts on MinistrySafe and any suggestions you may have for CSA training courses.
Email wingsfortruth@googlegroups.com or leave a comment below.

In the meantime, here are two additional CSA courses that we have heard good things about:

1. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jimmyhinto5/extras

2. https://www.netgrace.org/online-training

Merlin Affleck Responds to CBC Interview Request

Merlin Affleck declined to be interviewed by CBC, but did respond by email. This is his email to staff on the matter.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2316186691687

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sex-abuse-charges-church-with-no-name-1.7121218

“Recently I’ve had some communication with a reporter from CBC Vancouver.  The same lady attended Cheryl and Sarah’s gospel meeting last Sunday and said that she’s doing a documentary on us and would like to see the other side of the story.  Cheryl told her she was looking at it ….a group of happy people that love each other.  One of her questions to me was, “what are you doing to keep children safe going forward”.  I will cut and paste my reply to her.  It is probably wise to keep our answers short and factual when dealing with the media.  This is just a heads up for you before her story goes public. 

My reply to the reporter:
1) A Child Safe Policy has been developed with the help of professionals and each of our members has access to it.
2) A Ministers Code of Conduct Policy has been agreed to and signed by each one in the ministry.
3) Each minister on the BC staff has completed a Ministry Safe course and has a certificate.
4) Most in the ministry have had criminal background checks done with the RCMP.
5) We continue to actively review our Child Safe Policy and keep it current.

Bonner’s Ferry ID Convention Shut Down

March 15, 2024

To Our Dear Friends,

Many prayers, tears, and copious consideration have gone into our decision not to have convention at Bonners Ferry, Idaho, this year. We have been made aware of the depth of our crisis as many criminal acts (especially in relation to child sexual abuse and sexual abuse) have been committed and we feel that one criminal act is too many.

We now understand that allowing access to our personal property could provide unfettered access for abuses to occur. We simply cannot stand by and ignore the pain or contribute to the pain of any victim of abuse. If we are to move forward and have convention in the future, we must prioritize working together toward a safe path of transparency. We feel that there is currently discord on how and where information is provided regarding convicted perpetrators and those with allegations. In some cases, there is a refusal to acknowledge or accept responsibility for these actions that protect perpetrators rather than the victims.

Due to our geographic location, we have a somewhat unique situation where we have many international attendees. With the current lack of communication between the countries and states, there are too many possibilities for perpetrators to come onto our property and we cannot move forward blindly. We will need to have transparent communication internationally to feel that all attendees would remain safe.

Transparency is the path forward.

Eric and Eileen Madson

Luther Raine Steps Aside, Then Welcomed Back

Luther Raine has been active in the work since the mid-1960s. He has labored in Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Mississippi.

On March 3, 2024, Luther stepped aside from the work. The email below was sent to the Alabama/Mississppi/Louisiana staff:

“It has been suggested that because of the CSA allegation made against me, although unsupported, that I should voluntarily step down from the work until it has been settled. So as of this time I am no longer in the work. I am very sorry for the Kingdom’s sake that this has happened, but the God who has brought me this far will continue to keep. Luther Raine”.

On March 16th, 2024, the overseer of Alabama/Mississppi/Louisiana welcomed Mr.Raine back into the work in spite of a credible allegation of CSA against him.

From Robert Eberhart, overseer: “The AL, MS and LA staff met today at Brian Garrett’s in Jackson MS, including Luther Raine. The announcement previously made by him, was revisited, with the outcome of my voice of support for him resuming active ministry. We’re planning on his participation in special meetings and visits where he’s welcome.”

[WINGS NOTE] In August 2019 Robert Eberhardt called for mercy towards a registered sex offender: Offense – Mercy – Saving sinners

Judy Scheller leaves the work

WINGS Note: Judy, from BC Canada, has been a friend of CSA survivors since at least the 1980’s and is a widely beloved senior sister worker.

We have deleted the story about the alleged recent meeting in Vancouver as we have received sufficient confirmation that it does not relate to a recent meeting. We apologize for any inconvenience or concerns arising from this. Thank you all for your kind responses and for those who have gone the extra mile to confirm this. We endeavour to be accurate, but this time, we were not. Our readers here are so awesome to get on top of this….thanks so much!

My dear brothers and sisters,
After much prayer and letting the Spirit of God search my heart and motives, sadly, I feel I must step aside from my place in the Ministry. I cannot be a part of a ministry that supports the pedophiles and continually ignores the victims of child sexual abuse and other forms of abuse. I am not stepping aside from God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit or His people or the victims of abuse, but just the Ministry.
My health is good, and my years in the Ministry have been dear to my heart. I have been very glad to labour among you on the South Island these past two years.
With many thanks for all you have been to me.
Judy

Lyndell Montgomery will tell her story

This appears to be a preview of an upcoming CBC (Canada) documentary.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2314646595593

Update:

From the CBC reporter:

“The story is publishing online, on radio and on TV — The National and CBC BC 6 and 11, (plus our streams) Friday (tomorrow).” (March 8th)

First article is out. Video on CBC The National tonight. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sex-abuse-charges-church-with-no-name-1.7121218

Here is a link to the segment broadcasted across Canada:
http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2316186691687

Brian Edward Cox of Puslinch charged re 1986 – 1991 sexual assaults

Brian Cox, a professing man from Ontario, has been charged with two counts of Sexual Assault, two counts of Gross Indecency, and two counts of Sexual Intercourse, involving multiple minors.

Police have asked for other expected victims to contact them.

In October of 2023, police began an investigation into historical sexual assault claims that occurred between 1986 and 1991 throughout Wellington County.

Following the investigation, police have charged 68-year-old Brian Edward Cox of Puslinch with two counts of Sexual Assault, two counts of Gross Indecency, and two counts of Sexual Intercourse With a Female Between 14 and 16 Years of Age, contrary to the Criminal Code.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on April 23, 2024. The charges have yet to be proven in a court of law.

Wellington County OPP believe there are more victims involved. Anyone with information can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact the Guelph Wellington Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you, or someone you know, needs support, there are local resources listed below that are available to help:

·      Victim Services Wellington: 519-824-1212

·      Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Centre: 519-837-6440

·      Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis: 519-836-1110 or 1-800-265-7233

See https://cknxnewstoday.ca/midwestern/news/2024/02/29/charges-laid-in-historical-sexual-assault-case  

https://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/puslinch-man-charged-in-sexual-assaults-involving-minor-between-1986-and-1991

Survivor calls for transparency in email exchange with Paul Haakenson, overseer of North and South Dakota

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, 2:44 PM, Paul Haakenson wrote

Dear [Redacted]
I am sorry i neglected to get back to you, but I am not in favor of any response from me or us being posted on the Web either. Yes we visited with the church and [redacted] wont’ be in mtgs at this time.
Please do not forward.
Paul

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, 3:00 PM, [Redacted] wrote:
Paul,
That’s very disappointing that your fear of the internet came before the care of survivors. I would hope that your words could be as such that if it were to be posted online it would show your commitment to survivors and safe fellowship. Again, transparency is key. I do not understand the fear of your words being posted online, you should be able to stand behind them no matter who reads them. It’s cowardly. Jesus was willing to be crucified for what he said. Stephen and Paul were stoned. Peter was imprisoned. If you’re not ashamed of your position, why are you afraid to stand behind it?

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

On Thu, Feb 22, 2024 at 3:21PM
[redacted] wrote:
Perry Paul, Caleb and Bruce,

Just wanted to send a quick note to express my great disappointment that not a one of you could be bothered to reply to my email regarding [redacted]. Perry, I don’t believe you were cc’ed on the email as you were still resting at the time. Even just a brief acknowledgment would’ve been appreciated. This is deeply hurtful. If you want to even pretend to care about survivors of abuse within the fellowship might I suggest not ignoring the pleas of survivors. There are a lot of resources available that can help educate you on being trauma informed, please look into them before you continue to do further harm to victims. I did hear through the grapevine that the decision to keep [redacted] out of meeting was upheld. That should’ve been communicated to not only me but the entire state. Transparency and communication is so vital. Do better. Thank you.

Several workers support reporting to FBI

WINGS has received copies of communications supporting the FBI call for information, from workers in TX/NM, KS/NE and Ray Hoffmann.

From: TX NM News [email redacted]
Date: Tue, Feb 20, 2024, 7:20 PM*
Subject: FBI Investigation
To:TXNMNews [email redacted]

To our friends in Texas & New Mexico,

We would like to make you all aware that the FBI has opened an investigation concerning Child Sexual Abuse within our fellowship. We are including the link to their Victim Information website.

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-victim-information-in-2×2-investigation

We strongly encourage any victim survivor. or any person with knowledge of a crime, to participate in the investigation. An excerpt from the FBI webpage states:

if you have information about this ongoing investigation or believe your child or other children may have been victimized by individuals affiliated with 2×2, the FBI requests you complete a short online questionnaire.

We would like to reemphasize our deep sorrow that this tragedy has occurred within our fellowship. To those of you who have bravely come forward to share your story, we thank you for your courage. We purpose to honor your courage by our continual joint commitment to a safe fellowship environment.

Sincerely,

The TXNM Staff

Dear KS/NE friends

Perhaps some of you have already heard, as it has been broadcast on the local news here in Omaha yesterday, that the FBI has opened an investigation concerning Child Sexual Abuse within our fellowship.

Here is a link to the website for reporting victim information.

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-victim-information-in-2×2-investigation

Here is an excerpt from the FBI webpage.

“If you have information about this ongoing investigation or believe your child or other children may have been victimized by individuals affiliated with 2×2, the FBI requests you complete a short online questionnaire.”

If anyone has been a victim or knows of a victim, we strongly encourage you to participate in this investigation, Just as we have encouraged you in the past emails, to take these crimes, or any crimes, to the Legal Authority. We fully cooperate with all law enforcement and encourage you to do the same. Thank you for those who have had the courage to report. We are very sorry that these tragedies occur in this world and much more heartbroken that they have occurred within our fellowship.

We do value every one of you, especially the vulnerable children and we do want our fellowship to be safe

With sincere Love and Care

the KS NE Staff

Email to staff from Ray Hoffman

Dear Staff,

Just a note, as several of you would have received the notice that the FBI is investigating the fellowship. We are asking you to get that word to the friends in your fields. And we urge that all cooperate with the FBI in their investigations. Barry and I have been doing so, and plan to continue to cooperate with their investigations. Your brother, Ray

Scott Rauscher update

On February 21, WINGS posted a letter from Scott Rauscher in which he said:
I have made the decision to step away from my responsibilities as an overseer and my active part in our Lord’s Ministry here in Montana & Wyoming.

See MT WY Overseer Scott Rauscher resigns from work

Another letter posted below doesn’t make it clear whether he has left the work or is continuing 2×2.

Attached: Feb212024 Letter to staff&friends … PDF – 27 KB

Dear Friends – Great Falls. Shelby, Fort Benton

You folks have been very dear these days and I want to send this out to you before It goes viral on the internet.

John & I are yet in Bozeman but we will be traveling up to GF this afternoon.

I have had some very nice and encouraging visits here these days. 

At this time I really don’t know what the future holds for both John & me.

Bui we will take one day at a time. Keeping our eyes lifted to the One that has created all things and has planned to best for each one of us.

I apologize again for how this adds to each of your stress and grief at this time. humbly & sincerely yours

Scott