The Wartburg Watch ladies and I are waiting for official word that we can report on this case. The rumors aren’t pretty. Here’s the deal – – Susan Burke is a very reputable attorney. She is not going to amend the civil lawsuit unless there is justification to do so.
I have been reading the SGMSurvivors.com blog site for more than 4 years. When my case came out and hit the media, a friend that I lost contact with reconnected with me via my BGBC blog and told me stories of abuse at her SGM church (she and her family has since left). She didn’t know about the SGMSurvivors site. She had no idea that I already was familiar with the stories she shared with me. The story she shared was identical to the one I read at SGMSurvivors site. I didn’t need the confirmation that the stories were true, but it sure impressed upon me the far-reaching effects of the abuse in these churches.
This cover-up among church leaders has gone on far too long. So many celebrity church leaders have poo-pooed the survivor stories saying they were disgruntled congregants. We shall see about that. It’s time that the victims’ voices are heard. It’s time to come clean and expose the darkness.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11
Spiritual Sounding Board 
Thank you for reporting on this Julie Anne. We’ll look forward to forthcoming details.
On an side note, it looks like this may be your 200th post. Who would’ve have expected that, in less than just one year, you would find yourself writing that many posts on issues related to spiritual abuse and recovery? Thanks for investing yourself in the constructive transformation of people who’ve been wounded by ministers and ministries, leaders who want to do better (or should), and ways church and society interact.
It’ll be fascinating to see what unfolds during your next 200 posts …
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You’re right – 200th post! That’s a milestone, but it’s too bad that there are ANY posts on this subject. But . . there is obviously a need.
As soon as I get the official okay, I will post details. I’ve been in touch with plaintiffs since June (I think). The stories are not pretty. They make me sad and angry. Abuse must stop. My heart really goes out to the plaintiffs and families involved. As this next amendment is publicized, they will surely be reading news stories and blogs, reading comments, questioning, pondering, reminiscing. We need to pray for the survivors especially now.
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Yes, agreed. The old ‘disgruntled congregant’ routine has certainly been used to cover just about every type of sticky issue in the church by church leaders. From knowing human nature, pastors have had their share of troublesome people in their churches over time.
The problem is using that narrow bin to throw everyone into who does not agree with church leadership, has a different opinion than the pastor, or brings a challenge to the ethics of church leadership–these all cannot simply be labled as problems with disgruntled congregants. So, ‘who’ do church members turn to when they have valid concerns? Who will listen to them and not dismiss their point of view?
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That is the problem I faced and the problem so many face. In independent churches (IFBs) with no pastoral oversight or accountability, it is especially difficult. It could mean that a pastor outside the church could come in to bring attention to the situation. The problem with this scenario is that the outsider has no official say in the church. The offending pastor who obviously overlooked the situation to begin with may not care what an outsider has to say. If there are connections in the community, a couple of pastors could confront and try to hold a pastor accountable, but this puts those 2 pastors in a very awkward situation in delving into another church’s “private affairs.” It’s just so messy all around.
With a church system as large as SGM, the hierarchy in place should have been able to deal with these situations appropriately. Instead, they chose to label crime as “sin” and deal with it in-house, or perhaps not at all. They will have to pay for this, probably in more ways than $$.
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Julie-
I’m totally baffled. I was expecting something different… When the first lawsuit was filed it was reported all over the media here in Washington, D.C. From WTOP to the Washington Post. This time around there is silence. No stories, no press, etc…
I was told that this would be shocking. I read references earlier to domestic abuse, suicide and mental health issues. But there’s nothing. Even over at SGM Survivors the threa dis quiet as compared to when the first lawsuit was filed and people were speaking about it.
Can you clarify this please?
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Eagle – My understanding is that the amendment has been filed, but perhaps it has not been released to the media yet. Having gone through a lawsuit and connecting with others who have had lawsuits, I’m aware that each attorney has their own preference on if and when information is released. I’m confident that when Atty Susan Burke is ready to release the information, she will provide it as she did when the initial lawsuit was filed. Sometimes attorneys have a media source they like to deal with first and then they release it to others. I am on the list for releases, so I’ll be sure to post something right away. Also, keep in mind this is the weekend.
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