Survivors and ex-employees say the camp didn't do enough. Just remember the side effect like Muslims after 9/11, Christians will circle the wagons against PERSECUTION!!!!! To all the Children hurt by this person and their family and friends I am sorry this has happened to you. Pete was one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and sincere (seeming) believers I had ever met. Dave, did you know that Dr. Hawkes is a neuropsychologist? Stay with discernment from the Holy Spirit. How can having a first class pervert not have significant, long term damage to boys??? Headless Unicorn Guy wrote: When did the simple trusting in Our Lord become obsolete? They also tend to avoid thinking about or looking at troubling things (see no evil-hear no evil-speak no evil). He sold mini busts of himself at one convention back in the 90s(?). The aura or attraction that people feel for personality-disordered (or character-disordered) people is an attraction to something that is a lie, as you said. There is apparently such a thing a being a paedophile by proxy, deriving a sense of power and control through the activities of predators on ones staff, if the leadership was aware, enabling, then hiding, excusing the predator, and blaming and intimidating the victims. We should not be surprised about any of this because, again, Jesus warned us before hand. Joe and his camp, Kanakuk, have been sued by Multiple former campers claiming that he and the camp knew that former employee Pete Newman was abusing children on camp grounds from 1999-2009. I just went through something similar with a friend this summer. But then I read an article in the (now defunct) Boston Phoenix in 2001, and it was about how the Catholic Church in Boston was using lawyers to basically destroy those who came forward with accounts of sexual abuse in the archdiocese. I dont think youre wrong for being skeptical. Its what Las Vegas would be if Ned Flanders was running it.. The documents state that the defendants motivation for continuing to employ Newman was financial in his reputation among kampers was such that it engendered return visits to kamp and more money for the defendants. So did the Apostle Paul. The problem is not that no one is immune (although certainly none of us are perfect). So the new rule concerned her for several reasons one of which she did not know the new volunteer youth leaders (seminary students) well at all. Close your wallet and leave through the exit. Haw! But sadly, theres a lot of people that will listen just because that person insists on being called to ministry. I luv ice cream, but we dont need camo anything at Camp Backbone. I went to California with him. $$$$$. I would think some of these firms are seeing some these churches/para churches have very Deep Pockets. The letter also demands that Kanakuk release all victims from legal non-disclosure agreements, which civil parties often sign when they settle a lawsuit out of court. However, they then proceed to hire pastors who have lengthy histories of having been sexually abused as small children. Not that it matters, but we went to Silver Dollar City some half a century ago and before the whole Branson thing got to be what it apparently is now. I knew a lot of them in seminary. JMJ at Christian Monist used to relate that when he was growing up in rural Tennessee, it was an open secret that one of the pastors or elders at his church was an actively-molesting pedophile. "We believe in grace and that God can and will heal . The most ruinous con men are the most ingratiating, an unfriendly swindler wont get very far. You are brave. What is the matter with these people? Dygert said that night, Newman eventually "wanted to tie a string on each other's penises. There can be no excuse, no rationalization, no mitigating factors. Joe and his camp, Kanakuk, have been sued by Multiple former campers claiming that he and the camp knew that former employee Pete Newman was abusing children on camp grounds from 1999-2009. He currently resides inBranson, Missouri, with his wife, Debbie Jo. Top/down authoritarian polity churches dont fire their leaders. Former Kanakuk camp counselor Peter Newman is already serving two life sentences, plus 30 years, at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. I just saw an interesting video demonstrating this. Fear strikes at the hearts of the men of the NAMB. Sure this happens in the secular world too but we keep involved in the daycare, school & sports team. Thank you, ladies for your hard work. I have heard that Dolly Parton has a show/theater there, too. Its such a relief to be out of that scene. At this point, and as long as there is the eucharistic Body of Christ present one is expected to remember that one is in the sacramental presence of God and behave accordingly. He is victim prevention. This imight be true. Many will say to Me on that day, didnt we run Christian camps in your name, and publish books in your Name, and promote purity of doctrine and gender roles in your Name? The letter-writers called Kanakuk's reporteduse of NDAs one of many "intimidation tactics" thecamp uses to stifle allegations of sexual assault and protect its reputation. Oh, sorry, Dee, never mind, you already addressed this. And I am a nobody so who cares, really? They flatter and groom- not just their victims but everyone. I did not say anything remotely related to Mirele or MD and/or what she is doing in my original comment. It just strikes me that if these churches et al were as concerned about legally protecting themselves from lawsuits stemming from harboring pedophiles (since its obvious they dont care about protecting children) as they are about legally protecting themselves from their flocks via church membership forms, everyone would be a lot better off. Protecting the kids from sexual abuse should be pretty basic, both from a Christian standpoint and from a business standpoint. My paraphrase: Oh, it was just some kids they hardly count, hardly matter, I do think you are drawing the wrong conclusion here. It probably has to do with disagreeing on experience like the article said. We think that during the liturgy of the altar, the bread and the wine become consecrated and after that point one should think and act in the light of the Real Presence in the Sacrament. But how does God meet with them there when He has said Be still, and know that I am God ? We/I believe that the Eucharist is a sacrament, not just an ordinance, and we believe that the Lord is really present in the Eucharist. I think thats what some of these Christian abuse prevention organizations are attempting to do. Newmanallegedly hadfull access to the church which, of course, has children. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead mens bones and all kinds of filth. It probably wont happen here. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead mens bones and all kinds of filth.. But not "Christian" groups, they cover it up, ignore it and move on!! It means they are selling you something, in this case themselves. @ ishy: Yes, by all means, sue the bastardz. Thermidorians stage a Coup on the Jacobins, In fact, many here saw Criswell (his mentor) as a sort of backwoods demagogue. But for Jesus it did have to do with that temple/ that building in Jerusalem and what he said was My house shall be called a house of prayer. () I didn't even want to think about my past. Thanks, LawProf. Velour I just am not sure it trickles down to the members. Fellowship has it. The kid had been throwing up the entire afternoon and was left alone in the room. I dont get it. And it sends a message. They know what people want to see. I suppose reason also is something that is challenged, and yet God is the God of the natural world, which is ordered out of chaos; Wow. My daughter did a several hour training module to work for the YMCA. If they are doing stupid things and then make excuses for not making wise decisions, they are of the false church, regardless of who or what they loudly proclaim. . I know several good and wonderful Catholic people from St. Matthews parish here in my area. I was far and away the youngest person in most crowds at 45. I am at a loss when it comes to people in institutions looking the other way. I, for one, am hoping things have changed. What was ever wrong with trusting in Jesus Christ ? He wrote his phone number on my hand and said, 'Hey, let's hang out sometime.' IMO talking about conscience does indeed get close to reason and experience, except I dont think that is a bad thing. And Im sure there are many people outside the House of Driscoll who think Im defiling their holy temple just by standing on the sidewalk as a (very imperfect) warning about whats within. I am sorry for being so cynical! There is no licensing for abuse prevention trainers or investigators. Its public record, and that pastor needs to get famous. Manybut not all come from wealthy Texas evangelical families. Maybe when this season of life has passed, I can investigate Orthodoxy. We also have this notion that bad people will look bad, kind of like in Disney shows where the good are beautiful and the bad are ugly. But practically impossible. Both men said the Frenches' reporting gave them a sense of validation, even as it "rocked the boat a lot," in Dygert's words: They learned they weren't alone. Catholicism is often too far a journey to make for people not born into it, and believe me, Catholics are the first to understand how difficult it can be. I suspect pastor was either bragging or indulging his sexual fantasies in a Respectable form. After Newman's trial, civil lawsuit allegations emerged. How does anyone overlook this? Pete was one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and sincere (seeming) believers I had ever met. places like Bob Jones, SGM, etc. No wonder theres issues. I think the last year he was in ministry was working for Wade. Like independent house churches, they have no outside reality check if they go sour and/or abusive. Perhaps we could use that to make Sacred Cow Sundaes (Gram3s TM). However, it is because of Pete, that I have developed a worldview that acknowledges the power of sin and that no one is immune to the influence of the flesh. I honestly think we are talking about 2 different things. During the late Cold War, wasnt the KGB term for such types Useful Idiots? I get trying to weed them out on the front end and that is good but we are dealing with master cons. A while back, there was a male counselor who allowed his cabin of boys to horse around in the cabin while naked. I had always got the impression it is a popular Mormon hangout? The most ruinous con men are the most ingratiating, an unfriendly swindler wont get very far. Hard to tell whos who and who did what with so many of these clowns milling around scratching each others backs. People do convert out from the kind of fundamentalism that Patterson comes from, but its more into some mainland Christian denomination or possibly Episcopalian or Anglican. It occurred to me that if he ever represented what he thinks are body of Christ victims, he would not get a lot of front end business and that is a win for him and his many church/para church clients who have money. June 2009: Newman producesa written confession of his crimes. I was not in the SBC much during the CR or in 2000. To hold a corporate officer liable, he must have had actual, constructive knowledge of the actionable wrong and participated therein, the document states. Yes, lawsuits against churches/para church orgs have increased. He captures the issues that we all talk about. I guess he wouldnt have clientel to train and make a salary from if he had a reputation for suing on behalf of victims. Without success, the News-Leader attempted to reach Staples for comment several times before publication of this report. Is that the town described in that one Simpsons episode as what Las Vegas would be like if it were run by Ned Flanders? It only stopped, Hoffpauir said, when he and Madison began seriously dating. ", Kanakuk alsosaid it developed a "comprehensive Child Protection Plan" because of the "tragedy.". That shouldnt happen. Too many want a big show of everything, with celebrities and entertaining music. Others have the good fortune not to until they are older. Here is how he is listed in Wikipedia. . Being held accountable .. no amount of money will EVER be enough and we know this; The victims need justice. The fact that he was paid as a contractor was irrelevant to the amount of spiritual authority, trust and access that he had and abused. However, if the church attempts to discredit the information provided by this individual, he will come forward with his name, gladly! And we wonder why the Done ranks are swelling?! Like Hoffpauir, Dygert says he accompanied Newman on speaking engagement trips linked to Kanakuk. Opening up and letting the truth in might knock them off their perceived center. I dont know. No one can exile us from that except we were to do it ourselves, God forbid. Im going to disagree with you on that. I dont have time to watch this video to make sure its exactly what I was remembering (although I think hes said similar things in other contexts), but its labeled Milton Friedman: Make Politically Profitable For Wrong People To Do Right Thing. Be still and know that I am God? s. A while back, there was a male counselor who allowed his cabin of boys to horse around in the cabin while naked. Sheesh, adults are hard pressed. Just PR spinning about something doesnt make it so. However, it is because of Pete, that I have developed a worldview that acknowledges the power of sin and that no one is immune to the influence of the flesh. Hoffpauir said his mother, who only learned about his abuse experience in early February, "is doing awful. Or alternately, the man is always whats important and the one who should be protected. Hi MUFF, He was imprisoned following his 2010 sentencingon seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys, in connection with his role as a Kanakuk counselor. Its like the sexual harassment protection racket. Many here have referred to it as the long con. The report states that Kanakuk did not limit Newmans access to boys. YES! And so he's like, how big is your circus tent? @ Christiane: Putting a building on a pedestal does not fall in that category. But fixing the heart? They were spurred by a growing public awareness of controversy linked to Kanakuk that began in early 2021. They protect each other. Thats what God-hating narcissists do who want something from youmaybe your soul. If they cover up scandal to protect their damned reputations then they are false. Their approach to the church is prevention. Ichabod. @wartwatch @ThouArtTheMan Would be interesting to see the pay-per-view history from the NAMB guys staying in those rooms. There is no more blatant picture of filth than one who would victimize and seek to corrupt innocent, vulnerable children. Ive sat through youth ministry volunteer training with MinistrySafe, and they get it. (I have repented!) In my young and energetic college years, I worked as a summer counselor for a few small, non-Christian camps. ", "It's just, 'how's it going?'" They lied, saying he had only spoken a 3-6 times when he actually had spoken over 30 times including 10 overnight gigs. We will never stop being sorry for the pain inflicted on victims. Apparently he was intelligent and troubled enough in conscience to seek a better situation. I feel sad for them. It welcomes tens of thousands of campers to five overnight "kamps" each summer more than 500,000 to date, Kanakuk says. Newman reportedly hadnaked conversations with campersand engaged in mutual masturbation and"hot tub Bible studies" with boys, as the News-Leader reported during his 2009 trial. I would call the culling of those missionaries an attack against a healthy diversity within the SBC, and the missionaries belonged to a faith group that leadership no longer wanted to have influence in the SBC. . @ dee: As part of that settlement, the Yandells signed a non-disclosure agreement. I think its a healthy barrier against abuse. Loritts allegedly responded It was just some skinny dipping thing.. I know. -Newman had sexual relations with boys in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. I would sue if I were in the position of these families. (?) I had a very hard time believing any of it. But I truly dont know if I can trust them. And yet, over and over, we see this is not the case. How do I go about investigating a camp? I had a very hard time believing any of it. He is victim prevention. I have never been in a hyper authoritarian church, but let me contribute this to the conversation. Of course, if a church in a particular area has the PD, and judges in their pocket, then it will be challenging. We are talking about something that cannot just be repented of but something that is the persons very identity- who they are. So it kind of depends on what the issue is which type of investigation is required. Sovereign Grace Ministries Im glad your wife walked out of the creepy sermon. It was freaky seeing all these ancient country and music stars up close and personal with enough makeup and plastic surgery scars to plug up the river. Just like we discuss here about TGC and T4G. Same. he recalled. I think that the Church of my Southern Baptist grandmother must have been similar, as she was someone who reflected on the goodness of God and lived her life accordingly. Brian wrote: He sold mini busts of himself at one convention back in the 90s(?). Without it, external authority can squash ones internal frame of moral reference and ability to meet with God in the sanctuary that is ones conscience. Its a tough gig for lawyers trying to represent victims of clergy sexual abuse. Gateway considered Sammy a pastor and even flew him out regularly for staff chapel and pastors meetings. I dont know if you and your family have seen former pastor David Hayward/The Naked Pastors cartoons. Kanakuk leaders also have described convicted child molester Pete Newman as a lone predator but he wasn't the first or last abuser connected to the camp. We no longer go to church, but we are the Church, weve just found other, safer ways of meeting together that dont involve narcissistic/dangerous/abusive men and their vicious little fiefdoms. Luke 17:2 There is a lot of mega ego involved. Not to mention they would probably disqualify half their leaders. We are committed to our vision that todays young adults are the Christian leaders of tomorrow, and we will continue to advocate for their safety as they grow in friendships, faith, and confidence. Its claiming he does both that is the problem. We heard a few stories of payroll money going missing to buy new cars for the Apostle and his son. A man who comments over on Spiritual Sounding Board has said that he and his wife came to the conclusion that when a church wont protect children, thats just the tip of the iceberg of other serious problems at that church. The aura or attraction that people feel for personality-disordered (or character-disordered) people is an attraction to something that is a lie, as you said. Growing public awareness of controversy linked to Kanakuk camp began early last year. Some people have to face it very young. If you dont believe that read Thom Raner this time about 15 reasons pastors should not visit. "They were mostly promoting Youth Life at that time," Dygert said, referencing the religious youth group that Kanakuk now calls "K-Life. Our pride rebels. Please consider subscribing to support vital local journalism. Newman admitted he betrayed the trust of underage boys and their parents when he held naked bible study in his hot tub, where he performed masturbation with/or on the boys, performed oral sex with the young men and played naked basketball with the youths. Back in the 1990s, I thought litigators working for Scientology were the absolute worst. He may be hired for the training aspect. We should all strive to reach that level of God-likeness. I was quoting Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (NIV). I pray frequently for Petes victims healing, and that Pete remains in jail while here on earth. This modified form of ignorance is found in people who, if confronted with certain truths realize that they have to accept them and thereby acknowledge evil, and that scares them. ", Newman's call came in 13 years ago, butHoffpauir said he remembers thatwhen the phone rang, he was in bed watching TV with his wife, Madison. He is not advocating for the victims in a church (his personal definition of what Church is, I might add) case. Ill tell you what. On the friedman quote, I share your political concerns, but I thought it was applicable to these church cases too. (Last year, Newman was found liable for more than $5 million in damages in that case, Missouri court records show.) Boys club. AND I can see this as a definite wake-up call to churches where men have played church, taken money from people, lorded their power and control over these people, and allowed their children to be abused by their buddies. Hit them where it hurts. 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