Greetings. My name is Akira Duncan, I’m nineteen years old and am a second-generation member of the Family International. My mother is Japanese and my father is an American citizen. I was born in Japan and have lived here for the most part of my life.

I heard about the recent incident in Tuscon, Arizona and I also heard that some of our former members are trying to use this tragedy to accuse the Family of things that are greatly exaggerated & embellished, if they aren’t complete fabrications. I find the mere fact that they are using this tragedy to further their attack on our beliefs, regardless of the feelings of the victims and those involved. disgusting and inhumane.

I was greatly disappointed when I learned that most of the coverage of the incident was erroneous, biased and accepted the opinions of our vocally antagonistic ex-members as proven facts without taking our side of the matter into consideration.

I am not astonished though at the attacks we are receiving, as the Bible tells us, “Yea, they that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2Tim 3:12)” and such action proves that we are doing what we, as Christians, were called to do. However, I will not stand by idly while they malign me and all that I stand for.

You see, I know the people I work with much better than they do, and they are anything but the abusers and brainwashed goons that they are made out to be by those that seek to do us harm. The people I know strive to make the world a better place and to help those in need. They raise their children in a safe environment and try to give them the best care and education possible. (Please refer to our website for more information.)

I myself am bilingual in both Japanese and English, thanks to the upbringing I received. I have received offers of translation jobs and have also received offers of employment from several companies. If I were to pursue a career outside our missionary group, I am certain that I would have no problem adjusting to a life outside it. I have talked with many people from many walks of life and I have never felt at a disadvantage. I have traveled more, and have had training in more vocations (such as carpentry, translating, etc) than the average person my age would have had the opportunity to experience. I enjoy my life and work and find fulfillment in it.
Is this the definition of abuse?

I appeal to your sense of equality and fairness and pray that you will consider our side of the story and discover the truth of the matter.

Akira Duncan is a second-generation member of The Family International