Voice of the Martyrs Issue Statement About Alleged Victim

We commend Voce of the Martyr's for their statement about the alleged victim and her family. Here is the part of the statement. Go to this link to read the full release.

"Both her family and the White family have asked VOM to respect their privacy during this time and not comment on specifics of the investigation. After listening to both families, and because the alleged activity did not take place at VOM and was unrelated to Mr. White’s work with the ministry, VOM’s leadership believe it is appropriate to honor their request [prior to issuing this statement VOM asked members of both families to review it]."

Please pray for both families during this difficult period. Also, pray for this ministry which has done much to care for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Comments

Voice of the Martyrs Issue Statement About Alleged Victim — 90 Comments

  1. Hello Dee:
    It is very painful to know about Tom White and the allegations.
    I lost a son to suicide when he was 16, in 1981, on our anniversary. I had left Jehovah’s Witnesses after 24 years because of how people were treated and problems ignored. I served most of that time as an Elder. I am now a Christian in a Reformed Church and serve in leadership and also teach our Adult Sunday School on depression. This relates to how we, as Christians, can ignore our own sins, or hide them, and can easily be drawn into decieving ourselves. I have spoken in my recent lessons on the need for us to pray for one another and especially for those who may be suicidal and keeping quiet about it. Leadership in Jehovah’s Witnesses ignores these kinds of ‘problems’ because they are more interested in their public ‘image’ and not what is really going on within this group. I know. But, this happens in churches too. We can have our doctrines right, but, if we do not show the love of Christ, then we become Pharisees, don’t we? And I’m convinced from my own experiences in Jehovah’s Witnesses that leaders can live a double life. “Jekyl and Hyde” in other words. I saw this in others who were my dear friends in that group. In fact, when they knew I was going to leave JW’s, one friend said they would consider leaving too, but, they don’t want to go through what I did. His reputation was more important to him than truth. So, we can live a lie because of pride. I say all this because I believe people, Christians, turn away from seeking counsel within the church because of how their problems are dealt with. So, the next step is to seek help outside the church. But, it’s important to know if the counselor really believes the Bible is the Word of God. For me, this is the foundation of how we can know ourselves. I recently taught an entire lesson on one text: “For God has not given us the Spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” -2 Timothy 1:7. Is this practical – is it true? What is a sound mind? So we discussed this. I believe that we often say we believe God’s Word, and then act as if we don’t. When these terrible things happen it is heartbreaking. We need to pray for VOM and it’s response to what has happened, in relation to Tom White and to the allegations against him. It’s one thing to examine ourselves. But, the enemies of Christ are and will use this to attack our faith in Christ. “For the name of God is blashphemed among the Gentiles through you” -Romans 2:24 Healing can only come through our Lord and I am praying that all this would also be among the “all things (that) work for good to them that love God” -Romans 8:28
    Please also pray for me. I always think of Michael. And often, all I can do is cry.
    In Christ,
    Ernie Zenone, Sr.
    PS My story is on the web site above.

  2. I’m glad they are working with the family and that the ministry is not directly involved with the situation in any way.

    The whole thing is so sad. I was thinking what it must be like for the wife, children and grandchildren of the man who died. No chance to say goodbye, no chance to ask questions, nothing. Just a whole series of shocks they will attempt to sort out the rest of their lives. I realize the little girl is apparently the true victim in all of this, but my heart also breaks for the rest of the man’s family left behind who will live with unanswered questions and pain forever.

  3. Ernie
    My heart breaks for you.I cannot express how sad I am to hear of your son’s death at such a young age. How hard it has been for you.

    So many times we sit in our churches with happy smiles when people are dying inside, fearful to share their pain. They fear being ostracized and rejected.And so many muddle on, becoming more desperate. I pray our churches become more compassionate.

    Enemies of the church attack us when these things happen. But, sometimes, people who are watching us also become discouraged as they see these things because we present a false image of the faith to them. We seem to have given them the impression that we are somehow better than everyone else. But, we are not. We need the grace of Jesus everyday. Could it be that we need to be more open with the world about our struggles? Perhaps we can show the world that we still need grace everyday.

    Know that I will pray for you and so will many of our readers. Thank you for sharing your life so transparently.

  4. Sallie
    I think the man’s family are victims as well, but in a different way. In fact you summed it up perfectly. “No chance to say goodbye, no chance to ask questions, nothing. Just a whole series of shocks they will attempt to sort out the rest of their lives.”

  5. “Tender Is His Light…”

    HowDee YaAll,

    “…it’s important to know if the counselor really believes the Bible is the Word of God.” -Ernie Zenone, Sr., TWW.

    hmmm…

       It’s important for us all to know & really believe the Bible is the Word of God; is true; that we can trust it & it’s contents when it is blue skys, or how-bet, when it is raining. It’s not a slender thread you’re holding-on-to when you are trusting in His Word, but a proverbial parachute when you are forced by life ta jump from what a moment ago appeared to present itself as a perfectly good airship. Life does that. Un-fortunately, there are many causalities who don’t have a chute, for what-ever-reason.

    (sadface)

    Tender is His light,
    When the darkness gives flight,
    To what we though gives us hope…
    Tender are the motions? tender is the night?
    Between a life that we expected,
    And the way it’s turn’d out?

     Reach for it,
    Tender is His light!
    Lean into it with all your might…
     Put on the word of God…, 
    Ya never know when ya gonna need it.

    Funny how the foolish things of God work…,
    It just might save you life in more ways than you know!
    The contents of God’d book the Bible, and it’s dear sweet promises are for all who care ta listen.
    Have a listen, ok?

    (it comes with an eternal guarantee…)

    (grin)

    Ipr♥ay4U

    S㋡py
    ___
    Comic relief: Jackson Browne –  …♪♫♪”Tender Is The Night”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5VMoi9EKUA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
    © Jackson Browne/Swallow Turn Music/Night Kitchen Music/Open Window Music, EMI Music Publishing; Songwriters: BROWNE, JACKSON / KORTCHMAR, DANNY / KUNKEL, RUSS. (adapted)

  6. In my personal experience, the church wounds more than heals. However, the Lord is my healer who healed all my wounds. I have less and less expectation from the church and I am free and happy.

    On a side note, I wonder if this complementarism is just another tactic of the Devil to distract many from the central focus in Jesus Christ? He, the Devil does any and everything to make us forget our Lord and His resurrection life that conquers sin and death. What do you think?

    “we should live in simplicity and godly sincerity” from the Bible, can’t remember the verse and have to go to church now.

  7. I’m sorry to say I’m not quite as impressed as some seem to be, that VOM FINALLY came in…belatedly, to do what appears to be damage control concerning the 10yr old molestation victim. What disgusts me is their continued use of the word “alleged”..OK, so they visited the “alleged” victim and her “alleged” family about the “alleged activity”, so they could make public this “alleged” statement. So, the entire sordid affair is being reduced to “alleged events” until hopefully VOM, with the help of local law enforcement and local media can sweep the dirt under the rug, and hope it will all go away and then VOM can continue with business, (and donations), as usual.

    No! There needs to be a full and transparent investigation of this entire matter, and law enforcement and VOM need to stop beating around the bush and cough up the goods.

    Meanwhile, some new info has surfaced about questionable spiritual and doctrinal content Tom White routinely inserted into the monthly VOM newsletter… which would have slipped under the radar except for some very astute readers and students of the scriptures:

    Tom White Suicide VOM Child Molestation Scandal Update

  8. I wanted to copy this from Wade’s blog because it expresses what I think:

    “The first person I thought about when I read the story of your abuser’s death was you. I do not view his death as something more tragic than his abuse of you. Let me say that again in a different way. The abuse perpetrated on you is far more tragic than your abuser’s death. I did not think of his ministry, his reputation, or even his family when I first heard of his death. I thought about you.”

    Amen, Amen and AMEN! My prayers are with that little girl.

  9. “On a side note, I wonder if this complementarism is just another tactic of the Devil to distract many from the central focus in Jesus Christ? He, the Devil does any and everything to make us forget our Lord and His resurrection life that conquers sin and death. What do you think?”

    I think you have nailed it, Kelly. That is exactly what it is. And what has made it even more sinister is that it has been connected to “understanding the Good News”. Satan is thrilled.

    I am so glad you see this, Kelly. I wish more could see it.

  10. The two verses I was thinking of when I wrote the previous post earlier are:

    “…we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity…” (2 Cor 1:12) and

    “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent received Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Cor 11:3)

    The gospel is simple; yet this complementarianism business is complicated and to me, it looks like legalism if I have to be a complementarian to be _______ or ________. The Devil loves to trap people or keep people in bondage, one of which, of course, is legalism. What say ye?

  11. Eagle said, regarding fundies:

    “There are atheists and agnostics that can have more grace and love than this crowd.”

    Since detoxing from the local chapter of Dysfunction Central at a previous church, I’ve made many friends who are moslem, hindu, or no religion at all. They are the kindest, most generous and gracious, and respectful human beings I’ve ever known.

    It took me by complete surprise, as the mindset of my christian environments has always seemed to communicate that true kindness and strong character are found only in christian people. Beware the nonchristian — oh, please get to know them & extend friendship for the purposes of inviting them to church — but that is as far as your association should really go. You wouldn’t enjoy friendship with them, anyway. Reserve that for the spiritually beautiful people — the christians, of course.

    It is simply a complete misnomer to believe and communicate that christians are the gold standard of kindness and graciousness. While logic would seem to make it so, for whatever reason it is not the case. Chances are you will find, like I have, greater proportions of strong character in other demographics.

  12. “and because the alleged activity did not take place at VOM and was unrelated to Mr. White’s work with the ministry,”

    Sooo, Mr White is not related to the “work of the ministry” ????

    How convenient, sounds like lawyers , circling the wagons.

    Lawyers to the girl’s family: you don’t want your daughter to be further traumatized, do you?

    Shush

  13. Wade said

    “The first person I thought about when I read the story of your abuser’s death was you.”

    But in another case in Wade’s life, the first person (and only person?) he ministered to was the alleged perpetrator, never has he said or written to the victim in that case?

    Just blowing smoke

  14. Colour me unimpressed. I do not understand how, because this “alleged activity” didn’t physically take place at VOM – it makes it “unrelated” to Mr. White’s work at VOM. While ministering at VOM Mr. White was “allegedly” molesting children, just because he didn’t molest anyone in their office building doesn’t mean he wasn’t living a double life while inside the office building. Way to pass the buck, VOM.

  15. “…the alleged activity did not take place at VOM and was unrelated to Mr. White’s work with the ministry….”

    I, too, am unimpressed. I read the full statement and have less respect for VOM than I did earlier in the week. Isn’t their mission to assist persecuted Christians? Are these persecuted Christians “alleged” victims? No, they’re genuine victims of persecution whether their perpetrators have ever been arrested, charged, or tried. If VOM has met with the family and believes the little girl, why call it “allegations of abuse” and “alleged activity”?

    VOM’s statement is essentially the same statement I’ve seen over and over with churches that have leaders who molest children. Their statement almost always says something to the effect of “alleged abuse did not take place at the church”. And VOM added “the alleged activity…was unrelated to Mr. White’s work with the ministry….” Huh?? Are you kidding me??

    In my opinion, they should have made this statement in full on their homepage. It wasn’t even included in their feature stories with the scrolling, attention-grabbing headlines. You wouldn’t even know the statement is there unless you’re looking for it specifically. First of all, the title of the post is “Statement of Thanks”. What?? Secondly, the title and one sentence of the post is in tiny print in a column on the right of their homepage. Apparently, that’s how important it is. Ugh.

    Rest assured, though, they’re patting themselves on the back for a public statement well done. And since the family signed off on it, well, even better. I would imagine that this family is completely distraught. They haven’t even begun to deal with the consequences of what this perpetrator did to their daughter. The family was probably in no shape to approve this statement. I imagine they shrugged off, for numerous reasons, anything that didn’t sit well them.

  16. Wendy
    Let me share with you why I appreciate the response of VOM. A few years back, I was involved in pedophile situation in a church. This church, when confronted about their lack of response to some kids who had been abused, absolutely refused to admit that they had any responsibility to help the victims, saying they were not “allowed”to do so, blaming those who brought up the issue as the real problems, etc. Then need I say more than the Catholic priest pedophile scandal?

    VOM figured out their response was lacking, I believe, by paying attention to the public response. I think they were in shock, especially since the body was found at their headquarters. They responded far more quickly than many churches have done in similar situations. I only wish some churches like some of the incidents we have discussed at this blog had responded in similar manners after criticism.

  17. “…the alleged activity did not take place at VOM….”

    This is the same statement (except substitute the word church in place of VOM) that a former pastor said over and over to me when I pressed him to address a sexual abuse situation at our previous church. It is also used in most of the public statements issued by churches that have leaders who molest kids. It’s as if it partially gets them off the hook.

    Has VOM ever called any of the persecuted Christians for whom they provide services “alleged victims”? Most of those persecuted Christians will never see justice on this side of eternity, because their perpetrators aren’t arrested, charged, and tried for their crimes. But VOM comes in and gives aid and a “voice” to them. This little girl’s perpetrator killed himself, and thus, removed the possibility of her and her family seeing any type of justice here on earth. Couldn’t they have at least acknowledged her as a real victim of a real crime, instead of “allegations of abuse” and “alleged activity”? It just seems so hypocritical.

  18. Dee Said

    “when confronted about their lack of response to some kids who had been abused, absolutely refused to admit that they had any responsibility to help the victims, saying they were not “allowed” to do so, blaming those who brought up the issue as the real problems, etc. ”

    But there is a difference in this case, the “alleged” perpetrator is dead and thus there is no need to protect “him”. Now they just need to protect the ministry. Picture the victim coming forward with Mr White still alive, what would have been the reaction of VOM?

    So they are just saying

    Shush

  19. Wendy
    I understand what you are saying and believe it is valid. Don’t give up on some justice on this earth. There are ways that there could still be a trial in the civil system based on the evidence.

  20. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NDk1

    “The day before, allegations were made to authorities that Tom had inappropriate contact with a young girl. I personally believe that rather than face those allegations and the resulting fallout for his family and this ministry, Tom chose to end his life.”

    “No one in leadership at VOM was aware of the allegations at the time of Tom’s death.”

    ?

    Does that mean no one knew? or just those in the leadership at VOM didn’t know? And who is considered “leadership” at VOM ?

    Strange wording.

  21. It is premature to say that the crime occurred until the investigation is completed. Thus the word “alleged” is used. It is equally unfair to the family of the deceased to not use the word alleged, until the investigation is completed. VOM apparently did sufficient investigation to determine that the alleged abuse did not occur at their facility nor was the contact with the alleged victim through a connection with the ministry of VOM. So they released a statement, probably within hours of confirmation of what was said. They at least had the honor to have the statement reviewed by representatives of both families and obtained their approval.

    Please do not leap to a conclusion and then pillory people who are at least trying to do the right thing. It is an evil thing to do, and only empowers those who would choose to cover up rather than do the right thing, because they can point fingers at this situation and say “look, it doesn’t matter, so let’s deny everything and keep quiet.”

  22. Some interesting postings from

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/24/tom-white-voice-of-martyrs_n_1448951.html

    rtgmath

    “I find it intensely interesting that Fundamentalists and Conservatives, so outraged by the thoughts of sex among people who are not married, or who are married to people of the same sex, or who believe in using contraception, are so often found in compromising situations.

    They preach against what they secretly do and secretly are. And so they fulfill the Scriptures they are so quick to defend …

    2 Peter 2:18 “For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.” ”

    Leanne McKenzie

    “A man does not get to be 64 years old and decide one day to molest a 10 year old girl.
    If he did it, there are other victims in the past.
    Time and his death will tell.”

    Peter droman

    “he did the right thing-

    its unfortunate that he had not done so before he violated the innocent child’s personal dignity and her right to her childhood.

    after all Our/ My Savior Brother Yesh’wa Messiah did advise us all 2012 years ago that:

    ITS BETTER FOR ANYONE THAT LEADS ASTRAY ANY SUCH AS THESE INNOCENT ONES TO TIE A MILESTONE AROUND THERE NECK AND HURL THEMSELVES INTO THE DEEPEST LAKES…”

    mayhapes there is some redemption / spiritual mercy to be gained from this “milestone remedy”-

    at least those that take it will harm no more innocent ones afterwords.”

    VinZenTexaN

    “Bummer and he is NOT going to hell ! “

  23. wondering
    I bet the police will finish their investigation as much as possible and issue some sort of statement. I wonder if this thing could go to civil court as well. I promise we will not drop this situation and will follow up on the outcome and keep our readers informed. We have a real thing about child molestation and want to see this investigated fully.

  24. All I can say is when you start hearing the word “Alleged”, the statements are being written or vetted by lawyers. It’s legalese CYA when expecting lawsuits or defense maneuvers.

    (Or should that be “the alleged statements are allegedly being written or allegedly vetted by alleged lawyers”?)

  25. HUG

    It is often a necessary truth. Publishing allegations without that word can be damaging to the innocent falsely accused, and it does happen. One must have compassion for the innocently accused as for the innocents harmed, and withhold judgment until an investigation can be completed. I know of several cases where an alleged victim was placed in counseling with a highly respected and gifted sexual abuse counselor, and subsequently confessed to making up the tale based on reading/seeing about abuse cases in the media. Regardless, the former highly recognized teacher cannot get employment in education because he has an arrest record, even when the charges were dropped.

  26. Arce,

    “VOM apparently did sufficient investigation to determine that the alleged abuse did not occur at their facility nor was the contact with the alleged victim through a connection with the ministry of VOM.”

    If this is all just “alleged”, how did they determine for certain that the alleged abuse didn’t occur at their facilty and that the alleged contact with the alleged victim didn’t occur through a connection of the ministry of VOM? I mean, after all, it’s all just alleged anyway.

    I’m glad that you are very concerned with White’s family, but please do not accuse me of saying something “evil”. I am standing up for this victim who is an innocent child. For VOM to say that the “allegations of abuse” and the “alleged activity” were “unrelated” to his work is unbelievable. He was in ministry, for goodness sake. It doesn’t matter where this took place.

  27. “DENVER (Reuters) – A man sentenced to life in prison for raping a Colorado woman and strangling her to death with a dog leash could be freed on Monday based on advanced DNA testing that is believed to exonerate him of the crime.”

    “Post-conviction DNA testing has exonerated nearly 290 people in the United States since 1989, according to the Innocence Project, which works to reverse wrongful convictions.”

  28. Jimmy:

    You said:”“DENVER (Reuters) – A man sentenced to life in prison for raping a Colorado woman and strangling her to death with a dog leash could be freed on Monday based on advanced DNA testing that is believed to exonerate him of the crime.”

    “Post-conviction DNA testing has exonerated nearly 290 people in the United States since 1989, according to the Innocence Project, which works to reverse wrongful convictions.”

    I did not see an interpretation of the above by you for the above. Help me please what are you trying to say.

  29. Mot, if recent posting history is any indicator, I’m pretty sure I can’t help with your request.

  30. Jimmy
    You are cryptic.What does this have to do with the post in question? Do you not think that we do want a thorough and accurate police investigation? Also, the man in question in your comment did not commit suicide and continued to fight his wrongful conviction. That sounds like the acts of an innocent man.

  31. Jimmy:

    You said to me:”Mot, if recent posting history is any indicator, I’m pretty sure I can’t help with your request.”

    And whose fault is that?

    I get really tired of your NONSENSE!

  32. Wade Burleson’s sentiments to this innocent and courageous little girl bear repeating. It reflects exactly what I felt when I first read about Tom White’s suicide:

    “The first person I thought about when I read the story of your abuser’s death was you. I do not view his death as something more tragic than his abuse of you. Let me say that again in a different way. The abuse perpetrated on you is far more tragic than your abuser’s death. I did not think of his ministry, his reputation, or even his family when I first heard of his death. I thought about you.

    Your abuser’s sin and shame and his lack of personal responsibility and courage are the direct causes of his death. Your abuser took his own life and you had nothing to do with it.”

  33. HUG

    It is often a necessary truth. Publishing allegations without that word can be damaging to the innocent falsely accused, and it does happen

    i.e. It makes sense to lawyers but sounds like lying Newspeak BS to all us proles. Kind of like “It all depends on what the meaning of ‘is’ is.”

  34. Yes, and legally, “is” is not “was”, and the lawyer who asked the question was being devious and would have failed two of my law school courses for the way he acted in that deposition.

    The point I am trying to make is that, based on the allegations by the child, VOM has reasonable certainty that the alleged abuse did not occur at their facility or as a direct result of the employment of the alleged perpetrator at VOM. That does not excuse the alleged abuser nor cover up the alleged abuse.

    VOM is being public, with the permission of the families involved, with what it can discover. They should be praised, not condemned. Condemnation of an organization for sharing what it knows when it knows it will only empower the next cover up.

  35. Determining guilt or innocence can be a tricky thing. I’m all for avoiding a Rush To Judgment.

    The little girl is in all of our prayers.

  36. Arce,

    “The point I am trying to make is that, based on the allegations by the child, VOM has reasonable certainty that the alleged abuse did not occur at their facility or as a direct result of the employment of the alleged perpetrator at VOM.”

    What you’re saying doesn’t make sense. If VOM has “reasonable certainty” that the abuse didn’t occur at their facility (to the extent that they are making a public statement asserting that it didn’t happen there), why don’t they have “reasonable certainty” that the abuse happened at all?

    The other part of your statement that doesn’t make sense: “…alleged abuse did not occur… as a direct result of the employment of the alleged perpetrator at VOM.” Sexual abuse does not “occur” as a “direct result” of employment anywhere. This man was in ministry. He used his age, his power, and his status in ministry and the community to gain the trust of his victim (and most likely her family). I found VOM’s statements and the manner in which they posted their statement to be self-protective. Their statement was basically the same statement I’ve seen over and over by churches with a leader who molested a child and got caught – the abuse didn’t happen at our church (and if the victim wasn’t a member of the church, they throw that in too).

    I understand that you’re a lawyer and this is your thinking and the way you were trained. Before I began teaching psychology, I was a counselor. I have many years of counseling and social work in my background. This is not the thinking and training of professionals in my field. We are trained to believe the reports of children. Over and over, research has shown that children hide, deny, or minimize sexual abuse rather than make up allegations. There is a small percentage of false reports, and I agree that it happens, but false reports are very rare and are usually in collusion with a parent involved in divorce or custody disputes. Thus, we are trained to always believe the child.

    I’m glad you love VOM’s statement and that it was in line with your legal expertise, but I don’t appreciate your suggestion that my comments will “empower the next cover up”. Churches and Christian organizations don’t need anyone encouraging them to cover up sexual crimes or protect their self-interests. They’re pros at it.

  37. @ Wendy Mon, Apr 30 2012 at 11:36 am

    “He used his age, his power, and his status in ministry and the community to gain the trust of his victim (and most likely her family)”

    HOW EXACTLY DO YOU KNOW THAT? I believe you are presuming things you do not know to be true. That is my point about mob rule rush to judgment. Facts get made up, and it is just as evil as a cover up would be.

  38. Wendy,

    I also have a Ph.D. in Psychology, with an emphasis on how do we know and what do we know, as opposed to what we believe that we know. You are displaying a wide variety of the things I studied as the false assurance that people have that they know some things that are actually unknowable to them, but they presume to be true.

    And, having worked with churches when abuse has occurred, I can assure you, there is always a discussion as to whether to cover or go public and how. And it is empowering to those would would cover when people who are open are excoriated for it.

  39. Just what is an “inappropriate relationship” between a 10 year old girl and a 61 year old man? Do we even have a clue?

  40. Was this victim not a child and this man not in his sixties? Was this child not powerless and this man not someone of power and authority in his ministry and community? Did this child have any status in this world? This what predators use to abuse their victims.

    I don’t have to appreciate VOM’s statement. Frankly, I think there is a lot wrong with it, including the way it was issued. You can adore their statement since it met most of your legal requirements. I don’t think your arguments make sense, but I’m not accusing you of “evil”. It’s a free country, and we can each have our own opinions which obviously have been shaped by our individual experiences. Just don’t accuse me of “evil” and “empowering” those who would cover up sexual crimes.

    By the way, I’d be interested to know what you thought of Wade Burleson’s public open letter to the victim. He didn’t wait for the investigation to be completed. He went with the information already provided, and he believed the child. He called Tom White an abuser and a perpetrator numerous times. I hope she and her family find his letter. It is beautiful, and I believe it will provide some healing for her and her family at some point in this painful journey.

  41. Jimmy said

    “The little girl is in all of our prayers.”

    who are you speaking for? (in all our )

    Prayers like

    Dear Lord, please remove the memory of this alleged incident from this little girls mind?

    or

    Dear Lord, why did you allow this to happen? Where were you when one of your anointed misbehaved and crossed the line?

  42. Bridget2

    “how Jesus would care for and love the child!!”

    Do we know how?

    There wasn’t any reporters or even bloggers around then that could critique what was going on, so we only have one sided reports available today to determine?

  43. Wondering –

    Reporters and bloggers are a moot point. One of the things Jesus did was “going about doing good” by all accounts. Would you consider the alleged incident of this discussion “good?”

    Who has decided that what we know of Jesus is one sided?

  44. “No one in leadership at VOM was aware of the allegations at the time of Tom’s death.”

    Does that mean no one knew? or just those in the leadership at VOM didn’t know? And who is considered “leadership” at VOM ?

    It means they likely did their best to make a factual statement. They likely polled the “leadership” and everyone polled said they did not know anything.

    Now stating that no one in any way shape or form working for/with/alongside of VOM knew anything might turn out to be false. Which is what would be implied if they said “…no one at VOM…”

    Take a chill pill.

  45. Wendy said: “Churches and Christian organizations don’t need anyone encouraging them to cover up sexual crimes or protect their self-interests.” Yes and that is what attacking people who do report and who try to do the right thing does, it encourages those who are on the fence to cover up.

    Your self-righteous anger is exactly the weapon that people use to say that some things have to be kept quiet. I know. I have been there arguing for reporting and going public when others were against anything but covering up. And it hurts both the alleged victims and the alleged perpetrators and all of the families, and especially when the allegations turn out to be false.

  46. Wendy

    You are way off base here.

    You keep assuming you know more than you do. For all we know the relationship between the girl and White was due to his grandchild being on a soccer team with this girl. Or they were part of a carpool he helped with at times. Or ….. WE DON’T KNOW.

  47. I mean Protestants have had to deal with molestation situations just as much. This issue has plagued many Baptist, Bill Gothard, evangelical organizations etc…. Yet many don’t talk about it. When the Catholic molestation situation happened, that is ALL many could talk about. Fundys talked about it, media talked about it, etc..

    … several possible reasons in Eagle’s mind…

    I was thinking about this because the Catholic church has taken so much crap over the molestation issue….yet while many fundys have the same problem they don’t get beaten up by this issue.

    If VOM had several hundred staffers over the last 50 years getting accused and then being transferred by VOM to other VOM locations dealing with kids…. Then we’d be talking apples and apples.

    One of the strengths and weaknesses of the independent nation of many protestant congregations is their independence. It gives them the ability to be strong on their own and also hide when they are scared. But there is no SBC ministry assignment bureau moving accused pastors around the country like was done in the RCC scandals.

    Dee wants the SBC to have a registry. I’m not convinced it will do anything more than give cover to those with accusations but no criminal or civil convictions. Since any entries about unproven accusations will either be wrong against the accused (with legal implications) or imply a church did not reporting a crime. So at the end of the day it will only contain entries that resulted in legal proceedings which is already publicly available.

  48. Bridget2
    “Who has decided that what we know of Jesus is one sided?”

    The Religious Anointed’s

    Choose which information would be included and which would be excluded,

    thus making the story flow in the positive direction.

    And where is the information of those lost years between youth and 30?

  49. I am re-posting Dee’s thoughtful, compassionate comment from the comments section on her post Tom White, Voice of the Martyrs: Dealing With Serious Sin and Pain:

    “The more I think about this, the more that I want to clarify something. There is a 10 year old child involved here. The police have said so.

    It was a very serious charge in order to get the police chief, who was a friend of Tom’s, to apply for and receive a warrant to follow a private citizen in his car. These warrants are a serious invasion of privacy, and judges are loathe to allow this to occur. The evidence has to be very, very strong to allow this. To top it off, the police chief was a friend of Tom’s and served on his board. He would not have permitted such a thing if it was spurious.

    The suicide of Tom makes this even more difficult. A court trial would have allowed him to give his side of the story. He obviously did not want this to occur. His death leaves things unresolved. This makes it most difficult for the child since there will be many who will refuse to believe a child’s testimony over a revered figure.

    No matter what happens, this child is a victim-of molestation or being encouraged to report a false molestation. I believe that the latter is unlikely. The police chief would not have allowed such a thing to occur unless the report was very, very solid. This child is in pain. She will be in pain. To say there is just an alleged victim is to deny a child who is hurting, no matter the situation. That child is a victim no matter the end story.

    This blog exists to support the other side. Those who are not the ones in power, the ones who have thousands of adherents who believe in “My Christian leader could never do such a thing.” It is often a case of “he said, she said.” We are one of the few voices who support the underdog. Tom White and his family will have plenty of supporters. I think this little girl probably will not. Therefore, our focus will be on supporting and advocating for her.

    I want to say something quite strongly. Anyone who comments on this blog post and does not express concern for a hurting little girl needs to have a heart check.”

  50. Jimmy:

    I believe you have mastered the art of doublespeak. — Mot

    More like “duckspeak” — reciting the Party Line platitudes like a quacking duck or parrot, without engaging any neurons above the brainstem. Stimulus –> Party Line Response.

  51. Jimmy said

    “The little girl is in all of our prayers.”

    who are you speaking for? (in all our )

    Prayers like

    Dear Lord, please remove the memory of this alleged incident from this little girls mind?

    or

    Dear Lord, why did you allow this to happen? Where were you when one of your anointed misbehaved and crossed the line? — Wondering

    Or “Pray for X” as in Christianese for “do nothing”?

    I respond with a paraphrase of Babylon-5:

    “You have a saying: ‘I’ll Pray for You.’
    We also have a saying: ‘PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS.'”

    Because I’ve seen “Praying for X” used as an excuse for doing nothing way too often.

  52. “I would imagine that this family is completely distraught. They haven’t even begun to deal with the consequences of what this perpetrator did to their daughter. The family was probably in no shape to approve this statement. I imagine they shrugged off, for numerous reasons, anything that didn’t sit well them.”

    I am concerned about this aspect of it, too. What if the VOM lawyers contacted them and got an ok for the statement yet the family had no lawyer yet or thought they did not need one for such a thing while being so distraught. I am always leary of how these things play out. And I agree about the statement being hard to find. (I am finding this a tactic more and more used in Christian circles)

    VOM is very much involved whether they like it or not. He was their public face.

    Whoever said the little girl lured him on needs to be horse whipped. Sorry but that just goes right through me. Blaming a child for what a Christian—making his living as a believer—61 year old man did. I suppose he is off the hook because we all know men have their “needs”? Patriarchy thinking rises again in saddest places. Sick, sick sick.

  53. Dee –

    That happened on the original post about this subject at 12:52 today. The poster was catchicksme. I couldn’t believe it.

  54. Dee Said

    “Who said the little girl lured him on?”

    I think he got that idea from your previous Commentary

    “Wade Burleson has deleted the comments on this post for good reason. There was actually a commenter who said that this child could be either a Tamar or a Bathsheba! How sick is that?”

  55. Wondering –

    It did not come from Dee’s commentary at all. It came exactly where I and J. Terry said it came from. It did not come from what you quoted above.

    BTW – you didn’t answer my question above. Here is my comment again:

    Reporters and bloggers are a moot point. One of the things Jesus did was “going about doing good” by all accounts. Would you consider the alleged incident of this discussion “good?”

    Who has decided that what we know of Jesus is one sided? (Your answer to this made no sense. The religious annointed made no decisions for me. And your “religious annointed” doesn’t specify anyone.)

  56. Great post on Wade’s site. Perhaps now we can all drop the word “alleged”, thank God. Glad to hear this news.

    Hundreds of little girls just as precious in God’s eyes are being molested every day. They need prayers too. Let’s not forget that.

    Also, just because Tom White is dead, does not mean there should not be an investigation. On the contrary, the events surrounding this tragedy demands an investigation.

    My focus is still on VOM right now. There are still many, many questions concerning VOM that need to be answered. Whoever is designated as the new “leadership” in place of Tom White has a responsibility to supporters of the ministry if VOM hopes to keep the good will of the public and supporters. This tragedy and the scandal that ensued has raised many questions about the operation of VOM itself that need to be cleared up.

  57. “For His Glory, And The Good Of His People…”

    HowDee YaAll,

    Thanks Dee. always… ;~)

    *

    …Folks, here are some recent snippets from Pastor Wade Burleson website:

        “When I first heard of Tom’s suicide, my immediate thoughts went to the young girl. I was not sure if she would ever read the open letter, but I asked the Lord, if possible, to use the letter to bring healing to the young girl and her family. To help the young girl understand how important she was to me (and others), I wrote these words: ‘The first person I thought about when I read the story of your abuser’s death was you. I do not view his death as something more tragic than his abuse of you. Let me say that again in a different way. The abuse perpetrated on you is far more tragic than your abuser’s death. I did not think of his ministry, his reputation, or even his family when I first heard of his death. I thought about you.  Your abuser’s sin and shame and his lack of personal responsibility and courage are the direct causes of his death. Your abuser took his own life and you had nothing to do with it.’ ” -Pastor Wade Burleson 

    “…there is no doubt the open letter helped this young girl’s family.” -Pastor Wade Burleson @ wadeburleson.org

        (…the father of the young girl) “…was at work and had Googled “Tom White” and on the third page he found my post “The Sin and Suicide of ‘Voice of the Martyrs’ Executive Director Tom White: An Open Letter to the Young Girl He Abused.” He thought to himself, “What in the world is this about?” He read it at his desk and began to weep. He said that he was so moved by the words, and received such healing from them, he immediately printed off a copy of the letter and took it home to read to his wife. He said they both cried as he read the letter out loud at the house. “The Holy Spirit brough such incredible comfort and healing to us both.” The parents of the young girl have saved the letter, and will  at the appropriate time, as recommended by their daughter’s counselor, will read it to her.” -Pastor Wade Burleson @ wadeburleson.org

    “…the power of the Internet has been reinforced to me through this experience.  We who write for the cause of Christ always do well when we write words that either bring healing to the wounded or refreshment to the weary; nothing lukewarm for us.  …I’m encouraged once again, that the Lord can use words on the Internet for His glory, and the good of His people.” -Pastor Wade Burleson @ wadeburleson.org

        “Absolutely, God uses the internet and he uses people who have gone through pain to help others go through their experiences. It is great to know that the parents saw your post (Wade) and the young girl will one day read your beautiful words. It sounds like she is in the perfect place for healing with such loving and supportive parents. I will continue to pray for her.  2 Cor. 1:3-4: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. -Julie Anne, @ wadeburleson.org; (comment).

    * I will lift you from all your fear, 
    You will hear my voice,
    I claim you as my choice…
    Be still and know I am here

    I am eyes for all who long to see,
    In the shadows of the night I will be your light,
    Come and rest in me…
    Do not be afraid, I am with you!

    Healing for the ones who dwell in shame, 
    All the blind will see,
    And the lame will run free,
    And all will know my name…

    Do not be afraid, I am with you,
    I have called you each by name,
    Come and follow me & I will bring you home,
    I love you, and you are mine!

    “..all hail the power of Jesus Name…”Thank-You-Wade…Thank You, Heavenly Father …there is healing in Your wings…Lord, please bless this hurting family.

    WEpr♥ay’d.  He Listens…  (…sure He does…) 

    Blessings to All…

    S㋡py
    ___
    Comfort:  Angelina – “You are Mine” ( * Hymn)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2LAkunDa30&feature=youtube_gdata_player

    Comfort: “The Lord Bless You And Keep You…”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tJWVvEM4aE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

  58. Scarlett said:

    “Perhaps now we can all drop the word “alleged”,”

    Tommy hasn’t been charged, tried or convicted,

    You currently only have hear say

    (Wade says dad said, that daughter said to dad?)

    so still alleged ?

  59. Just a few thoughts:

    I did some looking around about the words “alleged” and “allegedly” when used in news stories and public statements. The use of those words do not legally protect against defamation. This includes law enforcement. When they report a crime or investigation, they must state what facts they have. Using alleged will make no difference in a defamation lawsuit. In the same way, news organizations must know that what they’re reporting is accurate about a crime or an investigation. It makes no difference whether they use alleged. Alleged will not protect you in court.

    However, there are reasons that churches and organizations use those words. There is a lot of discussion about this on a blog about Jerry Sandusky’s crimes and how Penn State’s public statements should not have used the word alleged because it is insensitive to his victims and suggests they may not be credible.

    I read a couple of other blogs discussing Tom White’s sexual abuse. I’m not the only one who has problems with VOM’s statement. “Allegations of abuse” and “alleged activity” are standard protocol in these statements. They’re used to minimize the truth, cast doubt, and soften the impact of the blow. Another way VOM softened the truth in their statement was to have two paragraphs praising all of their supporters for their calls, emails, and prayers. They went on and on about how wonderful their supporters are until they finally mentioned the “allegations of abuse”. If they wanted to thank their supporters, that “Statement of Thanks” needed to be made separately. And again, their statement about the abuse should have been easily seen and accessible.

    I’d like to point out the vast difference in how VOM has responded and how Wade Burleson responded to this little girl who was abused. I firmly believe, that if someone in leadership at Wade’s church had done this, his response would have been the same. He wouldn’t have waited until the investigation was complete. He wouldn’t have waited for a personal phone call from the victim’s father. He simply would have believed the victim based on the information already provided, and he would have written her a public open letter expressing his love and sorrow.

  60. Wondering

    This has become a very touchy subject for me. There comes a time for judgment calls. I am currently writing a special post on this matter. As far as I am concerned, it appears that a child has been terribly hurt. Repeat, terribly hurt. I believe it is reasonable for readers to postulate that the molestation occurred. There is not 100% proof but, then again, did Oswald act alone in the JFK assassination?

    My gut, right from the start, pointed me in this direction. You are free to use the word alleged all you want. You may continue to post comments. But, each time you do, I will continue to say that I believe something terrible happened. Do not forget, there is a 10 year old child involved here, not some street walker so be careful.

  61. It is easy to forget how devestating this situation is for everyone involved. The little girl, of course, is who we bring most fervently before God for healing and care and all those helping her. But the fallout from this will be widespread and touch all who know the little girl and her family. All who knew Tom White will be in a state of shock and probably guilt as to “why they couldn’t see it.” Many will question themselves and their ability to discern other people and protect children from such harm. People may no longer trust themselves and their decision making abilities. It is a hideous, hidden crime that sends everyone who knows the victim and the perpetrator into different levels of dismay and pain.

    God, we pray for healing!

  62. Wondering –

    He is no longer alive. He cannot be charged. How absurd that you say this. Mr. White has removed himself from the process of discerning the truth. There should be an investigation to bring as much closure as possible to everyone involved. Although, I don’t know that closure really comes for a victim in such a case.

  63. Bridget2,

    I agree. I’m sure everyone who was a friend, family member, or co-worker of Tom White is experiencing a wide range of emotions. I’m sure his wife and family are especially devastated, shocked, and confused. I keep thinking, though, that there are lots of folks in their corner. Lots of folks are sending special gifts, flowers, cards, meals, and emails. Lots of folks are proclaiming his innocence. I’m sure their journey will be incredibly painful, but they’ll have plenty of support along the way. Not to minimize their feelings in the least, but they’re also adults who have a broad range of understanding and coping skills.

    The victim is a child. 10 years old. She has her parents, a therapist (most likely), and a few of us on the internet squarely in her corner. That’s about it. I doubt she and her family are getting many cards, flowers, meals, toys, and the like. Unlike Tom White’s funeral, there’s been no conference with beautiful flowers and speakers talking of all the incredible things she has accomplished and what a wonderful personality and heart she has. My focus is on her.

  64. I am wondering whether detractors like Wondering whose comments funnel through the distant land of Seychelles are Voice of the Martyrs loyalists who are solely concerned about their own little red wagon (VOM).

    If that is indeed the case, how sad that those concerned about the welfare of martyrs do not demonstrate the same compassion for this victim.

    Rest assured, the truth will come out…

  65. Wendy –

    I don’t disagree. I think that many, even some who are commenting at TWW now are processing the event. The comments are odd to us who can’t imagine a lack of concern for the victim while they are concerned for the image of VOM and the perpetrator.

  66. Deb,

    I agree, and have been wondering the same thing myself. A little background trivia on the Seychelles, and those who live there, just for the readers info:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Seychelles

    Also, the vast scope of VOM power and influence is no small issue. VOM branches are in the following countries, although their work spans many more countries.

    http://www.persecution.net/w-wide.htm

    I hope and pray you’re right, that the truth will come out. There’s a lot at stake here.

    PS: For those who continue to be planted in the “alleged” mode, the victim, her father, and the integrity of Wade Burleson is good enough for me. Children in these situations desperately need someone to believe and support them.

  67. I am guessing the persons are using proxy servers being relayed via Seychelles. I would not be surprised if the persons reside in US.

  68. Scarlett,

    When I first heard about this situation, I Googled VOM and saw that they are located in Oklahoma – about 130 miles from Enid, Oklahoma. I don’t think that’s a coincidence… I wouldn’t be surprised if Wade meets face-to-face with the dad. Let’s pray to that end…

  69. Bridget2
    I am about to publish a special post. I am a bit suspicious about one or two commenters and I will clarify that in the post.

  70. THy Peace
    I agree and I am about to impose a rule for this blog. Check back in about an hour for a special edition post.

  71. Dee –

    Yes, I’m aware. Some seem to be “wondering” about the globe in search of something.

  72. PS: For those who continue to be planted in the “alleged” mode, the victim, her father, and the integrity of Wade Burleson is good enough for me. Children in these situations desperately need someone to believe and support them.

    My wife spent several years on the board of the local Ineract agency. (This was mostly a fundraising position.) This is a nationwide group with local chapters. They typically run a shelter for abused women. Sexual, battered, whatever.

    But she/we decided she had to resign after a case sort of blew up with the staffers and the board. Turns out the staffers and director were taking the position that you must not only support and BELIEVE anything a woman who shows up says but the boards can in no way every work with any males accused of anything. This came up as a local attorney who had been on the board for years and do a lot to support the agency was ASSIGNED to be the pro bono lawyer for a group of teens charged with rape. The staff said if he stayed with them he had to resign from the board as they would never work with a supporter of rapists. And as this case dragged on it became apparent that instead of rape it was more of a teen sex party that only became rape when a father found out and seemed to force his daughter to call it such. There were many more at the “party” of both sexes than were in this particular case. The case sort of died on the vine. But the staff stood firm in that accepting the ASSIGNED by a judge representation the lawyer was a traitor to the cause.

    I’ll support alleged victims. Help them out all I can. But until the testimony is in I will not pass judgement.

  73. Wondering –

    Since you are unable to answer my pointed questions, and you then you go off in other directions with your comments, you half-quote people, and you combine questions from different commenters, it is difficult to follow you. I don’t think you want to be followed or make sense.

    You obviously have a personal agenda on this forum. It appears to me that it has something to do with Wade B. My suggestion is that you be a BIG BOY or GIRL and contact Wade personally to take care of what ever issues you have. This article is not about him. But YOU sure are trying to make it about him.

    To come to a blog and do what you are doing is immature to say the least. I have never met Wade and have only minimally interacted on his blog. He seems like the type of person who would interact with you if you so desired. If he does not, then I’m sure there is a reason for that as well. I have no reason to believe otherwise. YOU, by your actions on this site, have given me plenty of reason to discount what you have to say.

    Hope you find peace and “do good.”

  74. You obviously have a personal agenda on this forum.

    Let’s all dial is back a bit. Dee and Deb are in charge of who can say what here.

    But a basic rule is no attacks against each other. We’re getting too close to that rule.

  75. Lynn,

    My comments were my opinion, not etched in granite and not to be taken as anything other than my opinion.

    As for “until the testimony is in”…?? Whenever that will be, if it ever happens.

    And re your snarky comment “wondering”, I don’t happen to belong to a Wade Burlson Kool Aid club or any other club, including VOM’s. Like TWW, I’m just looking and praying for the truth to come out, (and waiting for Dee’s rule), plus doing some of my own research. Thanks

  76. “And re your snarky comment”

    Did Dee remove one of your posts?

    Since I was asking questions, got the impression that I was at BJU.

    Step on some toes and wow the name calling just rolls on:

    “detractor”, “snarky” , have a “personal agenda ” etc

    Deal with the facts and not the name calling ,

    cause there all “allegations” until you research them yourself.

  77. Scarlett
    Wondering is now banned. I just put a special Tuesday post to explain things.
    Oh yeah, in case wondering is still reading and fuming, I do care deeply about Wade Burleson and his family as does Deb. He cares deeply about those who have been let down by the church. And anyone who does that gets my respect.

  78. Lynn
    I know that this happens a great deal. However, when a child is involved, that child is always a victim. Either the child was hurt by a molester or they have been encouraged in some way to lie. In tho case, however, we see something very unusual. It is most rare for a suicide to occur surrounding such a claim. I think that in some circumstances, it is alright to take an educated guess. If I am wrong, then I will admit it.

  79. Wondering

    If calling those who applaud Wade Burlson’s post as members of his Kool Aid club is not “snarky”, then perhaps you should define what you mean by a Kool Aid Club for us. Please don’t try to turn the tables…I don’t intend to be intimidated by such vicious ad hom attacks, and in fact, will stick up for Wade Burlson against them as well.

    As it stands now, I agree with Dee, that there comes a time for judgment calls, not merely damage control to protect vested interests, which is what some of these posts are starting to look like. I can’t seem to think of a reason a 10 yr old girl would try to protect her vested interests, other than telling her parents she was sexually molested. All too often a victim is hammered into the ground, and made to look like the villain, instead of a victim. No wonder so many are afraid to come forward.

  80. Deb…
    Apparently you were in the process of banning “Wondering” while I was making a response to her/or him. Thanks…that will clear out a lot of confusion on this blog.

  81. Scarlett
    I am so sorry for the confusion on Wondering. We have been meaning to do this sort of policy for a long time. Proxy servers who are jerky are often trolls-the ones who just want to cause some trouble. We have bough trouble without them

  82. Dee

    You said, “When I first heard about this situation, I Googled VOM and saw that they are located in Oklahoma – about 130 miles from Enid, Oklahoma. I don’t think that’s a coincidence… I wouldn’t be surprised if Wade meets face-to-face with the dad. Let’s pray to that end…”

    Yes, I am praying to that end, and about some other factors as well.

    It is interesting about the location of VOM here in this small but influential city. You’d have to actually live here to comprehend the dynamics of the way this particular city works, unless that is, you did a whole lot of digging, which is what a good investigative blogger does. Without voicing too much more of my own opinion on your blog, I will at least say this… that I don’t think that either this city…or, VOM has a desire to see this situation become a full blown scandal, (more than it already is). And…perhaps hoping that things will settle down and maybe just go away without more publicity??
    As a blog admin, you’ve seen,( as I have on mine), views on your stats concerning this topic go ballistic from countries all over the world. Surely not all of these are proxies. And that tells me that the interest in VOM is of huge international interest. It would seem that both VOM and Bartlesville, Ok are being confronted with a nightmare,and dilemma neither one could have imagined in their wildest dreams.