My name is Julia Kelly, seventeen years old, and I was born and grew up in the Family International. Never once was I ever abused in any way, physically, sexually, emotionally or otherwise. I was home schooled my whole life, and very happy with the results. I feel just as educated, if not more so, than any student fresh out of high school. Home schooling, by the way, is something done by hundreds of thousands of citizens all over the United States and not at all unusual.

For the record, though it seems ridiculous to even mention, I have written checks, opened my own bank account, have a high school diploma, am working on my drivers license, and know how to use a vending machine (If you get it, you get it).

Living in a Family home, I have a life that supplies my every need, I am advancing in my chosen field of work, happy and fulfilled with what I spend my days doing, in a loving, caring, supportive environment. If I had the slightest inkling that any abuse or mistreatment was going on in my house, (where there are eight children under the age of five), I would report it to authorities without delay.

I have reiterated this statement numerous times, as have hundreds of current second-generation Family members. I live my life for others in a Christian organization that has only ever helped me to be a better person and live a happy life. All I’m asking is that I be able to continue to do so without my way of life being slandered and my organization being made out to be an abusive, unsafe, malicious cult.

That’s the long and the short of it. I won’t feel guilty because I don’t have time to rebut every accusation and complaint made – the facts are there if you’re looking for them. I have a wonderful life that I’d rather live to the full than spend defending to those who have not moved on with theirs.

To the general public, check your facts, please. Don’t let it be said of you that you’ll believe the first thing you read and run with it, you’re better than that. Go to www.myconclusion.com and read for yourself what current and former Family members have to say about The Family International. Make up your mind after having heard both sides and see which one holds more water.