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In Reply to: Re: Media reps, I agreee posted by sarafina on January 24, 2005 at 17:54:35:
I an an FG exmember who was contacted through a friend in the cult information field to give an interview to ABC Primetime. I will tell you it was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. I spent several sleepless nights agonizing over it, but after discussing it with my own adult children, as well as several other SGA's active in this matter, decided I needed to try and validate the "claims" (as the Family and media call it) of so many of the youth as to their experience growing up in the group. ABC has promised me anonymity, though I remain extremely anxious that this testimony will somehow embarass, or negatively impact, my family. The interview lasted over an hour, and will probably be reduced to a few soundbites, and this is, of course, a great concern as well. How this thing mutated from a sacrificial, idealistic dream of reaching the world with the Gospel, into an environment that ended up so negatively influencing the lives of so many of our own children, is a very complex story, not easily reduced to soundbites. But in the end, our feeling was that however it happened, and whatever we were thinking at the time, as parents, we failed miserably to protect our children from harm. And we needed to acknowledge that.
"Mistakes were made" and "sexually permissive 60's" just doesn't cut it. Ricky was ABUSED! Mene was ABUSED! This was not the overzealous misinterpretation of a nanny, or a bunch of free love hippies taking things too far. This was DIRECTLY instigated by Berg and Zerby, and spread directly, through emissaries from their own household to various centers throughout the movement. With widespread , and devastating, results.
I have spent a great deal of time, study, and effort trying to understand my own tolerance of these horrors, (as well as the emotional , physical, and intellectual abuse) that we allowed, (either by participation or permission) to so damage our own precious children. It is a very complex subject. But bottom line... we really really screwed up.
I truly wish that the leadership of the Family could clearly acknowledge the facts, and try to establish a dialogue with the affected SGA's, in hopes of trying to bring healing and avoiding any further acts of desperation. Sadly, this seems to be a very long longshot. At any rate,whatever the current leadership of the group do, I know I, as well as many others here, recognize our own responsbility in these things, and the need to confess, apologize, acknowledge, and support those who are seeking justice, healing, or both.
Watching Ricky's tape was one of the most upsetting things I have ever been through. God forgive us.
One last thing, I want to say that I was moved to tears by the grace shown me by my own children, as well as the other SGA's i consulted with in this matter. Bless you.
And Sarafina, my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother, your nephew and friend.I can only imagine the grief you are struggling with. May you recieve great comfort and strength to endure.
