Post by leader on Aug 3, 2023 16:28:25 GMT -5
Dear friends, elders and workers,
We are aware that many are interested in hearing about the recent meetings in Illinois. As some of you
may have heard, most of the overseers from Canada and the U.S.A. gathered. Included were a number
of sister workers and some of our friends. We regularly consult with the sisters, yet wanted the extra
demonstration of transparency. There were six meetings in two days.
The recent months have been challenging as we have all faced new experiences in learning about and
dealing with past and current child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual abuse (SA) cases that have
surfaced, and their resulting effects. One result of our gathering was the realization that we stand
united in our commitment to heightened awareness, increased education and appropriate changes.
We regret that in many cases past responses to CSA/SA matters were incorrect and insufficiently
informed, resulting in inappropriate outcomes.
Another result of the meeting was a united commitment to deal with reports that arise in a thorough,
safe, caring and appropriately transparent manner. We also discussed how to better reach out to care
for and support victims. We realize the value of encouraging people to communicate early about
concerns, but uniformly agree it is absolutely necessary to fully comply with the law and legal
authorities. We also had discussions about best practices for the process of working through cases
and how to involve elders in the decisions that are made.
In one of the sessions, a victim advocate presented information and education about CSA/SA and
answered questions about specific cases. In other sessions we discussed how best to support victims
who do not have sufficient means for therapy. In multiple sessions we discussed how to appropriately
care for and support victims, including seeking professional guidance as we work to help victims. We
apologize where we have failed to provide a trustworthy and safe reporting environment for victims. To
address this lack, we stand united in purpose to hear, believe, support and encourage victims. We pray
for the survivors of abuse, that God will comfort and help them on their journey to healing. With the
guidance and help of God, we are working to create a trustworthy reporting environment where people
feel truly supported and safe.
As a result of our days together, we stand united in our desire to address CSA/SA matters properly
going forward, for the safety of all, especially the most vulnerable among us. As workers we also
recognize the need for deep self-examination as we remember the God we serve, and that we all stand
accountable to Him. We are united in understanding it is our duty to proactively help prevent abuse by
creating safe and peaceful meeting environments as well as making sure workers are trustworthy and
safe in the home.
Much was shared about the fear of God that must accompany the reality and richness of the love of
God. Also mentioned were honesty, humility and reverence so that we may serve responsibly in our
place as servants. We stand united in wanting to have pure motives, and follow closely in the way
Jesus lived and taught for the ministry and the fellowship so that God can bless His people and ministry
(John 12:26; 14:15-17, 23). It is reassuring to remember God hears the cry of every needy heart and
knows those who trust Him. We have all become aware of grievous harm done by some workers, and
human failure in addressing it by others, yet we draw comfort knowing that God has never failed us and
He will cleanse what offends in His Kingdom and lead His people to better days.
With deep care in Him to each of you,
Your servants in Christ
We are aware that many are interested in hearing about the recent meetings in Illinois. As some of you
may have heard, most of the overseers from Canada and the U.S.A. gathered. Included were a number
of sister workers and some of our friends. We regularly consult with the sisters, yet wanted the extra
demonstration of transparency. There were six meetings in two days.
The recent months have been challenging as we have all faced new experiences in learning about and
dealing with past and current child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual abuse (SA) cases that have
surfaced, and their resulting effects. One result of our gathering was the realization that we stand
united in our commitment to heightened awareness, increased education and appropriate changes.
We regret that in many cases past responses to CSA/SA matters were incorrect and insufficiently
informed, resulting in inappropriate outcomes.
Another result of the meeting was a united commitment to deal with reports that arise in a thorough,
safe, caring and appropriately transparent manner. We also discussed how to better reach out to care
for and support victims. We realize the value of encouraging people to communicate early about
concerns, but uniformly agree it is absolutely necessary to fully comply with the law and legal
authorities. We also had discussions about best practices for the process of working through cases
and how to involve elders in the decisions that are made.
In one of the sessions, a victim advocate presented information and education about CSA/SA and
answered questions about specific cases. In other sessions we discussed how best to support victims
who do not have sufficient means for therapy. In multiple sessions we discussed how to appropriately
care for and support victims, including seeking professional guidance as we work to help victims. We
apologize where we have failed to provide a trustworthy and safe reporting environment for victims. To
address this lack, we stand united in purpose to hear, believe, support and encourage victims. We pray
for the survivors of abuse, that God will comfort and help them on their journey to healing. With the
guidance and help of God, we are working to create a trustworthy reporting environment where people
feel truly supported and safe.
As a result of our days together, we stand united in our desire to address CSA/SA matters properly
going forward, for the safety of all, especially the most vulnerable among us. As workers we also
recognize the need for deep self-examination as we remember the God we serve, and that we all stand
accountable to Him. We are united in understanding it is our duty to proactively help prevent abuse by
creating safe and peaceful meeting environments as well as making sure workers are trustworthy and
safe in the home.
Much was shared about the fear of God that must accompany the reality and richness of the love of
God. Also mentioned were honesty, humility and reverence so that we may serve responsibly in our
place as servants. We stand united in wanting to have pure motives, and follow closely in the way
Jesus lived and taught for the ministry and the fellowship so that God can bless His people and ministry
(John 12:26; 14:15-17, 23). It is reassuring to remember God hears the cry of every needy heart and
knows those who trust Him. We have all become aware of grievous harm done by some workers, and
human failure in addressing it by others, yet we draw comfort knowing that God has never failed us and
He will cleanse what offends in His Kingdom and lead His people to better days.
With deep care in Him to each of you,
Your servants in Christ