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Post by Admin on May 28, 2023 0:09:34 GMT -5
As an aside: How many workers have been outed over the last year? 2 years? Is there a list? Edit: for clarity I have a list of recent outings, but only for the past 2 months. The scrutiny the group has been under since the Dean Bruer expose has opened the floodgates. Some workers have also been asked to step down for reasons unknown. This should NOT be assumed to indicate guilt of any kind. I recently posted the following timeline on my book page: TIMELINE OF EVENTS - 2023 - THE WAY EXPOSED It is nearly two months since revelations of the predatory, sexual and criminal behaviour of former US Overseer Dean Bruer were made public. At that same time, a private investigative team who have been looking into the Two-by-Two ministry for some time, particularly in relation to Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and financial matters, made themselves public. With the increased spotlight on secret lives, criminal behaviour and past coverups, the ministry hastened to assure its US members that it did care deeply about such matters, and urged victims to come forward. Below is a summary of what has happened since that time. It appears the day of reckoning for years of deceit has finally come. The private investigative team – now operating as Advocates for the Truth - also indicates they have reports on at least 250 predators to date. Where a person has been charged with offenses, I have included their full name. Where allegations have been made, I have included initials only, for the information of potential victims who may wish to seek further information. Where non-criminal sexual relationships have occurred, or it is not in the general public interest to know identities, I have not included names or initials. In some places, full names are used for individuals against whom there is no known charge or impropriety of any kind, but recorded for posterity and transparency. These are likely innocent parties who have made their own decisions, or have been forced out. I will endeavour to keep this timeline updated. TIMELINE 2023 23 March – A letter written by Two-by-Two worker Doyle s. becomes public. This letter details the sexual misconduct by Dean Bruer, former Overseer of Oregon. Dean was found dead in a motel room in June 2022. It was later revealed he had frequented motel rooms for the purpose of sexual relationships. As per Doyle’s letter, incriminating evidence was found on Dean’s phone and laptop. “His actions include rape and abuse of underage victims. He totally abused his authority as overseer in order to control, manipulate and threaten his victims.” Doyle admitted that Dean’s double life was discovered a few weeks after his death. 29 March – Letter from workers Brian and Wayne about allegations against MH, overseer of Washington, North Idaho, Arkansas 2 April - letter that Overseer MH is stepping down due to multiple allegations again him. 5 April - details of allegations against an elder in Washington state are made public, concerning sexual harassment. 6 April - A meeting, led by the overseer Merlin regarding Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and Sexual Abuse (SA) is held in Kelowna, BC. The notes mention allegations of CSA against WB, the former overseer of BC. These notes were released publicly 17 April. 7 April – The accused elder in Washington state admits culpability, makes a public statement and steps down as elder. 7 April - letter that Overseer MH is being removed from the ministry 14 April - Darryl Doland releases letter that there will be a website soon with resources for CSA and guidelines for workers, elders, parents, and children. Darryl noted in late April that he will be using email rather than a website. 16 April - sometime this week, Scott Hamilton, a brother worker laboring in Maine, stepped down from the ministry. A letter from workers Eric and Glenn said it was "not for any immoral reason". This worker does NOT have allegations of any crime as far as we are aware. 16 April - New Brunswick convention owners Bob and Stacy Bainbridge release a letter regarding their daughter Morgan and the abuse she suffered while in the ministry. 17 April - Kelowna BC notes released, referencing allegations of abuse against Canadian worker (and previous overseer) WB. The notes also state that the case against WB is closed. 20 April – Information becomes public regarding Ray Zwiefelhofer, who is a professing man in Arizona arrested last year on charges of child pornography. His trial was originally set for February but was rescheduled for May. Ray’s trial has been moved (for the second time) to July 19th. 20 April – It becomes known that two active legal cases against Canadian worker and former overseer WB are actually open and ongoing. The case numbers are confirmed. 21 April - Alanna, a current sister worker in eastern Canada, releases a letter detailing her abuse by companions. 22 April - We post publicly about a letter from Jerome Frandle regarding recent accusations of CSA in his field, which he reported to police. Jerome Frandle was in jail in 2013 for 4 days for failure to report CSA when he was overseer of Michigan. He is currently the overseer of Kentucky / Tennessee. 23 April – There is news of a worker’s meeting in New York, which among other things discussed whether the U.S. east should adopt the west coast policy of banning divorce and remarriage among members. As far as we are aware, this has not been implemented. On the West Coast, remarried couples have long been required to divorce to be members of the church, regardless of the reasons for divorce. 24 April – Sometime this week, a new policy of having 3 overseers for Washington/North Idaho/Alaska (Darryl Doland, Brian Getz, and Wayne Bechtol) is established. 24 April - Richard Shober, an ex-worker and professing man in Alaska, has been removed from attending meetings and convention. He was convicted and served time in WA state in the 1980s for CSA. At the time, WA state estimated he was the most prolific pedophile in the state. 25 April - a letter from Rob Newman states that JVDB has been removed from the work for allegations, including CSA. No details on if he is still attending meetings are included. 27 April - Kingsley Stone, a brother worker, is escorted off Mt. Ranch convention grounds prior to his scheduled speaking time that evening. Kingsley does NOT have allegations of any crime as far as we are aware. 27 April - After hearing that MH – against whom CSA allegations have been made - was actually not fully removed from the work, a new letter is released from the workers in Washington State stating that he is now removed from the work and from in-person meetings. 27 April - BD, a brother worker in Montana, was asked to leave the work due to allegations of sending "very disrespectful" and "inappropriate" text messages to women, sister workers, and possibly at least one underage girl. 27 April – Former members publicly share a news article about Aaron Farough, who while in the work in BC viewed child porn using the internet in multiple professing homes. He was convicted and is currently serving time. 28 April – It is confirmed that WB, despite open legal cases, is still attending meetings in-person. 1 May - a letter regarding JM, a worker on the Washington State staff who has labored in the Philippines, is sent out stating that he will be removed from the work and from attending meetings due to allegations. 3 May - Andy Scholl, a brother worker on the Washington state staff who has been laboring in China, sends an email that he is taking a break from the work to “rest” and “get help for things that are not criminal, but certainly not appropriate or wise”. Andy does NOT have allegations of any crime as far as we are aware. 7 May - Bob and Stacy Bainbridge, owners of Woodstock, New Brunswick convention grounds, have their convention removed (for at least this year) by the workers after speaking out about the abuse of their daughter while she was in the work. 7 May - a letter from the workers states that Hodgie Holgersen, a professing man in Virginia, was arrested and charged for allegations of CSA. His trial is December 2023. He is not currently allowed to attend meetings by court order. 8 May - Jennifer Brown, a worker on the Texas/New Mexico staff, was asked to step down from the work. Jennifer does NOT have allegations of any crime as far as we are aware. 8 May - Kenion Bryant, a brother worker in Texas, was asked to step down from the work. Kenion does NOT have allegations of any crime as far as we are aware. 9 May 2023- RF, a brother worker in Maryland and previous overseer of Georgia for 10 years the 1990s, as well as overseer of North Carolina in the early 2000s, removed from the work due to allegations of abuse and relationships. 10 May - JT, overseer of Minnesota and Iowa, steps aside over allegations of a sexual relationship. JT does NOT have allegations of any crime as far as we are aware. 10 May 2023 - RH, a former worker who now lives in Nebraska, was turned in to authorities and removed from attending all meetings over allegations of CSA. 12 May 2023 - LM, a former female worker in BC, Canada who left the work in 2012 for health reasons, has 2 open investigations into allegations made against her. 13 May 2023- Aaron Farough, convicted of viewing and distributing child pornography, was released from prison early, and, according to Merlin (overseer of BC): “Aaron is now back home after complying with the court’s decision in southern AB with his wife Elise and will be fitting into the suggestions of the workers and elders there”. 14 & 15 May 2023- the Overseer of North Dakota and South Dakota, and a sister worker in Minnesota, write letters admitting to an intimate relationship they had with each other 20 years ago and stating that they will both step down from the work. There are NO known allegations against either of them. 15 May 2023 DO (Minnesota/Iowa staff) is removed from the work and from meetings due to allegations of child sexual abuse. An investigation into the allegations is open and ongoing. He is currently in Colorado. [ADDED 18 May] 17 May 2023 - Montana & Wyoming Oveerseer Scott Rauscher releases a letter regarding worker Robert Corfield, who committed CSA while in the ministry in Canada prior to coming to Montana. Allegations in the 1990s had been admitted by the perpetrator. Yet he was moved to Montana where he continued in the work after he "underwent counselling and completed a therapy program". He has only NOW been removed from the work and from meetings. Note: allegations/accusations do not mean someone has been convicted or charged with a crime.I have asked elizabethcoleman/others to please keep this list updated, for ease of accessing factual information by the wider church community.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on May 29, 2023 6:12:29 GMT -5
17 May 23- Ronda Stidolph, a sister worker who has labored in South America and the U.S., has stepped aside from the work. Ronda does NOT have any allegations as far as we know.
17 May 23 RH, an ex-worker in Saskatchewan, and more recently an elder in Calgary, Alberta, has been removed from meetings due to allegations.
20 May 23- DM, a sister worker who labored in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, has been removed from the work due to allegations.
20 May 23 - Multiple allegations of CSA against ET, former overseer of California, Nevada, Arizona and Pacific Islands from 1974-2003, and who died in 2003, have been brought to light in the past week.
22 May 23 - EN, an elder in South Dakota, has been removed from meetings - at least through the end of 2023 - due to allegations of child sexual assault, as well as alleged texting and requesting lewd material from an adult female.
23 May 23- [topic of CSA perpetrators attending meetings] Randy Schill (convicted of CSA 1996), John Hahn (convicted of kidnapping, battery, sexual assault 2000), Troy Thompson (convicted of child pornography 2016), Howard Ferguson (convicted of CSA 2004), Price Turner III (convicted of CSA 2012), and Enos Bontrager (CSA plea deal, 2016) were all or still are attending meetings in Wisconsin. UPDATE: Wisconsin workers clarified that these men have not attended special meetings or conventions since their releases and those with CSA convictions are not meeting with children. Howard Ferguson and Price Turner III are not currently attending any in-person meetings as of 16 May 23.
24 May 23 - TR, a 7th Wisconsin man (see previous update under 5/23 for info on the first 6), is facing charges of CSA. TR was convicted but the conviction was dismissed due to a mistrial. The trial will be held again this year. TR is said to be attending meetings in the Green Bay, Wisconsin field, under overseer Glen Gasser.
25 May 23 - KP, a brother worker laboring in North Carolina, has been asked to leave the work due to allegations of child sexual abuse (CSA). KP also spent time in the work in Nebraska, North Dakota, Colorado, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Virginia. KP's overseer is James “Jim” Holt. No word on if KP will be allowed to continue attending meetings.
26 May 23 - [topic of CSA perpetrators attending meetings] Robert Eberhardt- In a 2019 letter while Wisconsin overseer at the time, Robert explains his reasoning for allowing convicted sex offenders in gospel meetings. Robert volunteers that he is a sexual offender, which gives him sympathy for other offenders. From what we understand, his “sexual offenses” involved consensual relationships in his early years, not abuse. Consensual relationships should never be treated as equivalent to pedophilia or sexual abuse/assault, especially when used to justify allowing dangerous criminals (or those with allegations of crimes) to attend meetings. Robert Eberhardt is the current overseer of AL/MS/LA. Robert does NOT have any allegations as far as we know.
**UPDATE 30 May 2023 [CSA perpetrators attending meetings]**
Lukis Nighswonger, a professing 4th-grade teacher at Iditarod Elementary School in Wasilla, Alaska, was sentenced today to 46 years in prison, 15 years probation, and registration as a sex-offender for life for 24 separate charges ranging from sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, and harassment. Lukis was married with 2 children at the time of his arrest.
The workers visited Lukis in prison, where he has been since his arrest in 2018. However, we have been told that there were no emails and no communication from workers to inform or alert those in his field or his meetings of his charges of child sexual abuse, despite his arrest in 2018 and news articles in 2020 and 2021 stating that he told investigators, “I am a pedophile” and that he “has been attracted to kids for as long as he can remember.”
**UPDATE 15 June 2023**
30 May 23 - RC was removed from the work 17 May. New details shared on how RC was removed from the work- 2 professing men confronted RC (to which he responded, “it’s all true”), and informed him he was no longer welcome in the work or at meetings. RC admitted to still struggling with “feelings of pedophilia”. The 2 professing men then informed overseer Scott Rauscher that RC was removed from the work and meetings, and helped him write the email addressing his removal that was released 5/17.
30 May 23 - Robert Eberhardt releases new email explaining his 2019 decision to allow convicted pedophiles to attend meetings. Due to that decision, many families left meetings. Robert Eberhardt also clarifies some statements from his 2019 email. Robert Eberhardt does NOT have any allegations as far as we know.
1 Jun 23 - Dale Schultz- Release of letter written by Dale Schultz about a mass ex-communication event that took place in Alberta in 1999, in which 8 meetings were removed by workers under Willis Propp, and 16 more gave up their meetings rather than support the workers in their ex-communication. Dale wrote in his letter that people need to obey the workers, “Whether the decision is right or wrong.”
3 Jun 23 - LM update: on 12 May it was reported that LM, a former female worker in BC, Canada, is under investigation. These investigations are for historical sex crimes against minors that occurred while LM was in the work.
6 Jun 23 - Howard ******** and Ed Alexander- Howard was convicted of rape in 1969. After his release, he was allowed to attend meetings and had a meeting in his home. Workers including Ed Alexander were informed that he was again abusing children. This was never reported. In 2005, Ed Alexander wrote a letter that noted that he knew of the CSA and knew it was his legal obligation to report it, but that he had referred Howard to therapy instead (which Howard never attended).
6 Jun 23 - GH was banned from the Walla Walla, WA convention grounds after attending Wednesday evening 6/1, due to an allegation of historic sexual abuse. According to the senior worker in charge at Walla Walla, GH has been permanently banned from all fellowship meetings, conventions and special meetings. GH was a worker in WA, OR, ID, MT, and NM but has been out of the work for awhile.
7 Jun 23 - BH, a worker laboring in Oklahoma, was removed from Scottsbluff convention grounds in Nebraska due to allegations of sexual abuse and child sexual abuse. BH has labored in MN, CO, OK, MO, and AR. UPDATE: According to an email sent from Craig Winquist 10 June, BH has NOT been removed from the work, only sidelined.
8 Jun 23 - RS, a professing man in MO, was removed from all in-person meetings due to allegations of CSA, according to an email from overseer Craig Winquist.
8 Jun 23 - Dan Hilton, a worker who died in 2002, had multiple allegations of child sexual abuse that overseer Sydney Holt (also now dead) apparently knew about. Dan Hilton labored in WA, CA, NV, AZ, and ID.
10 Jun 23 - GS, former worker and current elder, was temporarily removed from meetings, pending evaluation from a therapist, due to credible allegations of child sexual abuse. When in the work, GS labored in CA, AZ, ID, AK, and Chile. Known allegations stem from his time in Alaska and Chile. In the late 90s, MH (who was removed from the work in April 2023 due to several allegations) was approached with some of these allegations against GS. His response was that the family was overreacting, and nothing further was done.
11 Jun 23 - IH, former worker and overseer of Texas who also labored in FL, GA, OH, CO, KY, and LA, was removed from the work in 2008 due to allegations of child sexual abuse. As of June 10th, he was removed from meeting with children, although despite elders pushing for his complete removal, he is still attending meetings in Missouri without children in a “zero-tolerance policy” according to an email from Craig Winquist.
14 Jun 23 - HB has been removed from the work, due to allegations of decades of grooming behavior toward young men. HB has labored in Montana, Oregon, and Idaho. He was the overseer of Oregon and South Idaho for a number of years, but was removed as overseer in 2013 due to concerns about his behavior.
14 Jun 23 - Woodstock convention in New Brunswick (see also: 16 Apr, 7 May, and 20 May) has once again been canceled by the workers in response to some stipulations set forth by convention owners Bob and Stacy Bainbridge about the conditions in which convention would be hosted to keep people safe. In a letter, overseer Jonathan Freeburn wrote, “...we really think that it will be difficult to have the meetings there at your place without causing some kind of distress or conflict… I don’t think it is right for you to have to leave during the time that we are there, and I would not want to have invited someone there causing you to feel like your principles have been violated.”
15 Jun 23 - JS, an ex-brother worker, has multiple allegations of childhood sexual abuse. Ed Alexander was allegedly told about the abuse and did not report it, despite the victim being underage at the time. Larry Greenaway also knew of the abuse, although it is not clear when he was informed. JS is no longer attending meeting due to health issues, although his meeting attendance was never restricted. JS was in the work from 1976 to about 2007. JS labored in CA, AZ, and WA.
**Update 22 June 2023**
17 June 23 - JL, a professing man in Oklahoma, was removed from meetings where children are present due to allegations of CSA and has an open investigation, according to an email that workers in OK sent.
18 Jun 23 - Don R, a brother worker in Pennsylvania, was removed from the work due to child sexual abuse, which he admits to in an email that he wrote himself. In his email, he writes that he made "an imprudent move... It was with a 15 year old minor, and was a CSA offense." Don is in his 70s or 80s now and would've been in his 30s or 40s at the time. Don has labored in the U.S. in PA, VA, OH, IN, NY, and in South America in Peru and Bolivia. [first name provided since Don has himself admitted the allegation in writing]
**Update 26 June 2023**
20 Jun 23 - Jeremy and Leonie Tomlinson, elders in British Columbia, go public with the backlash they have received from Merlin Affleck, including losing their Sunday morning meeting of 15 years, due to vague issues brought forward by the workers including Leonie's short hair. In an email to Merlin, the Tomlinsons write, "We have communicated the following concerns to you... handling of CSA and suppression of transparency... the unacceptable treatment, silencing and bullying of sister workers... overseers and workers' abuse of power."
20 Jun 23 - HB, a professing man in Illinois, has been removed from all meetings due to allegations of sexual abuse. Jim Holt, head worker in Illinois at the time, was allegedly approached 25 years ago about HB allegations. Reportedly, nothing was done at that time. HB is facing a legal case. Matt Jensen, current overseer of IN and IL, has as of yet not put anything in writing to inform others about the situation.
20 Jun 23 - Edward Emberton, a brother worker in British Columbia, Canada, is on the care of health list. In an email he wrote, he talks about his experience in speaking out against child sexual abuse, which led to him being removed from the work in England. He writes, "I have been very distressed to discover a similar approach to the one I saw in England... I yearn for the day that survivors in BC get the recognition and help they deserve... my sacrifice in the work means nothing if it is facilitating abuse of whatever kind." Edward Emberton does NOT have any allegations as far as we know.
22 Jun 23 - Blackwater, Missouri convention is canceled for 2023 by the convention owners, according to an announcement they made in a public Facebook group.
[If anyone would like the full name of anyone against whom allegations have been made, please PM me with the initials and reference date. Full names will not be published here for legal reasons.]
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Post by themaninthemirror on May 29, 2023 13:18:29 GMT -5
17 May 23- Ronda Stidolph, a sister worker who has labored in South America and the U.S., has stepped aside from the work. Ronda does NOT have any allegations as far as we know.
17 May 23 RH, an ex-worker in Saskatchewan, and more recently an elder in Calgary, Alberta, has been removed from meetings due to allegations.
20 May 23- DM, a sister worker who labored in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, has been removed from the work due to allegations. 20 May 23 - Multiple allegations of CSA against ET, former overseer of California, Nevada, Arizona and Pacific Islands from 1974-2003, and who died in 2003, have been brought to light in the past week.
22 May 23 - EN, an elder in South Dakota, has been removed from meetings - at least through the end of 2023 - due to allegations of child sexual assault, as well as alleged texting and requesting lewd material from an adult female.
23 May 23- [topic of CSA perpetrators attending meetings] Randy Schill (convicted of CSA 1996), John Hahn (convicted of kidnapping, battery, sexual assault 2000), Troy Thompson (convicted of child pornography 2016), Howard Ferguson (convicted of CSA 2004), Price Turner III (convicted of CSA 2012), and Enos Bontrager (CSA plea deal, 2016) were all or still are attending meetings in Wisconsin. UPDATE: Wisconsin workers clarified that these men have not attended special meetings or conventions since their releases and those with CSA convictions are not meeting with children. Howard Ferguson and Price Turner III are not currently attending any in-person meetings as of 16 May 23.
24 May 23 - TR, a 7th Wisconsin man (see previous update under 5/23 for info on the first 6), is facing charges of CSA. TR was convicted but the conviction was dismissed due to a mistrial. The trial will be held again this year. TR is said to be attending meetings in the Green Bay, Wisconsin field, under overseer Glen Gasser. 25 May 23 - KP, a brother worker laboring in North Carolina, has been asked to leave the work due to allegations of child sexual abuse (CSA). KP also spent time in the work in Nebraska, North Dakota, Colorado, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Virginia. KP's overseer is James “Jim” Holt. No word on if KP will be allowed to continue attending meetings.26 May 23 - [topic of CSA perpetrators attending meetings] Robert Eberhardt- In a 2019 letter while Wisconsin overseer at the time, Robert explains his reasoning for allowing convicted sex offenders in gospel meetings. Robert volunteers that he is a sexual offender, which gives him sympathy for other offenders. From what we understand, his “sexual offenses” involved consensual relationships in his early years, not abuse. Consensual relationships should never be treated as equivalent to pedophilia or sexual abuse/assault, especially when used to justify allowing dangerous criminals (or those with allegations of crimes) to attend meetings. Robert Eberhardt is the current overseer of AL/MS/LA. Robert does NOT have any allegations as far as we know. There is still limited transparency about the crimes committed by Dean. I have gone through my emails and I can see he travelled very widely, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Greece, Germany, Lebanon, It is most concerning the comments from the original letter: "Some things have come to light from Dean’s own records. Dean had his own Best Western Hotel preferred customer account and spent a considerable amount of time and money in motels. As we all know, when he died last June, it was in a motel in Government Camp, OR; a place that he frequented. The receipts often included “two guests”. Victims have come forward, and there was very confirming and incriminating evidence found on his computer and phone. His actions include rape and abuse of underage victims. He totally abused his authority as an overseer in order to control, manipulate and threaten his victims." Keep in mind that possibly 90% of the fellowship globally is completely unaware of what has happened, yet this man has probably been in maybe 100's of convention meetings and 100's of homes outside of the USA.
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Post by openingact34 on May 29, 2023 17:24:54 GMT -5
It's also interesting to note that the only actions taken have been in the US or Canada.
Even after months of clamoring online in North America, the rest of the world is just continuing with business as normal. No reporting of predators. Nothing to get cleaned up.
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Post by themaninthemirror on May 29, 2023 18:09:17 GMT -5
It's also interesting to note that the only actions taken have been in the US or Canada. Even after months of clamoring online in North America, the rest of the world is just continuing with business as normal. No reporting of predators. Nothing to get cleaned up. If you go onto the UK/Ireland page - there is zero interaction from leadership despite over the last 15-20 years: - One senior worker in France having a long term affair with a married woman - (no longer in the work)
- One ex worker from the 19802 being convinced a few years ago - never heard a word officially (now dead)
- One elderly worker being removed for abuse (no statement) - (now dead)
- One senior worker committing suicide due to allegations (no statement)
- At least one senior worker being accused of at least an affair, but possibly abuse (still in the work)
- At least 3 sister workers having left the work in the last year
- At least 1 senior worker who was overseas no longer in the work with rumours
- At least 1 senior worker brought back from overseas with a rather mysterious hidden friends and lots of single young ladies on his page (still in the work)
So yes, there are lots of issues that are swept away - it feels like a case of let sleeping dogs lie.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on May 29, 2023 18:16:49 GMT -5
There is still limited transparency about the crimes committed by Dean. I have gone through my emails and I can see he travelled very widely, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Greece, Germany, Lebanon, It is most concerning the comments from the original letter: "Some things have come to light from Dean’s own records. Dean had his own Best Western Hotel preferred customer account and spent a considerable amount of time and money in motels. As we all know, when he died last June, it was in a motel in Government Camp, OR; a place that he frequented. The receipts often included “two guests”. Victims have come forward, and there was very confirming and incriminating evidence found on his computer and phone. His actions include rape and abuse of underage victims. He totally abused his authority as an overseer in order to control, manipulate and threaten his victims." Keep in mind that possibly 90% of the fellowship globally is completely unaware of what has happened, yet this man has probably been in maybe 100's of convention meetings and 100's of homes outside of the USA. Very true. Headworkers/overseers are responsible for making congregants aware, but once issues cross country borders, it all becomes very hazy. What are the current leaders (workers) in each country doing to inform and investigate within their own fields? Or does the code of silence prevail? The majority of information is still coming via ex-members using their own time and resources to hold these people accountable and get the word to victims past and present. But many current members won't accept information from ex-members, even to the point of insisting that they just don't want to know. It's all too distressing to them to have to face the realities of what has been going on, and upsets their equilibrium and the bedrock of their faith which is firmly set in "the system". It's one reason we keep posting all this on TMB - to create and raise awareness and keep people informed in a public arena. Many are also posting the information on their personal facebook pages. What more can we do? How can workers in relevant countries be made to inform their own meeting groups?
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Post by openingact34 on May 29, 2023 18:20:53 GMT -5
It's also interesting to note that the only actions taken have been in the US or Canada. Even after months of clamoring online in North America, the rest of the world is just continuing with business as normal. No reporting of predators. Nothing to get cleaned up. If you go onto the UK/Ireland page - there is zero interaction from leadership despite over the last 15-20 years: - One senior worker in France having a long term affair with a married woman - (no longer in the work)
- One ex worker from the 19802 being convinced a few years ago - never heard a word officially (now dead)
- One elderly worker being removed for abuse (no statement) - (now dead)
- One senior worker committing suicide due to allegations (no statement)
- At least one senior worker being accused of at least an affair, but possibly abuse (still in the work)
- At least 3 sister workers having left the work in the last year
- At least 1 senior worker who was overseas no longer in the work with rumours
- At least 1 senior worker brought back from overseas with a rather mysterious hidden friends and lots of single young ladies on his page (still in the work)
So yes, there are lots of issues that are swept away - it feels like a case of let sleeping dogs lie.
Just imagine the cesspool in South America, Africa, or Southeast Asia with lax laws, little connections to the rest of the world's whistle-blower, where the workers money can buy anything.
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Post by obieone on May 29, 2023 18:37:04 GMT -5
We are all caught up in the CSA and SA problems and rightly so. However, looking at the New York meeting on "23 April – There is news of a worker’s meeting in New York, which among other things discussed whether the U.S. east should adopt the west coast policy of banning divorce and remarriage among members. As far as we are aware, this has not been implemented. On the West Coast, remarried couples have long been required to divorce to be members of the church, regardless of the reasons for divorce." This in addition to the CSA and SA problems will be devastating for the friends. They will lose about 1/3 to 1/2 the number of friends currently living in those states. As a D&R couple my wife and I are very concerned with everything happening now. We're waiting to see how this plays out to know what we are going to do. Our hearts are burdened and very heavy at this time. We're in a state of shock. Not knowing what to do.
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Post by Pragmatic on May 29, 2023 18:53:01 GMT -5
We are all caught up in the CSA and SA problems and rightly so. However, looking at the New York meeting on "23 April – There is news of a worker’s meeting in New York, which among other things discussed whether the U.S. east should adopt the west coast policy of banning divorce and remarriage among members. As far as we are aware, this has not been implemented. On the West Coast, remarried couples have long been required to divorce to be members of the church, regardless of the reasons for divorce." This in addition to the CSA and SA problems will be devastating for the friends. They will lose about 1/3 to 1/2 the number of friends currently living in those states. As a D&R couple my wife and I are very concerned with everything happening now. We're waiting to see how this plays out to know what we are going to do. Our hearts are burdened and very heavy at this time. We're in a state of shock. Not knowing what to do. When any worker has tried to exert leverage over me, in any form, my reaction has always been simple. If it can't be backed 100% by scripture, then it's a matter of get stuffed, and the nicest possib;le way. I'll take the consequences. They do not have a monopoly on virtue, and they do not have the keys to the kingdom, as one worker tried to tell me once.
My thoughts are with people like you are are burdened through no fault of your doing.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on May 30, 2023 22:28:56 GMT -5
**UPDATE 30 May 2023 [CSA perpetrators attending meetings]**
Lukis Nighswonger, a professing 4th-grade teacher at Iditarod Elementary School in Wasilla, Alaska, was sentenced today to 46 years in prison, 15 years probation, and registration as a sex-offender for life for 24 separate charges ranging from sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, and harassment. Lukis was married with 2 children at the time of his arrest.
The workers visited Lukis in prison, where he has been since his arrest in 2018. However, we have been told that there were no emails and no communication from workers to inform or alert those in his field or his meetings of his charges of child sexual abuse, despite his arrest in 2018 and news articles in 2020 and 2021 stating that he told investigators, “I am a pedophile” and that he “has been attracted to kids for as long as he can remember.”
[This paragraph also added to earlier list in this thread]
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Post by openingact34 on May 30, 2023 23:19:33 GMT -5
**UPDATE 30 May 2023 [CSA perpetrators attending meetings]** Lukis Nighswonger, a professing 4th-grade teacher at Iditarod Elementary School in Wasilla, Alaska, was sentenced today to 46 years in prison, 15 years probation, and registration as a sex-offender for life for 24 separate charges ranging from sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, and harassment. Lukis was married with 2 children at the time of his arrest. The workers visited Lukis in prison, where he has been since his arrest in 2018. However, we have been told that there were no emails and no communication from workers to inform or alert those in his field or his meetings of his charges of child sexual abuse, despite his arrest in 2018 and news articles in 2020 and 2021 stating that he told investigators, “I am a pedophile” and that he “has been attracted to kids for as long as he can remember.” [This paragraph also added to earlier list in this thread] In all fairness, it's not like he is living in Seattle and his arrest can fly under the radar. Wasilla is a town of less than 9000. Everybody would have known. It was all over the local and state news.. The cult members kept this quiet just as much as the workers did. That is why it never showed up on Wings, TMB,etc
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Post by haggard on May 31, 2023 5:57:56 GMT -5
YES thats true ...but l wonder if the workers all have the visiting hour..schedule for the jail,,,, Thelma Galbreathe told said when Jesus returns,,he will come to the workers first..then they will tell the freinds...so its only fair every one knows his where abouts...mind you with name like Lukis...one of the twelve..he prob wont be forgotten...at least he doesnt have Judas for a name
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tile
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Post by tile on May 31, 2023 8:43:22 GMT -5
We are all caught up in the CSA and SA problems and rightly so. However, looking at the New York meeting on "23 April – There is news of a worker’s meeting in New York, which among other things discussed whether the U.S. east should adopt the west coast policy of banning divorce and remarriage among members. As far as we are aware, this has not been implemented. On the West Coast, remarried couples have long been required to divorce to be members of the church, regardless of the reasons for divorce." This in addition to the CSA and SA problems will be devastating for the friends. They will lose about 1/3 to 1/2 the number of friends currently living in those states. As a D&R couple my wife and I are very concerned with everything happening now. We're waiting to see how this plays out to know what we are going to do. Our hearts are burdened and very heavy at this time. We're in a state of shock. Not knowing what to do.
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tile
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Post by tile on May 31, 2023 8:49:09 GMT -5
It’s doubtful the Eastern position will change on remarriage based on several things. It’s interesting that when the news of Dean B and Mark H hit the east coast, an older significant seasoned worker was heard to say, “and I suppose they are the ones who’ve been so strict about divorce and remarriage”, indicating irony and hypocrisy.
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Post by snow on May 31, 2023 13:09:23 GMT -5
It’s doubtful the Eastern position will change on remarriage based on several things. It’s interesting that when the news of Dean B and Mark H hit the east coast, an older significant seasoned worker was heard to say, “and I suppose they are the ones who’ve been so strict about divorce and remarriage”, indicating irony and hypocrisy. Well if they do I hope they 'grandfather in' those they've allowed in the meetings and partaking of emblems all this time. It's a bit like when the RCC abolished limbo after they said many people went there that weren't baptized etc.
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Post by verna on May 31, 2023 13:26:13 GMT -5
It’s doubtful the Eastern position will change on remarriage based on several things. It’s interesting that when the news of Dean B and Mark H hit the east coast, an older significant seasoned worker was heard to say, “and I suppose they are the ones who’ve been so strict about divorce and remarriage”, indicating irony and hypocrisy. Well if they do I hope they 'grandfather in' those they've allowed in the meetings and partaking of emblems all this time. It's a bit like when the RCC abolished limbo after they said many people went there that weren't baptized etc. I know every group needs its rules and they have a right to make them for themselves but it just seems like a farce to me.
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Post by snow on May 31, 2023 14:21:18 GMT -5
Well if they do I hope they 'grandfather in' those they've allowed in the meetings and partaking of emblems all this time. It's a bit like when the RCC abolished limbo after they said many people went there that weren't baptized etc. I know every group needs its rules and they have a right to make them for themselves but it just seems like a farce to me. It's a total farce when you consider it's an organization tied to an unchanging god. They all do it to some degree, but the 2x2's take it another level dictating what your hair looks like, what your clothes should be like etc. I guess god really doesn't care one way or the other about each of these religious organizations petty little manipulative and controlling rules because he allows all of them to do whatever they want. Looking in from the outside it is so clear that none of it matters. An all powerful being will have a relationship with you if they want to and nothing the leaders of these organizations can do about it either in a positive or a negative influencing way.
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Post by Admin on May 31, 2023 16:48:47 GMT -5
YES that's true ...but l wonder if the workers all have the visiting hour..schedule for the jail,,,, Thelma Galbreathe told said when Jesus returns,,he will come to the workers first..then they will tell the friends...so its only fair every one knows his where abouts...mind you with name like Lukis...one of the twelve..he prob wont be forgotten...at least he doesn't have Judas for a name This doctrine being taught by Thelma Galbreathe (presume she's a worker; where - what 'field' - is this being taught to the friends?) is astonishing. It's simply false, blatantly and dangerously false doctrine. Unscriptural. Here is what is in the bible. 1 Thess 4:13-18 (NIV) 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. Talk about elevating workers into rarefied atmosphere, high up above mere 'friends' (who will be totally reliant on a 'worker visit' so as not to miss out on the rapture). Big responsibility on whoever maintains those worker books of addresses/phone no's. (and to think, some of us have studiously avoided being listed in those worker books over many long years)! This worker doctrinal error is so alarming, it's got its own thread for future reference/discussion professing.proboards.com/thread/32046/doctrine-return-christ-thelma-galbreathe
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Post by Pragmatic on May 31, 2023 17:17:40 GMT -5
If you were sitting in a meeting and heard that, how could you in all honesty continue to go and listen to that person who is preaching something so false?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2023 18:04:30 GMT -5
YES that's true ...but l wonder if the workers all have the visiting hour..schedule for the jail,,,, Thelma Galbreathe told said when Jesus returns,,he will come to the workers first..then they will tell the friends...so its only fair every one knows his where abouts...mind you with name like Lukis...one of the twelve..he prob wont be forgotten...at least he doesn't have Judas for a name This doctrine being taught by Thelma Galbreathe (presume she's a worker; where - what 'field' - is this being taught to the friends?) is astonishing. It's simply false, blatantly and dangerously false doctrine. Unscriptural. Here is what is in the bible. 1 Thess 4:13-18 (NIV) 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. Talk about elevating workers into rarefied atmosphere, high up above mere 'friends' (who will be totally reliant on a 'worker visit' so as not to miss out on the rapture). Big responsibility on whoever maintains those worker books of addresses/phone no's. (and to think, some of us have studiously avoided being listed in those worker books over many long years)! This worker doctrinal error is so alarming, it's got its own thread for future reference/discussion professing.proboards.com/thread/32046/doctrine-return-christ-thelma-galbreatheI've not heard a worker that talks about the rapture with that term/idea anyway.... most of the friends believe there will be 1 return not 2.
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Post by ForeverFree on Jun 16, 2023 0:25:57 GMT -5
17 May 23- Ronda Stidolph, a sister worker who has labored in South America and the U.S., has stepped aside from the work. Ronda does NOT have any allegations as far as we know.
17 May 23 RH, an ex-worker in Saskatchewan, and more recently an elder in Calgary, Alberta, has been removed from meetings due to allegations.
20 May 23- DM, a sister worker who labored in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, has been removed from the work due to allegations. 20 May 23 - Multiple allegations of CSA against ET, former overseer of California, Nevada, Arizona and Pacific Islands from 1974-2003, and who died in 2003, have been brought to light in the past week.
22 May 23 - EN, an elder in South Dakota, has been removed from meetings - at least through the end of 2023 - due to allegations of child sexual assault, as well as alleged texting and requesting lewd material from an adult female.
23 May 23- [topic of CSA perpetrators attending meetings] Randy Schill (convicted of CSA 1996), John Hahn (convicted of kidnapping, battery, sexual assault 2000), Troy Thompson (convicted of child pornography 2016), Howard Ferguson (convicted of CSA 2004), Price Turner III (convicted of CSA 2012), and Enos Bontrager (CSA plea deal, 2016) were all or still are attending meetings in Wisconsin. UPDATE: Wisconsin workers clarified that these men have not attended special meetings or conventions since their releases and those with CSA convictions are not meeting with children. Howard Ferguson and Price Turner III are not currently attending any in-person meetings as of 16 May 23.
24 May 23 - TR, a 7th Wisconsin man (see previous update under 5/23 for info on the first 6), is facing charges of CSA. TR was convicted but the conviction was dismissed due to a mistrial. The trial will be held again this year. TR is said to be attending meetings in the Green Bay, Wisconsin field, under overseer Glen Gasser. 25 May 23 - KP, a brother worker laboring in North Carolina, has been asked to leave the work due to allegations of child sexual abuse (CSA). KP also spent time in the work in Nebraska, North Dakota, Colorado, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Virginia. KP's overseer is James “Jim” Holt. No word on if KP will be allowed to continue attending meetings.26 May 23 - [topic of CSA perpetrators attending meetings] Robert Eberhardt- In a 2019 letter while Wisconsin overseer at the time, Robert explains his reasoning for allowing convicted sex offenders in gospel meetings. Robert volunteers that he is a sexual offender, which gives him sympathy for other offenders. From what we understand, his “sexual offenses” involved consensual relationships in his early years, not abuse. Consensual relationships should never be treated as equivalent to pedophilia or sexual abuse/assault, especially when used to justify allowing dangerous criminals (or those with allegations of crimes) to attend meetings. Robert Eberhardt is the current overseer of AL/MS/LA. Robert does NOT have any allegations as far as we know. **UPDATE 30 May 2023 [CSA perpetrators attending meetings]**
Lukis Nighswonger, a professing 4th-grade teacher at Iditarod Elementary School in Wasilla, Alaska, was sentenced today to 46 years in prison, 15 years probation, and registration as a sex-offender for life for 24 separate charges ranging from sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, and harassment. Lukis was married with 2 children at the time of his arrest. The workers visited Lukis in prison, where he has been since his arrest in 2018. However, we have been told that there were no emails and no communication from workers to inform or alert those in his field or his meetings of his charges of child sexual abuse, despite his arrest in 2018 and news articles in 2020 and 2021 stating that he told investigators, “I am a pedophile” and that he “has been attracted to kids for as long as he can remember.” Could we perhaps get an update from May 26th on? Thanks.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on Jun 16, 2023 1:51:58 GMT -5
Will do so in the next few hours. Sorry for not updating sooner.
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Post by ForeverFree on Jun 16, 2023 2:00:21 GMT -5
Will do so in the next few hours. Sorry for not updating sooner. No worries. You have a life too, and there have been a lot since the last update.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on Jun 16, 2023 4:41:40 GMT -5
Updates as of 15 June 23 have been made on the second post in this thread. Please PM me for any clarifying details or queries.
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Post by Admin on Jun 20, 2023 19:20:55 GMT -5
Paul Haaken... 10:09 am to Perry, Paul, ….. Dear Friends in North & South Dakota, Glenda Pickering will be stepping aside from the ministry today. She has been with us at the Hermosa preps. It is unsettled at this writing as to where she will go. Respectfully, The Dakota Workers WINGS Note: See wingsfortruth.info/2023/06/06/missouri-meeting-of-friends-and-workers/
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Post by elizabethcoleman on Jun 22, 2023 20:46:48 GMT -5
second post in thread updated to 22 June 2023
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Post by Dan on Jun 22, 2023 22:10:15 GMT -5
second post in thread updated to 22 June 2023
Geez, its looking like the Truth has been a smorgasbord for pedophiles for decades.. Stumbling blocks galore! I surely underestimated the extent of the problem, that list is a wake-up call, its escalated into a full-blown shipwreck. Rebuilding trust is going to be a tough order to fill, it seems celibate people are the devils playground.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on Jun 23, 2023 2:20:46 GMT -5
In other news, Tom Hinkle went missing from Devon convention this week. He left a note saying he was at breaking point and just couldn't take it anymore. Tom is a worker from Montana /Wyoming.
He has subsequently been found safe and well, and is being cared for by friends.
I note this event as part of the continued fallout post-Dean Bruer. I'm sure many more workers are also at breaking point.
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