(From Michelle D’Cruz, 30, second-generation member of the Family International)

To whom it may concern

I am writing this as a young person who has grown up in the Family and who now has a family of my own. I am 30 yrs old, an American citizen, and My husband is 38 yrs old and is a Malaysian. I am a full-time teacher in The Family and enjoy it very much. I have participated in many teaching training courses, seminars etc. and have the documents and certificates to verify my studies. I have taught many age groups through the years. I feel I have done my best to give the children a very good education and upbringing within The Family.

I was quite shocked and saddened at the recent tragic news, even though I do not know either of them personally. I feel quite appalled that the media and certain former members of our fellowship have, in my opinion, exploited the situation to their own ends. Some of our detractors have made some pretty bold claims which are totally false and I wonder how they have the nerve to do so. In any case we, as a Family, are apposed to violence and abuse of any kind and do not tolerate it in any way. Ricky had made a decision to leave The Family several years ago and what he’s done since then was his decision and therefore his responsibility, not The Family’s! As I mentioned before, violence or abuse is against our beliefs and teachings.

As a parent myself I teach my children to be kind and polite and display Christian graces. I do so because of my personal beliefs and I am glad to say The Family believes and promotes this as a group. Believe me, I wouldn’t raise my kids in an environment that was dangerous and harmful! I’d be a fool! I raise my children—and I have 3 of them now, a 5 year old, 3 year old, and a baby—in the Family because I believe this is a very healthy and wholesome place to raise children where we teach them love, grace, goodness and godly principles and qualities. I love my children dearly and I feel upset that unhappy folks want to destroy my and my family’s happiness by trying to hurt us through these lies and false allegations which they can’t even prove!

I am quite happy to be in the Family and hope to continue on as a member. I feel my children are safe and are being raised in a safe environment that nurtures the good qualities I mentioned above. In the 30 years that I have lived within Family homes and in the Family environment I was never abused or harmed in any way by members of the Family. I have lived in several countries, dozens of cities and homes and with hundreds of Family members over the years. I felt safe growing up in the Family and appreciated my upbringing and lifestyle. My parents were loving, caring and gave me and my brother and sisters a good education. I am striving to do the same with my own children.

Sincerely,
Michelle D’Cruz

Michelle D’Cruz is a second generation member of the Family International.