They met at a Youth Life event in 1999, a decade before the prayer-request phone call. Many churches are very unsafe places for adults and children alike. But in the meantime, if the Church needs to be sued, for its own sake, I can see this as a temporary justice of sorts, yes. Kanakuk Kamps leaders say they acted swiftly after learning Pete Newman abused campers. But for Jesus it did have to do with that temple/ that building in Jerusalem and what he said was My house shall be called a house of prayer. We no longer go to church, but we are the Church, weve just found other, safer ways of meeting together that dont involve narcissistic/dangerous/abusive men and their vicious little fiefdoms. It cannot be discerned by externals so much (as the theology it claims to hold, or denomination it belongs to) as it is discerned by what it actually produces over time. Wow. I need to do car insurance again and wont be able to drive after this week if I dont make that payment. https://wonderingeagle.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/sandy-willson-of-second-presbyterian-memphis-is-allegedly-notified-in-november-2011-that-a-sexual-predator-was-on-staff-at-downtown-presbyterian-church/#more-7415. No wonder he got so angry. It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck and he is cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. In a faith community where a persons OWN informed moral conscience, when exercised after considering ones personal situation, what the Church teaches, and after prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit, takes priority over ANY external authoritarian direction, I dont know how to make it happen. Published: Nov. 18, 2022 at 1:49 PM PST. Believing you are one of Gods special elect doesnt make it so if you do not follow Jesus example. Hes in the cesspool himself. We spent a weekend in Branson back in 06, when it was just getting started. And isnt there ongoing lawsuits? . There is apparently such a thing a being a paedophile by proxy, deriving a sense of power and control through the activities of predators on ones staff, if the leadership was aware, enabling, then hiding, excusing the predator, and blaming and intimidating the victims. Never. She missed the news from October 2015 then "The resulting civil lawsuits received little attention, and nondisclosure agreements silenced victims and kept evidence under seal. But how does God meet with them there when He has said Be still, and know that I am God ? I dont think so. NOT THE MORMON! (Then Romney sewed up the nomination/became The Great White Hope and Franklin Graham gave him The Anointing, announcing that Mormons were no longer a Cult(TM) Bad craziness.). He would bring me along to sporting events. I know several good and wonderful Catholic people from St. Matthews parish here in my area. Do you think this one is simple good ole boy network/nepotism? It is not Mephistopheles but Faust who embodies the constant, sleepless, unsmiling concentration upon Self which is the true mark of Hell.. -This post is focusing on Peter Newman due to his relationship with Fellowship Memphis. However, they then proceed to hire pastors who have lengthy histories of having been sexually abused as small children. Keith Dygert, another 34-year-old who grew up in Branson and currently lives there, filed a civil lawsuit that was later dismissed when "all parties agreed to a settlement," according to Missouri court records. :o). If a bunch of boy and girl kampers had been caught skinny dipping together without adult supervision (dont know if boys and girls have separate sessions at that camp, or are there at the same time), I wonder if they would have been sent home in disgrace? I would like to hear an explanation of why. These people groom everyone they can reach who would stand in a position that they can use or that could possibly bring them harm, including political and law enforcement figures. No one can exile us from that except we were to do it ourselves, God forbid. Because we have Jobs and Lives and have to pause sometime; the fanboy doesnt. As far as Im concerned, Loritts should be barred from any ministry anywhere. I mean, I live 4-5 hours away, so maybe its more familiar to me, but its well known apparently outside of the area, yes, enough to make it onto the simpsons lol. It could be literally years before a judgment comes inif ever. Loves program. I think its a healthy barrier against abuse. Im kind of thinking that it got popular after there were some gay pride type activities at Disneyland that offended a lot of conservative people, and they were looking for a vacation destination that would be more guaranteed to be family friendly but that was just my impression at the time. *Warning: short, graphic section dealing with the activities of Newman to give readers an understanding of his crimes.*. Dygert and Hoffpauir became friends in middle school, and both said that in the years since, each was often the only other confidant available. I can use what I have and borrowed some clothes. Our informant, having heard about the Newman situation, questioned Bryan Loritts about Peter Newmans position at the church. Eagle has written a number of excellent articles at his blog. They are paid by the organization to do the investigation. It's two grand-plus to go to camp for two weeks. Thank you. Most who take them on are paid to file or hoping for a keep quiet settlement of sorts to pay for their time. :o). Sorry about that, friend. that is, if you are into following the Church year . If an individual is at fault through malice, incompetence, etc, the individual should be held responsible. Same. I think so. "I would say it was helpful for the first year or so, because I was able to just express my thoughts and feelings with someone who I at that time trusted. The head honchos at any place that does that, Joe White, John Bryson, Bryan Loritts .. And the real issue is this: If Mark Driscoll had made any effort at a real amends to the people he harmed, like Paul Petry and his wife Jonna, their children, and others for the firings, excommunications, and shunningsand all of the other lies and abusesyou wouldnt be out there. I hope they win. I dont know how the congregation as a whole felt. Kanakuk camp 'abuse survivors' call for independent investigation into sexual assault accusations, that were reportedly flagged for Kanakuk leaders in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006, recently issued an open letter to Kanakuk and its owner, Kanakuk issues new statement on camp child sex abuse; survivor calls it 'disgusting', were first published last year by The Dispatch, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Was it okay because there was adult supervision, and they were all boys together? I just got a tweet that a company makesCamo ice cream. Society at large is way, way ahead of Christian organizations when it comes to protecting children and adults from predators in the work place. The proof is in the fruit. Accusations of sex abuse tied to Newman and Kanakuk have made headlines recently as two journalists with conservative online news site The Dispatch published a report on March 28 that asserted the Newman scandalwas more widespread and systemic than previously understood. But what happens to them? More than 20,000 kids age 7-18 attend each summer. Because I knew someone who sent their kids there this year. What was ever wrong with trusting in Jesus Christ ? Katie, also an Auburn graduate, has been working with Kanakuk since 2003. So yes, in that sense people are taught bible, which is certainly training the conscience. "They're going to different tables. They view such evil as normal. If they are doing stupid things and then make excuses for not making wise decisions, they are of the false church, regardless of who or what they loudly proclaim. 1. moral conscience is deemed untrustworthy and He does indeed get it. Assessing a company and discovery of possible abuse. Brian- you were groomed to think about this man the way you did. Our Kanakuk Child Protection Plan, which contains over 340 identifiable and measurable protective elements, is integrated throughout the Kanakuk organization and has been shared with more than 600 youth-serving organizations across the country. He ends up protecting a non profit institution that he thinks is automatically the body of Christ yet has no problem suing JWs .and did I understand the Catholic Church? Loritts allegedly responded It was just some skinny dipping thing. Just a slightly different perspective: They said no FUGE camp girls were hurt. Any posting trying to take down his Social Media Celebrity Image gets taken down and replaced by another puff piece within days puff pieces whose style and phrasing indicate he personally wrote them. The time I heard it that had THE most impact was on a CD by this one small-press Furry cartoonist from VA who was passing them out at AnthroCon some 15 years ago. Many here have referred to it as the long con. Their son, Cooper, is also on the board of directors, and daughter Jamie Jo serves as the organization . Particularly when those who do it depend on the assistance of guides, trackers, and sometimes bait to make their kills. In 2003, defendants White and Kanakuk had actual knowledge that defendant Newman continued to engage in activities with children at Kanakuk camps that involved defendant Newman and the children becoming naked together., Why wouldKanakukgiveNewman a promotion and allow him to have access to boy kampersif they knew about his activities? "'Cool. Yandell and his parents reached a civil settlement with Kanakuk in 2010 regarding abuse Yandell suffered at the hands of Newman, who is now in prison on two life sentences for sexually abusing multiple children at the evangelical summer camp. I have ordered three of his cartoons for my home as well and have one in my living room. She also wanted female elders. 2. Learn morehereabout customizing your child's summer camp experience. Yet another reason to stay away from church. My daughters secular choir did that Acapella for a candlight Christmas concert in an old cathedral. After all Sandy Willson had more pressing issues! OK, bye.' nwhiker '", Newman's logic reflects sexual best practices suggested by Kanakuk's owner, Joe White, as White explicitly outlined in the first edition of his teen manual for "sex, love and dating," titled "Pure Excitement. The conservative, Christian community is very small in this city, and I was once very heavily involved in it. Its one of the things that bothers me about GRACE that I have mentioned before. Prior to this, no one on Kanakuk staff believed that Pete Newman was abusing or had abused kids. In 2010, one of the camp's senior counselors, Pete Newman, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexually abusing boys. Ive sat through youth ministry volunteer training with MinistrySafe, and they get it. We mostly went to the amusement park, which has been there since 1960, according to wiki. September 2009: Newman is arrested & then released on $50,000 bond along with a court order not to be around children but he continues working at the church. Thats sort of the question to me. What on earth??? I do, however, have issues with Love referring to himself as a victim advocate. As a chid I was awed by the idea that God might actually be there. Perhaps Im just used to Christian lawyers who dont offer some services based on their convictions. I could rant more, but I am just singing to choir with you all.. retaining a person on staff who is a child predator and actually has been arrested for that is bad PR! dee wrote: Please do not anybody make this about anything other than what I actually said. The first time former Kanakuk camp director Pete Newman was reported for being nude with kids was in 1999 the same year he became a full-time employee at the Branson-based Christian athletic . Branson is a popular vacation site. They are paid by the organization to do the investigation. Well, Boris & Natasha were as Psevdorussky as you could get. There are tares out there. Christians tend to be trusting and gullible people and they are easy for deceivers to groom. As a chid I was awed by the idea that God might actually be there. (we were considering membership)What church tells a almost grown kid that they cant have a cell phone in this day and age of sexual abuse.I never allowed my kids to attend sleepovers and the one time I felt reasonably safe about it(meaning sister was really mature and sibling was 15 and other friends older kids would look out for each other)my distrustful nature is proven right.I have seen and heard of so much wrong in the church in my lifetime I am a DONE,I still go to church (will not tithe again,I paid my part)but I really dont care anymore.!!! And then the dominoes started to fall. we are in need of groceries and I will need to get some decent work clothes for interviews and if im hired on. :o). I dont think most evangelical people are into this, but some do go through a kind of Lenten preparation for Easter, yes. So, how many points are there on a line? Are people being instructed to rely solely on leadership for ALL moral direction and not to run it through their own consciences where they can consider their own personal situations in real time, and pray for guidance??? @ Loren R Haas: : Look at me, Im admitting to my shortcomings right here at the pulpit in front of yall. Do I file a freedom of information request on anything involving the name of the camp? Im with you and so are scores of others. @ Christiane: Like Hoffpauir, Dygert says he accompanied Newman on speaking engagement trips linked to Kanakuk. @ Lydia: ave they announced who is Gods Choice THIS year? this helps explain some of the dependency on leadership, especially if: @ BeenThereDoneThat: X-rated church! Well, there is something to that, but no emphasis was placed on training the conscienceonly on understanding doctrine and memorizing bible verses. Pete was what a Christian should look like. I was just thinking that a whole lot of ideas have made their way into the churches through para-church organizations. The electric bill is almost 300 this month due to the heat/humidity thank goodness its finally lowering in temp. They dont do creeds anyway. If I followed what you said, I would have to pack up my signs and sit on my hands 15 miles away instead of warning people (in my quite imperfect way). Dygert referred Hoffpauir then living overseas to Staples, who talked to Hoffpauir using the Skype app. If we practice Jesus teaching, then we will judge leaders and their churches by what is actually produced. These are two entirely different things. The missionaries were victims of the culling of diversity within the SBC, which apparently was seen as intolerable to the new leadership. 2. there is heavy reliance on leadership for interpretation of sacred Scriptures. I think churches should be much quicker to fire staff who make reckless negligent decisions, like fellowship did though. I very much appreciate what Brian has said because I think he speaks for a lot of young staffers who believed in Petes character and his testimony and were heartbroken at a deep level when they learned that Pete had betrayed so many. It is a real distinction. Matthew 23:27 Those poor zebras and giraffes. I dont understand why Christian organizations feel that they have to reinvent the wheel or use Christian versions of products. They can do their jobs well, even though theyre getting paid by the business. Reporter Gregory Holman was born and raised in Branson, mostly living in Taney County until 2003. God doesnt have a very good track record picking presidential candidates this year. It is not easy at all to find lawyers who will sue religious organizations, Yet, according to one website, lawsuits against churches have increased over 2,000 percent since 1992.. Hard to tell whos who and who did what with so many of these clowns milling around scratching each others backs. Loritts allegedly responded, It was just some skinny dipping thing.. As Tommy Lee Jones, the Sheriff in No Country for Old Men said, You cant make this stuff up. ", Kanakuk is now being sued by the victims, and they are casting doubt on the severity of harm on the victims (Despicable!!! Honestly, people told me the same thing, too, about being a missionary, even without knowing me. I can only conclude that they simple dont care whether anyone is abused in that church. Disturbing, incredibly so, but I dont know what other conclusions to reach. I think you can look at this a few different ways. We are reverent in that place. find a faith community that concentrates on Lenten preparation for Easter: then you get the best of both, Christ and Him Crucified, and the celebration of the Risen Lord .. Easter without Lenten preparation seems shallow compared to Easter celebrated after a full Lenten season of prayer and preparation for the celebration of Easter . That testimony is expected to include the suggestion that John has "false or distorted recollections" of his encounters with Newman as a result of "external suggestion. He wrote his phone number on my hand and said, 'Hey, let's hang out sometime.' Please check out what I actually said in the original comment. . It only stopped, Hoffpauir said, when he and Madison began seriously dating. So JW victims are worthy to represent in a lawsuit but victims in a Christian Church, arent? The people have a right to know. The major media companies wont report on these issues. Currently, the camp's websiteprices four-week sessions at $4,800 per child. I mean, I live 4-5 hours away, so maybe its more familiar to me, but its well known apparently outside of the area, yes, enough to make it onto the simpsons lol. They could not sign because of the restriction on women. They have a need right now for food, gas, car insurance, and some basic bills. Did she really say that? The victims need justice. He was the pastor who allegedly kept thing on the down low. So creepy. I just told her that I would never send mine to any camp without their phone in this day and time.knowing what I know. He saw Newman as a "very popular guy," well-liked, a "powerful, motivated, enthusiastic speaker," a "superstar.". There really are three different services we are talking about here that maybe should not be covered by the same company. Summer 2009: Newman is hired byFellowship Memphisas a curriculum writer and is given a place to live. That is what I call integrity. I hope you realize I am speaking of cover ups, hiring known abusers, etc. By my reading, the Pharisees were several notches better than these thugs. But what happens to them? @ BeenThereDoneThat: church must be a relational tension-free zone (to be legit). I wasnt aware GRACE promoted themselves as victim advocates, either. The real problem is people want to be led instead of self govern. Since they aresupposedlyintelligent men, I will assume that they checked this out. To hold a corporate officer liable, he must have had actual, constructive knowledge of the actionable wrong and participated therein, the document states. I agree that PP and a whole bunch of the bunch are primarily politicians. Jesus is powerful to produce life in his true followers. Pete was one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and sincere (seeming) believers I had ever met. ", "He came in the lunchroom," Dygert said. Beyond lawsuits, those people need to be charged with criminal negligence and the institutions need to be fined heavily, at the very least, no excuses! Kamp Kanakukalsohad anotherpedophile incident which you can read about here: There are some bloggers who keep each other informed about coming stories. Dygert said he met Newman in a Branson public school lunchroom. No girls allowed. Even some small towns. In 2009, Fellowship Memphis apparentlydecided that Peter Newman would be a wonderful person to hire!!!!! "If Its Not Sex Abuse, Its Money, and Nothing Says Spend and Keep Quiet About It Like the SBCs North American Mission Board" New TWW post. Even without intentions, entropy easily sets in over time and they can drift into serious Cult territory. The baptist church of my earliest years had a quote from the bible carved over the doors between the vestibule/narthex and the church/nave. Joe and his camp, Kanakuk, have been sued by Multiple former campers claiming that he and the camp knew that former employee Pete Newman was abusing children on camp grounds from 1999-2009. I will try. FIFTEEN YEARS of grooming third parties. Yet, given his heart for victims expressed through articles and tweets, I think many do consider him a victims advocate. -Newman invited the plaintiff to a conference in Oklahoma where he tried to get the boy to engage in sodomy, was turned down, and finally convinced him to engage in a mutual masturbation session. There are wolves in sheeps clothing. Adding, "I have never seen consecutive life sentences in all my years of practice. Righteous Mass Movements can do without a God, but HAVE to have a Devil. I cant come up with anything that makes sense. But this is exactly what GRACE does. 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