Here is another post with a video-slideshow from a similar event held in Argentina!
Here

Many people within The Family are people I know and love, who sacrifice selfish pursuits in order to reach the world with the love of Jesus. In countries all around the world, The Family is often one of the first to respond to times of crisis, such as natural disasters, and the effect they have in relation to the finances and personnel available is unparalleled. Instead of balancing out this show by focusing on all the good that the Family has done and continues to do, the show instead focused on a small part of The Family’s past that has been drastically changed, apologized for and addressed repeatedly by The Family’s leadership.

I have always believed The Larry King show to be pretty fair and unbiased, but after watching last night’s show my opinion has changed considerably. The Family has been analyzed by a number of academics and leading professionals, as well as courts all over the world, and in almost every case it’s been the opinion that The Family is a save environment for children and no signs of abuse were present with any of the children examined. You would think that a show that is focusing on child abuse within The Family would think to mention that, especially since it’s easily available information.

I also don’t understand why out of all the academics and sociologists that have studied The Family, this show chose to feature Steven Kent, a person with obvious bias and a vendetta against The Family. It seemed like the deck was stacked against The Family in this show from the start and I can hardly call it journalism.

I take exception to the claim made over and over on the show that second generation members who leave have no skills and have great difficulty integrating into society. I left The Family for a time when I was 21. I had no problem getting a job, going to college, making friends and starting a new life. My parents were always supportive and in truth, the skills gained during my time in The Family were what helped me be successful in my endeavors outside the Family.

I could go on and on about the lies and distortions featured on this show, and I will give the benefit of the doubt that Larry King himself was misinformed, as I have a hard time believing a serious journalist could allow such an unbalanced show to air unless he was. I am a proud member of The Family and will continue to be. I stand beside my beliefs and am so grateful for the wonderful childhood I enjoyed that was rich in faith and love. May all the children of the world be so lucky.

Contact: Claire Borowik, Public Affairs Desk for the Family International, (202) 298–0838, or publicaffairs@thefamily.org

It’s a sad day for serious journalism when a program with the standing of Larry King Live produces a sensationalistic segment focused on the claims of a handful of apostates of the Family International and anti-religious lobbyists. Over its 40-year history, over 35,000 people have been members of our fellowship. The detractors featured on this program are not representative of the thousands of former members who have at one time served as missionaries with our movement.

The usage of the label “cult” in reference to the Family is particularly pejorative. Such labeling is an age-old tactic—Jesus and his followers were also maligned as the “cult of the Nazarenes” in their day. The Family International, founded in the late 1960s, has expanded into an international missionary fellowship located in over 100 countries around the world, that has led millions to faith in Christ, and has assisted the needy in a multitude of volunteer and humanitarian efforts (see http://www.thefamilyinternational.org).

Family Policy for the Protection of Minors
The Family International has a zero tolerance policy in regards to the abuse of minors. The Family will immediately expel and excommunicate any adult member deemed guilty of physically or sexually abusive behavior towards children. Family members are advised to conduct themselves in conformance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which they live and to cooperate with the justice system of the land.

Allegations of abuse are taken very seriously by Family leadership, which has the obligation under the Family’s Charter to investigate such reports in a timely fashion and to take appropriate measures (” Procedures for Excommunicating Family Members,” The Family Charter). The Charter stipulates that the parents and the members of the community are responsible to provide a safe environment for all minors residing in their community. Parents are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to the care and well-being of their children (“Rights of Children and Responsibilities of Parents,” The Family Charter).

The Family’s policy for the protection of minors was adopted in 1986. We regret that prior to the adoption of this policy, cases occurred where minors were exposed to sexually inappropriate behavior between 1978 and 1986. This was addressed in 1986 when any sexual contact between an adult and minor was officially banned and, subsequently in 1989 declared an excommunicable offense. This policy has remained unchanged for nearly two decades, and the Family’s Charter (first published in 1995) reaffirms this standard.

All previously published literature underwent careful scrutiny to ensure that it reflected this position, and questionable publications were officially renounced and expunged between the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1994, official acknowledgement was made of the responsibility David Berg bears in publishing writings that proclaimed a teaching of sexual liberty (in 1976 and 1978) without instituting safeguards for the protection of minors. This was officially corrected in 1986, when clear guidelines were instituted banning any such contact and subsequently in 1989, when infractions of this policy were rendered an excommunicable offense.

The successful institutionalization of this policy is evidenced in the 600+ children of Family members that were subjected to government-enforced examinations in the early 1990s in several countries. These examinations confirmed the absence of physical, emotional, educational, or sexual abuse among children of Family members, resulting in the vindication of members by courts of law on three continents.

Official Apologies Tendered
Since 1993, the Family’s administrative branch has issued eight official apologies to former and current Family members for any grievances regarding their experiences in the Family. Family leadership officially addressed therein any questionable past actions regarding discipline, education, or sexual misconduct that may have taken place. These apologies were published a number of times and have been a matter of public record for the past decade.

Our sincere hope for those who were once part of the Family is that they can lead constructive, fulfilling lives and progress in the new goals they set for themselves once they decide they no longer wish to make serving the Lord with the Family their career. Our prayer is for reconciliation and mutual respect in the path that each one has chosen of his or her own free will.

Although the Family has apologized on a number of occasions to former members for any hurt, real or perceived, that they may have suffered during their time in our membership, we do not give credence to tales of institutionalized abuse told by those who seek to cause harm to our church and children. There is no basis in fact for such allegations, as evidenced by the findings of courts around the world, which evaluated over 600 children living in Family communities by means of extensive court-appointed physical, psychological, and educational testing. In every case, the courts have been satisfied with the standard of life offered to the children. (For summaries of court rulings see http://www.cesnur.org/testi/TheFamily/se_thefamily.htm.)

Incidence of Suicide amongst former members
There is no factual basis to claims of Family detractors that a high incidence of suicide exists amongst former second generation members. We find it very grievous that even one former member would succumb to suicide, however, the claim that nearly 30 suicides occurred in the past 15 years has no basis in fact or official causes of death. According to available records, the rate of incidence of suicide amongst the approximately 32,000 former members of the Family is far below the average in general, and in conformance to the expected rate in some age ranges.

We acknowledge that those who were once a part of our movement are as likely to succumb to social illnesses as the population at large. The World Health Organization estimates that suicide is responsible for a global mortality rate of 16 per 100,000 people per year. In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide, rendering it among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15–44. In a period of history where the rates of suicide are rising at an alarming rate, suicide and acts of violence are virtually unknown in the Family International.

Not Without My Sister, by Juliana Buhring and Celeste Jones
Juliana Buhring’s dramatic tales and escape narrative have no basis in fact, and she was actually assisted by Family members in her transition from the Family International, and departed on good terms. Celeste Jones’ account is likewise riddled with distortions and inaccuracies, to the point that it’s difficult to discern fact from fiction in this book. Juliana and Celeste are clearly benefiting from the publicity afforded them by programs such as this to make a name for themselves and to sell books.

Stephen Kent
It’s surprising that the producers of the Larry King Live Show would invite two people from the academic field that are of the infinitesimal minority of scholars that are active in anti-religious campaigns. Many scholars have researched, studied, and published their research on the Family International in recent years, unlike Kent, and yet none of these were contacted for this show. It’s clear that the scope of this program was narrowed to people antagonistic to minority religions. Kent’s only source of information on the Family is hostile ex-members. His allegations are false, and have no foundation in fact.

Approximately half the young adults born in the Family continue to be members of the movement. They tell a very different story than the tales of the detractors featured on this program, and have published a blog in response to such allegations, to ensure that their voices will be heard. Over 400 young people raised in the Family have posted statements and testimonials with photos. (Please see http://www.myconclusion.com.)

It seems we never learn from history, and despite the trauma that hundreds of Family children suffered in the early 1990s due to unfounded allegations such as those presented on this show (and disproved by the courts), the witch hunt continues.

The Family International, formerly known as the Children of God, is a fellowship of Christian missionaries dedicated to preaching the Gospel around the world. Members have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and live and work together in small communities. Founded by David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) in Southern California, the Family has expanded into an international missionary fellowship located in over 100 countries around the world. Approximately two-thirds of the Family’s full-time membership is comprised of second and third generation members. (For more information, please see http://www.thefamilyinternational.org.)

Contact: Claire Borowik, Public Affairs Desk for The Family International, publicaffairs@thefamily.org

It is disappointing that a reputable network such as CNN would publish such sensationalistic, poorly researched material. The bias and lack of balance displayed in this program transcript are highly unprofessional and discriminatory. Although I was unable to participate in their program due to the fact that I was overseas at the time, contrary to what was published, I provided statements and other materials for their program.

It is clear that the intent of this program was to discredit Karen Zerby, current co-administrative and spiritual overseer of The Family International. Ricky Rodriguez never accused his mother of abusive actions whether in his video, or in his multitudinous internet rants, and the tale told by alleged “witnesses,” specifically Davida Kelley, is absolutely false. Ricky did not “escape” from the group as this program alleges, but rather joined the 32,000 people that have voluntarily exited our movement over the past 30 years. His mother was supportive of his decision and assisted him financially for several years after his departure to establish himself.

Court findings paint a very different picture of Karen Zerby and the efforts she has made to ensure the safety and well-being of Family members, both young and old. Justice Ward made note of this role in his custody ruling: “I am now totally satisfied that The Family, I would think largely at Maria’s prompting, has since 1986 made determined and sustained efforts to stamp out child sexual abuse and to prevent any inappropriate contact between adults and children whether young children or teenage children. I have no evidence that child sex abuse is presently prevalent any more within The Family than outside it.” (Family Division, Case W 42 1992, London, England, October 19, 1995).

The Family International’s success in protecting our children and enforcing our zero tolerance policy for the protection of minors has been documented by court-appointed and independent investigations in the early ‘90s of almost 700 children living in Family communities. After extensive physical, psychological and educational testing, all of the children were found to be healthy with no sign of abuse in a single case. This total absence of abuse speaks for the efforts made to safeguard children in Family communities. I question whether random investigations would produce similar results in society at large. Not according to the Department of Health and Human Services, that reports a rate of at least 13 cases of abuse per 1,000 in the United States, with British authorities reporting close to 200 cases per 1,000.

“Jesus Freaks”

This program seems to have found its impetus in Don Lattin’s recently published book, “Jesus Freaks.” Although Lattin’s book does contain some sound research and factual information, it is laced with inaccuracies, misconceptions and erroneous conclusions lacking a factual base—not to mention, sketchy research. The stereotyping that Lattin resorts to manifests bias and religious intolerance, and an attempt to cast the Family’s deeply held Christian beliefs in a negative light. His writings echo the position of anti-religious proponents, who demonize the beliefs of others and set themselves as judges as to the legitimacy of a belief system and ultimately the right to one’s religious faith. His writings throughout 2005 on the Rodriguez incident reflected a similar ideology, and the preponderance of his writings have focused on ex-member allegations, while giving very little space to current member responses. “Jesus Freaks” is no different.

Incidence of Suicide amongst former members

The claim that nearly 30 suicides occurred in the past 15 years has no basis in fact or official causes of death. We acknowledge that those who were once a part of our movement are as likely to succumb to social illnesses as the population at large. According to our records, however, the rate of incidence of suicide amongst the approximately 32,000 former members of the Family is far below the average in general, and in conformance to the expected rate in some age ranges.

The World Health Organization estimates that suicide is responsible for a global mortality rate of 16 per 100,000 people per year. In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide, rendering it among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44. In a period of history where the rates of suicide are rising at an alarming rate, suicide and acts of violence are virtually unknown in our fellowship.

Suicide and acts of violence are virtually unheard of in our communities. As Christians, we deplore and are diametrically opposed to acts of violence and the suffering these inflict on the innocent. We believe that human life is sacred, and each person should be respected as an individual created in the image of God. As Christians, our lives are devoted to sharing the news of God’s love and salvation for humanity and caring for the needy. (For more information on our charitable activities in over a hundred countries, please see www.thefamily.org)

Ricky Rodriguez and Angela Smith

The Family International was deeply saddened by the deaths of Ricky Rodriguez, son of Karen Zerby, and Angela Smith, a member of the Family for over 30 years. Ricky (1975-2005) committed suicide January 8th, 2005, after taking Angela’s life. (please see Ricky’s memorial site at www.rickyrodriguez.com and Angela Smith’s memorial site at www.angela-smith.org)

In response to the controversy this tragedy generated in the media, second generation members of the Family published a blog, in order to ensure that their voices may be heard. Over 400 young people raised in the Family have posted statements and testimonials with photos. (please see www.myconclusion.com )

Ricky Rodriguez withdrew from the Family fellowship in 2000 in order to pursue his education and other interests. Although he departed on good terms, he later became estranged from his mother and sister. After contacting some of our more vitriolic apostates, he began to manifest violent tendencies. Those who were aware of his violent intents failed to report it to authorities or seek assistance.

In searching for a motive for this tragic crime, the media should take care to not casually write off Angela’s death and justify the actions of an obviously disturbed young man acting out his misplaced anger. Our society is rife with violence—regularly the public is exposed to violent crimes of individuals that act out the violence they witness via the media, and discuss anonymously via the internet. Such crimes are not particular to religious groups—in fact such violence is shocking and entirely unheard of in Family communities.

The Family International, formerly known as the Children of God, is a fellowship of Christian missionaries dedicated to preaching the Gospel around the world. Members have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and live and work together in small communities. Founded by David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) in Southern California during the late ’60s, the Family has expanded into an international missionary fellowship located in over 100 countries around the world. Approximately two-thirds of The Family’s full-time membership is comprised of second and third generation members. See www.thefamily.org

An Uncommon Life is a collection of true-life accounts written by Bethany Kelly, the eldest daughter of Peter Amsterdam and Abi (formerly Damaris), recounting memories of her childhood and teenage years, including her interactions with Father David (Grandpa), Maria, and their immediate family.

* Read Bethany’s account of meeting Grandpa for the first time at five years old.
I remember being mildly curious as to whether I would be meeting a man with a lion’s head.

* Hear about Grandpa’s attempts to teach her how to dive.
I’d walk to the edge of the diving board, put myself in the proper position, and promptly chicken out.

* Firsthand accounts of what it was like to be a part of the “Teen Training” program that took place in Grandpa’s Home.
I remember being somewhat disappointed that initially it was going to be just us girls, as at the time, I thought it would have been interesting to have four teen boys there as well.

* Read about hiking and camping adventures with her father, Peter A., and Pete (Ricky) and Techi.
The cold seemed to instantly hit my brain, and I sort of froze, watching things float out of the canoe as if in a daze.

* Read parts of personal letters Bethany and Pete wrote each other as they continued their close friendship while living apart.
Dear sweet Bethy, … I’ve learned a lot in this last year or so, from my trip, and from Grandpa’s Homegoing, and of course from you.

* And Bethany shares some of the joys and experiences she has encountered raising her daughter, Olivia.
I had cared for children for many years … so I figured I had a pretty good grasp of what was involved in having children. But having my own was so different. … I had no idea I was capable of so much love for a child.

Thirteen chapters of personal details!
Over 60 never-before-published photos!
Find it at: www.AnUncommonLife.com

Note: An Uncommon Life is an independent endeavor and not a WS publication. This was written with those 14-and-up as the target audience. However, there are portions that may be suitable to be read to children at the parent’s discretion.