Tag: child sexual abuse

Dakota workers meeting May 2023

WINGS Note: This note was issued after a workers meeting was held at Hunter ND on Friday May 19th with visiting Lyle Schober. No saints were involved and that appears to be specifically justified by the quoted scripture instead of choosing transparency.  The attachments mentioned below were not provided.

From: Perry Pearson [email redacted]
Date: Sat, May 20, 2023 at 8:36 PM
Subject: Yesterday’s gathering, Hermosa preps, summer privileges
To: Perry Pearson [email redacted]
Cc: Paul Haakenson [email redacted]

Our dear friends in the Dakotas,

The Dakota workers gathered yesterday for an encouraging workers meeting in the morning.  An informal meeting followed with open discussion relating to present topics of CSA/SA, reporting these crimes, further education, and guidelines for convicted offenders were addressed.  A letter regarding these matters is forthcoming that the sisters & brothers on our staff are composing.  We recognize they have travel today and have meeting responsibilities tomorrow.

We are attaching the Hermosa prep dates with the convention helpers we are expecting.  Teenagers have spent time at Hermosa preps in years past.  This year, we ask that parents/guardians accompany their minor children coming for work days or a day during the week.   If they spend the night on the grounds during preps, please notify the prep crew & plan to remain with them.

We have also attached the upcoming summer privileges for the Dakota staff.

Some in recent times have asked what workers meetings are.  Workers’ meetings are very much like a Sunday morning fellowship meeting, where we seek to edify, exhort, and comfort one another.  John 13-16 seems a fitting passage as Jesus spent the last night of His young life with His apostles pouring out to them.  Later the apostles wrote of this meeting.  A workers meeting of Paul, Peter & James happened in Jerusalem – later Paul wrote of that in Galatians 1.  Later we read of the apostles assembling in Jerusalem to understand the matter of the Jewish law being imposed upon the Gentiles – this one was about doctrine.  They evidently spoke one by one.  Those that it would have affected the most – the Gentile saints, amazingly, were not invited. This was detailed and the letter was delivered to the Gentiles, causing one of the instances in the New Testament of great joy.

In reflecting on things we heard yesterday morning, the word purity stands out.  The church is worthy of a pure ministry, and is crying out for it.  Words that stand out from yesterday: consolation, comfort, bowels & mercies, reconciled, commitment, take heed, be still, peace, a sweet smelling savor, walk in love, Eph 5:9 is the light we’ve been called into, gold, white raiment, and eye salve.  These are all so pure.  The church is worthy of these virtues.  We heard of Ps 46 twice, though not this verse: There is a river, whose streams make glad the city of God – obviously flowing contrary to nature, as the river that proceeded from the Throne of God, and flowed, dividing into little streams to each believer – and above all, it was pure water that gave eternal life.  The church is worthy of this.

With appreciation for each, 
Your brothers, Paul & Perry

Texas / New Mexico workers workshop May 2023

To our Friends in the Texas/New Mexico Fields, 

As communicated previously, the Texas/New Mexico staff came together on May 11-13, 2023 for the specific purpose to raise our awareness of SA/CSA and the danger it presents, to equip ourselves with appropriate practices that prevent and/or address problems when they arise, and, above all, to reinforce a professional standard of behavior that reflects the testimony of our Lord and Savior. The workshop was conducted by several of our friends and each presented on a topic within the scope of their professional expertise. Even though we are not a formal organization their expertise is applicable to our fellowship.  The topics covered were:

  • Sexual Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse (SA/CSA)
    • Laws and regulations requiring reporting of SA/CSA
    • Agencies authorized and mandated to investigate reports of SA/CSA
    • Psychological and physiological responses to, and impacts from, SA/CSA
    • Recognizing Red Flags Behaviors associated with sexual predators
    • Education regarding the signs of victims of abuse and trauma
    • Awareness of National and State resources available for education, reporting, and treatment
  • Professionalism: Boundaries and Standards of Conduct
    • Types of boundaries including: physical, personal, emotional, sexual, time, and monetary
    • Considerations for managing conflicts and building stronger communications within organizations
    • Consideration of dynamics of power and communication including: abuse of power, how to respond/report, and best practices for preventing and/or mitigating impacts within organizations
    • Consideration of cultural differences/boundaries including social, gender, societal, geographical and generational
  • Technology: Smartphones/Social Media – Balance and Boundaries
    • Productivity with technology
    • Becoming aware of the “distraction to destruction” threat of technology
  • Leadership Versus Management: Understanding the Difference

The workshop process provided valuable information that has, and will continue to, provide great benefit to us. The information presented and the related discussions in all the topic areas will prove extremely beneficial in assisting us as we strive to serve.  The workshop resulted in better informed and educated participants on many topics, but especially those related to CSA/SA awareness, prevention, and response. The workers agreed that the outcome of the workshop was not only educational but also allowed for identification of best practices for the ministry. Our discussions also resulted in the intentional empowerment of all workers, young and old, male and female, to have open lines of communication and self-advocacy.  We all agreed that there was clear evidence of the presence and leading of the Spirit throughout our workshop.

As a result of the workshop, the plan of the TX/NM Staff is to implement the following actions:

  1. Develop and share a policy on identification and response to CSA/SA – in review
  2. Develop and share procedures for identification of Red Flag Behaviors and how they are reported to a 3rd party professional organization for investigation – in development
  3. Finalize the agreed upon internal guidelines for conduct for TX/NM Staff

We acknowledge that some of these goals will take time to complete. We are dedicated to timely establishment of guidelines/policies for effective implementation of best practices in these areas. To honor our purpose, we acknowledge that this process is an ongoing effort which must allow for continuous updating and improvement. 

We are including some SA/CSA resources for your information. We encourage you to review the information we have included. The raising of awareness enables the safest environment possible. When we know better, we can do better.

The workshop was a highly informative and deeply emotional process. Each day taxed our mental and emotional limits. We understand that a three-day seminar will not allow us to resolve all the issues facing us, but we feel assured that we are pointed in the right direction. We have already seen, even in these three days, that all workers felt the freedom to engage in open dialogue. A few of the thoughts that were shared during our days together: 

  • “This is something I wish we could have done years ago.”
  • “I really wish that we would have had this when I started in the work.”
  • “I am glad to see the transition here into everyone being able to express themselves.”
  • “It is clear that God is refining his ministry.”
  • “This has been the icing on the cake of all my days in the ministry.”

After our days together, we are comforted and assured again by what Paul wrote to Timothy, Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his (II Tim. 2:19). 

Sincerely,

The Texas/New Mexico Staff

tx-nm-workers-info-and-resourcesDownload

Thoughts from the ministry leadership

WINGS Note: These comments were circulated in a newsletter to WA N ID AK friends.

WINGS notes some important comments:

  • The difficulties we are facing are more serious and far-reaching than I could have ever imagined.
  • One important resource has been the friends who have engaged us in point-blank, constructive dialogue.
  • All of us want change now.

A few weeks ago. I was in a remote village in Asia when I received the first email regarding allegations against Mark. Immediately I was torn. Do I stay or do I volunteer to return? When I prayed about it, the answer was very clear: I needed to offer to return, at least temporarily. Since that time, Wayne, Brian and I have been working as a team. A new overseer for WA, N ID & AK hasn’t been chosen yet.

Since coming home, most of my time has been spent in conversations where workers and friends have been pouring out their hearts. The difficulties we are facing are more serious and far-reaching than I could have ever imagined. I’m simultaneously trying to understand the problem and envision a solution. One important resource has been the friends who have engaged us in point-blank, constructive dialogue. Some solutions are especially elusive. For instance, what is the best way for us to report a concern if we witness inappropriate behavior? Of course, if we are aware of child abuse, we immediately call a hotline or police, but what about other things? We are spending a lot of time and thought on this matter.

Usually when we have a crisis, it only involves a few people — maybe a person, a family, a church, or a field. This crisis involves all of us. Everyone needs help at the same time. Many people are envisioning a different solution at the same time. All of us want change now. That’s one thing that makes our present distress so overwhelming.

One of the workers recently asked the friends in her field, “What do you need from us?” One of the replies was, “We need to see the fruit of the Spirit.” I don’t have the answers for some things, I don’t have the strength for some things, I don’t have the ability’ for some things, but I can have the fruit of the Spirit in every situation. The fruit of the Spirit is a benefit to everyone at the same time, both to us and to everyone around us. “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance’ (Gal 5:22-23).

Thanks for welcoming me home and holding me accountable. I pray desperately that I will be true to the responsibility I am given in the challenges and opportunities that are ahead of us. – Darryl Doland

John Vandenberg clarification

Many of you are aware John Vandenberg (California worker) was removed from the work and meetings.  The reason John was removed was due to allegations of child sex abuse against a young girl.  We have received many calls and private messages regarding the allegations against John.  As of late, we have been told by multiple people that it is breaking up families and causing division in The Truth.  By not being transparent, this is what can happen when facts are not shared openly and honestly.

Rob Newman stated in his letter to the friends on April 25, 2023, “Recently we have received several credible allegations of unacceptable sexual behavior, including a complaint of inappropriate touching of a minor, which has been reported to the authorities.”  This statement should have eliminated any questions as to why he was removed; however, for some reason there still seems to be confusion regarding John’s allegations.

To continue our efforts in honesty and transparency, we are sharing what we’ve learned to be true and what Sheri discovered prior to the Dean Bruer case becoming public. Hopefully this will clear up any confusion.

Back in January of 2023, Sheri Autrey was working on her case and was informed there had been child sex assault allegations against John.  The allegations involved sex assault against a 14 year-old girl in Mexico in the early 2000’s.  This information was given by a very credible source who was close to the situation at the time.  Since January 2023, it has been brought to our attention that at least ten workers knew of this particular crime and participated in the cover up.  Dale Shultz was instrumental in preventing the reporting of John Vandenberg’s crimes to law enforcement.

Sheri also learned that many years ago, one of the friends saw pictures of John with young children. This caused enough alarm that the friend personally mailed a letter to John to address her concerns after seeing the body language displayed just in pictures. We too have seen pictures of John with many children when he was in the Philippines this year for Convention. In light of the allegations against him, these photos are equally troubling.

We were recently informed that some of the friends reported John to CPS and Rob Newman is aware of that reporting as he stated in his letter.

For 17 years, multiple workers have known that John Vandenberg committed sex crimes against a child. They did not report it.  They did not notify you.  Therefore, countless children were offered as living sacrifices.

Sincerely, 

Sheri VanDermyden Autrey, Cynthia Liles, and Lauren Rohs

Advocates for The Truth

WINGS Note:
See original notification Letter by Rob Newman, Overseer of California Re: Removal of John VanDenBerg from the work – April 2023

Ron Hanson removed from meetings in Calgary, Alberta

Ron Hanson was a somewhat senior worker in Saskatchewan until he was removed from the work over an allegation of CSA. He moved to Calgary AB, married, and has had a Sunday am meeting in his home until recently.

He has now been asked to not come to meetings since a new allegation was reported to Calgary Police.

Robert Corfield removed from work

Ronan, MT

May 17, 2023

Dear Montana & Wyoming Friends & Workers

As difficult as this is, I must write this letter to you all with the following information that I have recently received.

I was informed that our brother, Robert Corfield, sexually abused minor boys while in the work in Canada prior to coming to Montana. Allegations were brought forward in 1990’s before he was sent to Montana and Robert has admitted the abuse.

After Robert arrived in Montana, he underwent counselling and completed a therapy program for his pedophilia.

It is possible there may be additional victims. If you have been a victim, please reach out to law enforcement in your local jurisdiction and / or someone you trust as soon as possible.

Robert has been removed from the work and meetings.

Respectfully yours

Scott R.

WINGS Note:

Here is a brief summary of the areas Robert Corfield labored in:

1960s – Oregon

1970s – Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Saskatchewan

1980s – Saskatchewan

1990s – Saskatchewan

2000s – Montana

2010s – Montana

2020s – Wyoming, Montana

He also spent time in India and South Africa.

Robert was a pallbearer at the funeral of Dean Bruer.

Removal from meeting attendance

5-6-2023

A May 2023 letter from the Minneapolis, Minnesota sister workers Ronda Stidolph and Lucille Anderson re Steve Rohs:

This is to clear up any confusion about Steve Rohs participation in meetings.

We apologize for any worry and fear caused by his case and our handling of it. Steve has admitted to an abuse incident that happened 40 years ago. And in mid April, another allegation was made from outside the state of Minnesota. The case was being investigated in other states. Both cases involving Steve have been reported outside of Minnesota.

The first week of April, Steve was asked to not attend any Meetings. No Sunday am Meetings, no Wednesday night Meetings, no Gospel Meeting, no Special Meetings or Conventions. It is certain that more education and discussion about abuse issues will be forthcoming.

We have been glad for some suggestions from some professionals among our friends regarding educational opportunities online, and we’ll be sharing that. We also consider the possibility of in person educational programs when classes can be scheduled. The Minnesota/Iowa Workers have all been keeping current with the Ministry Safe program for the last 15 years. Most have recently renewed their certification. We encourage everyone to look at that site and take the training and resulting exams. The website can be found at ministrysafe.com

It might help to put us all on the same page regarding child sexual abuse

Attendance at meetings after release from prison

5-16-2023

Our dear friends,

Some things are uncomfortable, but that does not mean they shouldn’t be talked about. Sometimes we avoid discussing things that we need to talk about because we’re worried it could be viewed as complaining, judgement, etc. Please, if there’s anything you would like to discuss with us, concerns you feel we should address or a need for more disclosure or information re: specific situations please be in touch! The Holy Spirit of God helps us with the right motives in all areas of our life.. including WHY we discuss certain things.

We know that it is important to take time to pray and be humble with our Father when the Holy Spirit is motivating us to address something. When the Holy Spirit is leading us to discuss something with others.. we need to obey it and can trust our obedience was necessary, regardless of the reactions.

We are sharing that someone in this area was recently released from prison where they served time due to a conviction related to viewing child pornography. Legally he is free to attend our public or private meetings, however Michael H. & Dennis M. have asked him not to attend any meetings for the time being. They will revisit this decision after conventions in Alberta.

We have some letters that disclose great sorrows that have recently been exposed. Many of you we’ve already shared them with. There were quite a few of you whom expressed, when we discussed it, that you didn’t want to read the letters. I remember most, but am afraid I might not remember exactly which of you didn’t want any of them. So I’ll attach the letter from Michael Hassett on a separate email and you can just delete it without reading if that’s what you’d decided. I’ve appreciated advice from someone, which was to encourage you to:

pray before reading them.

We have letters from other areas in North America as well, let us know if you want us to send them to you.

With our care,

-Mildred, Deanna & Tamara.

Time for change

WINGS is conscious of the enormous disruption occurring within the fellowship as light is shined on the serious issues of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) cases that have occurred and been mismanaged in the past.

Many are asking “what can we do?”

For more than a decade, WINGS has been advocating for implementation of changes to prevent harm to children. Pockets of improvement have occurred. However, there are still many changes to be implemented.  

Historic attitudes and practices have allowed children to be harmed and further harm to survivors who were not believed or supported. Openness and transparency, victims being believed, and support of survivors on their healing journey is critical.

Although fellowship members may not consider they are part of an organisation, people act within the group with a degree of organisation and levels of responsibility. The benefits of being an international group where people freely move between areas, connect with others with the same beliefs and instinctively trust creates risk. Work already done for other organisations can easily be applied across the fellowship to protect children.

This statement is focused on child safety for young people in the fellowship.

Action must be taken now to protect children within the fellowship. We call upon all within the fellowship to advocate in your area for change.

WINGS calls for the following steps to be taken to keep children safe:

  • Groups must be set up to develop and govern child safety to ensure that there is consistent good practice across the worldwide fellowship.
  • Involve workers (including sister workers), elders, friends, young people and professionals. Heed external advice. Wisdom and knowledge doesn’t reside solely in overseers.
  • Policies and processes for child safety must be documented, shared with all members and regularly reviewed.
  • Codes of conduct for workers must be in place, attested to and monitored for compliance.
  • Training and education must occur for workers and elders, with compliance monitored and recorded regularly.
  • Complaint management processes must be transparent and adhered to.
  • Families and all attendees must be openly informed and regularly communicated with and involved in decisions impacting on children.
  • Ensure that all regions globally implement these new practices.
  • Voluntarily examine history and be open about past CSA cases that were not disclosed or were handled inadequately e.g. workers who quietly left and married; or were just shifted to another area; victims who were shame silenced.
  • Learn from one another globally and share information openly.
  • Recognise that this is a new normal that must continue forever.
  • Acknowledge that adult abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) is different to CSA but is also unacceptable.

Simply ask your overseer:

  • What is our policy to keep children safe?
  • Can I see the policy and workers code of conduct?
  • Have all workers had training and police checks and is it being kept up to date?
  • How do you manage allegations and complaints about abuse?
  • Are there current attendees in my meeting with CSA allegations?

Contact wingsfortruth@googlegroups.com if you require support or access to further information.

The below information may be useful for those wanting to understand what others do to address these matters in volunteer groups across the world.

Keeping Children Safe is an international group that is focused on child safeguarding. Its International Child Safeguarding Standards (ICS Standards) have general principles that are relevant to the friends and workers fellowship:

  • All children have equal rights to protection from harm
  • Everybody has a responsibility to support the protection of children
  • Organisations have a duty of care to children with whom they work, are in contact with, or who are affected by their work and operations
  • All actions on child safeguarding are taken in the best interests of the child, which are paramount.

They call for 4 key actions:

  1. Policy (written document specific to the group) that describes how it is committed to preventing and responding appropriately to harm to children, i.e. a documented approach to keeping children safe.
  2. People – clear responsibilities and expectations are placed on people (i.e. workers code of conduct).  Supports them to understand and act in line with these.
  3. Procedures are in place to keep children safe.
  4. Accountability – Measures in place are monitored and enforced.

See https://www.keepingchildrensafe.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KCS-CS-Standards-ENG-200218.pdf

Another useful resource is https://www.stopitnow.org/ohc-content/safety-planning-within-faith-based-communities

Worker reported and removed

WINGS Note June 16, 2023: This report is under review as it may be false due to mis-reporting to/by authorities.
WINGS will update the post as soon as reliable information is available.

May 15, 2023

Dear Minnesota and Iowa Friends,

This letter is to inform you that an allegation of CSA has been made against [ Redacted]. It has been reported to Child Protective Services this past week, as mandated by law. [ Redacted ] is no longer in the work.  He is currently with his mother in [ ] and will not be attending meetings or be around children during the investigation. The [ ] overseer has been notified of the situation. [Redacted] has labored in Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota.

If you suspect that a child or juvenile is being sexually abused, please report it to the authorities.

Reporting suspected child abuse.  If you are unsure as to whether you should report; the professionals at these resources can help you answer that as well.  It’s important to understand that if you report suspected CSA, Child Protective Services will ask for the reporter’s name but will not release it–that remains confidential.  The reason for the confidentiality is to remove people’s reservations to report suspected abuse and protect the alleged victim(s) identity from any potential retaliation, harassment, or judgment.

If you or someone you know is in immediate risk of harm call 911 or local law enforcement.

If you or someone you know experienced CSA but are safe from immediate harm, you can contact Child Protection Services by calling:

In Iowa:

Contact the child abuse hotline at 1-800-362-2178

In MN:

Contact the number listed for the county where the child resides or the allegation occurred.  When you reach the number, state that you are making a child protection report the professional taking the call will walk you through the information that they will need to begin an investigation. 

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/services/child-protection/contact-us/

Another helpful link:

How to Report Child Abuse

If you have reported CSA to the authorities and the allegation(s) are made against someone within our fellowship, please inform one of us so we can take the appropriate  steps so the reported individual does not attend any meetings per the current MN/IA policy regarding child sexual abuse.  You can also speak with any elder or worker with whom you are comfortable.

We acknowledge that reporting CSA is challenging, especially for the victim-survivors of the abuse. We are grateful to those who have stepped forward to help keep our community safe.

 Sincerely,

Dean Dykstra

Marla Freesemann

John Simons

Shari Stamps