Well let's see...Wilton, NH, my old congregation,
Home to the pedophile Paul Berry who used to hang out with, and was close friends with, one of the elders at the time. Paul was "reaching out" and probably going to be a MS at some point. Fortunately, the prison for pedophilia program kind of sidelined his spiritual career. There also was a regular pioneer, who's wife was a regular pioneer as well, that enjoyed tickling, hugging, and touching young sisters (his hands had the habit of brushing breasts every time, by accident of course) at every meeting and especially at gatherings. Wifey had no probem with it, although the BOE spoke with him about it on several occasions. I am sure the fact that the young sisters were attractive had nothing to do with it, LOL. Bless his heart, he always seemed to be especially close to 18 year old girls and younger, even though he was in his 30's. The same pioneer later went on a 2 week "serve where the need was greater" trip. Shortly after the trip the Wilton BOE received a letter from the congregation that the "Brother's" behaviour with the young sisters' in their congregation was not appreciated and he was not welcome back. Despite the letter, and the obvious issues, he was allowed to remain as a pioneer and as a ministerial servant. All in innocent fun, right?
While I was there a Special Committee was assigned to handle some severe problems in the BOE. By the time the Special Committee left the entire body of elders was removed, except one. The Circuit Overseer, as inept as he was, somehow escaped removal, I still don't know how. A new, volunteer body of elders (various elders from around the circuit) were sent in to replace the original BOE ***sidenote: I knew I was in trouble when one of the new elders recounted a story from his childhood how he had to walk backwards, as he looked over his shoulder, for years because he had a neck problem. I swear I am not making this up! *** Later, the volunteer BOE left, and most of the original BOE were appointed again "by Holy Spirit" (whats a little skinning of the sheep among friends, right?) and are there to this day, as far as I know. Holy Spirit is an amazing thing isn't it? What a hoot!! Is that odd or unusual? Well, I guess it would be for normal people, but not for the HO HO's!!
Exjdub (who thankfully is finally having foggy memories of all of this. I tried to remember some more anecdotes and could not do it. I am starting to forget many of the details of the "joy" I experienced in the Cult and at the Kingdom Hell...Woo Hoo!! Healing is a beautiful thing.)
