Both here and in some private correspondence I have received the role of Barbara Anderson as detailed in the Dateline segment has been questioned.
The main reason is that she is a 'she' and not a 'he' and that 'she's' should not have access to confidential records at Bethel.
Anyone who served at Bethel for any length of time discovered that bethel doesn't always work by the same rules as those they issue to the congregation.
I met Barbara while she was in the midst of her Proclaimer research. It was likely just another 'Branch Tour' to her, but I do remember speaking with her and being impressed by the intelligence behind and shine of her eyes.
A couple of items of interest that should help dispell those who doubt the role she had in Brooklyn. First in the Canada brnach there are two sisters that worked there, B. Newfield and G Macnamara
Both have done research, opened all Writing Dept. correspondence, and have they themselves written articles for the magazines. There are sisters that work in the service department itself and do have access to the S-77 cards as well as the congregation files kept in the Service Dept.
In the Bethel Office, when a bethelite is recommended to serve in their assigned congregation as either a Minsterial Servant or Elder, A questionnaire is filled out by the home overseer, the table head and the work overseer of said brother. The Bethel Office collects this information and if there is a negative comment, the appointment may be refused by the Branch. Who collects this confidential information which can include confessions of masturbation, etc? Two sisters in the Bethel Office. This was at least the arrangment in place until someone made a stink about it. (There is an interesting tie in to Jaracz on this story.)
Any way, at bethel it is common to see sisters having access to information that most (in that patriarchal society) would find surprising. It is true the majority of sisters are in positions of servitude however that is not the case for all women.
Barbara is an exceptional woman. My respect grew for her as I watched her express herself and saw her there in support of Erica.
Kismet