The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
—Mahatma Gandhi

When I first heard about the events of Saturday, the 8th of January, I was both appalled and disturbed. Appalled that someone I had once looked up to would do such a thing, and disturbed that anyone could have the audacity to imply that The Family’s ways of raising their children were responsible for this crime. When I read some of the postings that former members had written insinuating this, I felt I, as a person who has grown up in and is currently a member of The Family, had to respond.

I didn’t know Angela. I didn’t know Ricky beyond what I read of him as a child. But I do know that what happened is a horrendous example of the depths to which humanity is capable of sinking and is a disturbing reminder of where hatred and bitterness can lead.

My name is Priya Rapson, and I’ve been in the Family for 20 years—from the day I was born in 1984 till today. I have eight brothers and four sisters from the ages of 11 to 29 who were also born and raised in The Family. Out of the thirteen of us, ten are still members of The Family while three have gone on to become members of mainstream society.

My parents are both missionaries and have been members of The Family for about 30 years. At present they are relocating with my three youngest siblings from Australia to Sri Lanka, in order to assist and comfort the survivors of the tremendous disaster that occurred there. I admire them greatly for the job that they are doing, and for the way that they raised me with the same intense desire to help change the world for the better.

I grew up for the most part in the Indian subcontinent, where from an early age I was exposed to the harsh reality of life in the third world and the desperate need the people had for physical, emotional, and spiritual support. I was involved with many humanitarian initiatives there, from distributing donated goods to underprivileged children and orphans to comforting inmates through music programs in jails. I lived with many other children my own age until I moved to Australia at the age of 12, and began living with just my parents and siblings.

I had a wonderful education, learning to read at the early age of two, and continuing in like fashion up until the 12th grade, when I graduated with honors and two merit awards. I then taught my three youngest siblings for a year, while working towards a teaching certificate in Secondary Education. I’ve visited and lived in seven countries and currently I live in Taipei, Taiwan where I have been for six months. Right now, I mainly work with handling communications and other administrative duties in a large centre here. I live and work with 40 other people and I love it! Though there are the inevitable personality clashes and disagreements, the camaraderie and comfort that comes from being together with so many others who are aspiring to the same goals and purpose in life, is a great support to me.

I want to state clearly that in my life in The Family, I have not met anyone who has suffered abuse. To the contrary, I find that children and young people in The Family have been very well sheltered and protected from many evils rampant in society. I myself was raised in a wholesome and loving atmosphere, where I did not fear harm, and where my parents and caretakers, manifested a deep concern for my welfare in all their interactions with me.

As five of my siblings are younger than me, I have also been involved in their upbringing, and have seen the love, care and concern that has gone into every aspect of their lives. All 13 of us are happy, well-adjusted individuals, who have been fortunate to grow up in a supportive, protected atmosphere, where our every need was supplied.

A large part of my life has been spent in charitable initiatives. I’ve participated in relief work; I’ve helped to comfort prison inmates, troubled youth, juvenile delinquents, hospital patients and senior citizens. I’ve entertained and cared for disadvantaged children, orphans, and mentally and physically disabled persons. I’ve been privileged to see lives changed and hearts healed through helping people get to know Jesus in a personal way.

I have lived in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia and Taiwan. I have friends from over 30 nationalities, and a strong positive support group in my peers who I live and work with.

To the apostates who suggest that we who have been born into the Family have grown up or are growing up in a harmful and abusive environment, I say this:

I take great offense to the sweeping generalizations that have been used in your postings and comments. You do not have the right to speak for me, or for any of my brothers and sisters nor for my friends in and out of the Family. I can voice my own opinions about my life and upbringing in the Family, which has been outstanding. I have never witnessed or been the victim of abuse.

I have lived the greater portion of my life to help those in society in any way that I can. I have a close connection with Jesus, and a peace that my life is helping to make a positive difference in this world. I take pride in the work that I do and the life that I lead. Rather than trying to tear down my life and what is dearest to me, why don’t you find a way to let go of the past and embrace a brighter future so that this tragedy will never again be repeated. God help us be strong enough to forgive.

Priya Rapson is a second generation member of the Family International.