Posts by Sol Reform

5

Jehovah Witnesses favor 'Babylon the Great' 'We had favour with the Jehovah's Witnesses. They wanted to give it to a faith-based organisation.'

by Sol Reform in

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/9124458/witnesses-sell-elim-buys witnesses sell, elim buysscott morganlast updated 05:00 05/09/2013 share great view: the elim churchs new premises in wattle downs was formerly the jehovahs witnesses new zealand headquarters.scott morganbig space: pastor boyd ratnaraja and his wife sharon show off the space where elim churchs new soup kitchen will be located.scott morganhard work: volunteers set up the churchs new op shop.it was the national headquarters for the jehovah's witnesses for 30 years.

but the 7.5ha wattle downs property has now been sold to elim church and could soon house a new christian college.

jehovah's witness minister george gray says advances in technology mean the property is no longer needed for running the church's new zealand and south pacific activities which will now be administered from australia.

Sol Reform

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/9124458/Witnesses-sell-Elim-buys

Witnesses sell, Elim buys

SCOTT MORGAN Last updated 05:00 05/09/2013

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GREAT VIEW: The Elim Church’s new premises in Wattle Downs was formerly the Jehovah’s Witnesses New Zealand headquarters. Scott Morgan BIG SPACE: Pastor Boyd Ratnaraja and his wife Sharon show off the space where Elim Church’s new soup kitchen will be located. Scott Morgan HARD WORK: Volunteers set up the church’s new op shop.

It was the national headquarters for the Jehovah's Witnesses for 30 years.

But the 7.5ha Wattle Downs property has now been sold to Elim Church and could soon house a new Christian college. Jehovah's Witness minister George Gray says advances in technology mean the property is no longer needed for running the church's New Zealand and South Pacific activities which will now be administered from Australia. Elim Church bought the property for its growing South Auckland congregation and volunteers helped transform the site in just a matter of days. Pastor Boyd Ratnaraja says the congregation moved in on a Sunday straight after morning services at their much smaller Weymouth Rd premises. "They have done a superb job of setting up," he says. The church will hold services for its 450-strong congregation at its new home as well as running counselling sessions and operating an op shop and a weekly soup kitchen. "We believe in reaching out to the community. We want this to be a centre of hope. People don't have to be Christians," Mr Ratnaraja says. The congregation also hopes to build a Christian college on the site, similar to its school in Botany. Many students from southern suburbs already travel to the Botany junior and senior campuses, Mr Ratnaraja says. "We'd love to have primary, all the way to secondary. That's our vision." The church's Bible college will also shift to the Wattle Downs complex in October. Mr Ratnaraja says it's amazing how easy the sale process was to complete.

"There were a few groups interested in it. We had favour with the Jehovah's Witnesses. They wanted to give it to a faith-based organisation. They put so much love and care into this place. We want to maintain this property. We want to honour them because they were phenomenal."

Elim Church has four campuses in Auckland. Mr Gray says he wasn't surprised there was plenty of interest in the property. "We had a large property that was pretty much in pristine condition. We always make sure we take care of our buildings." The church will maintain a presence in the south at its South Auckland Assembly Hall. Services at Elim's new home start on Sunday at 9am and 10.45am at 198 Mahia Rd, Wattle Downs. Ad Feedback - © Fairfax NZ News

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Do Jehovah Witnesses permit victims of child sex abuse to speak at their home Kingdom Hall or in the Kingdom Hall where they were abused, following settlement agreements?

by Sol Reform in

or is that considered gossip in the religion?

the archdiocese of dubuque which recently completed structured settlement agreements with several persons who reported that they were sexually abused as minors by priests of the archdiocese; has committed itself to several activities, to raise awareness of the effects of sexual abuse of minors and to invite victims to come forward and seek help.

1. the archdiocese will continue to publish periodic notices in the archdiocesan newspaper, the witness, and in several secular papers inviting persons who as minors were sexually abused by church personnel to come forward and encouraging them to contact law enforcement personnel.. throughout the archdiocese there are about 3,000 icons (sacred depictions) of st. raphael the archangel with information on how to reach the archdiocesan victim assistance coordinators.

Sol Reform

Or is that considered Gossip in the religion? The Archdiocese of Dubuque which recently completed structured settlement agreements with several persons who reported that they were sexually abused as minors by priests of the archdiocese; has committed itself to several activities, to raise awareness of the effects of sexual abuse of minors and to invite victims to come forward and seek help.

1. The archdiocese will continue to publish periodic notices in the archdiocesan newspaper, The Witness, and in several secular papers inviting persons who as minors were sexually abused by church personnel to come forward and encouraging them to contact law enforcement personnel.

Throughout the archdiocese there are about 3,000 icons (sacred depictions) of St. Raphael the Archangel with information on how to reach the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinators.

2. The archdiocese will allow victims whose claims were found credible the opportunity to speak at their home parish or in the parish where they were abused, if they wish to do so. This will take place following a Sunday Mass.

http://www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us/Witness/PDFs/ArchdioceseSettlementAgreements.pdf PAGE 2 September 1, 2013 Archdiocese Archdiocese announces settlement agreements Sexual abuse occurred over 35 years ago For The Witness DUBUQUE — Following mediation, the Archdiocese of Dubuque announces that it has completed structured settlement agreements with several persons who reported that they were sexually abused as minors by priests of the archdiocese. Twenty-six individuals retained the services of a Waterloo law firm to present their cases. All of the abuse, according to the claims, took place more than 35 years ago. Most occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. Of the 10 priests named by the claimants, nine had been named previously and were already included on the “Table of Accused Priests” found on the Archdiocesan Web site. Priests accused of sexual abuse of minors and named in this mediation are the following: the Reverends John T. Reed (deceased 1996), Joseph Patnode (deceased 1977), Patrick McElliott (deceased 1987), William Schwartz (removed from the priesthood in 2005), Louis Wunder (deceased 1990), Louis Wendling (deceased 1969), Peter Graff (deceased 1976), Robert Reiss (removed from the priesthood in 1997, deceased 2005), Allen Schmitt (removed from ministry 2002), and Robert Swift (deceased 1980). More than one victim made claims against Mc- Elliott, Patnode, Schwartz, Reed, Reiss, Wunder, and Wendling. To settle all 26 claims, the archdiocese agreed to pay the sum of $5.2 million to the law firm representing the plaintiffs. The archdiocese also committed itself to several activities, many of which it has been doing for years, to raise awareness of the effects of sexual abuse of minors and to invite victims to come forward and seek help. Among these commitments are the following: 1. The archdiocese will continue to publish periodic notices in the archdiocesan newspaper, The Witness, and in several secular papers inviting persons who as minors were sexually abused by church personnel to come forward and encouraging them to contact law enforcement personnel. Throughout the archdiocese there are about 3,000 icons (sacred depictions) of St. Raphael the Archangel with information on how to reach the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinators. 2. The archdiocese will allow victims whose claims were found credible the opportunity to speak at their home parish or in the parish where they were abused, if they wish to do so. This will take place following a Sunday Mass. 3. The archbishop continued the longstanding practices of writing to victims and of visiting privately with victims who requested such a meeting. 4. The archdiocese offered to pay for counseling and therapy for victims for up to 12 sessions. Archbishop Michael Jackels and Archbishop Emeritus Jerome Hanus apologize to the victims and their families. It is their hope that this settlement will be supportive of them. They assure all the victims of their prayers for them and their families. They express their commitment to support them in their efforts to achieve spiritual and emotional well-being. Priests who abused are a disgrace to the vocation and a scandal to the faithful. The vast majority of priests are good and holy servants of God and God’s people. They give of their energy and time most generously. They abhor sexual abuse and work hard to ensure that the parishes, schools, and other institutions of the archdiocese are safe. The priests want to help victims experience reconciliation, healing, and justice. Many have contacted and supported victims of sexual abuse. The same can be said for other members of the church. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People calls all to heed Jesus’ call to show mercy and compassion to the least ones. “Jesus extended this care in a tender and urgent way to children, rebuking his disciples for keeping them away from him: ‘Let the children come to me’” (Mt 19:14). The Archdiocese of Dubuque continues to commit itself to the protection of children, striving always to make the way safe for them. Archbishop Michael Jackels and Archbishop Emeritus Jerome Hanus apologize to the victims and their families. More online at www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us/ ProtectionofChildren/ Posters of the Archangel Raphael are distributed throughout the archdiocese with information on how to reach the Victim Assistance Coordinators

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Jehovah Witness victims of Childhood Sex Abuse - and all supporters from California - Urgent Action Alert! Contact Assembly members today!

by Sol Reform in

41 assembly votes are needed.

please contact all assembly members today!

ask them to vote yes on sb 131. call, write, fax, share this flier, talk to your colleagues, hold a press conference, write to newspapers.

Sol Reform

http://www.restorativejusticeinternational.com/child-victims-of-abuse-statute-of-limitations-sb-131-california-legislation/

lisarea in Public Policy August 28, 2013 Child Victims of Abuse: Statute of Limitations (SB 131, California legislation) Since we have been vocal regarding sexual abuse of children and the need for restorative justice we believe that this legislation should be cited here at RJI. SB 131 authored by California Senator Jim Beall, and co-authored by Senator Ricardo Lara, gives a voice to victims of abuse that is needed. The legislation is currently in the California Assembly. A vote will be taken soon on the Assembly floor. We continue to be believe that each offender should be held accountable for the crimes he has committed. This is one way to provide relief for victims of abuse when it seems the justice system closes the door on such relief. Should there be a statute of limitations in cases of child victims of abuse? We are not so sure. RJI believes victims-driven restorative justice should be made available to every victim of crime, including cases of sexual abuse in the U.S. and globally. Restitution is not the only response to these crimes against children that is necessary, but in many cases it seems to be the only response. Ask victims of abuse what they would want and through our experience at RJI, and through our research, we have found that victims want far more than monetary compensation from their abusers, and those who have enabled the abuse. But this is an important step through this legislation in California. California is not alone in considering legislative change similar to SB 131. These battles are happening around the U.S. with strong opposition. It is also important to state that wherever abuse occurs of children, or adults, there should be swift action to respond to the abuse and stop it. No exceptions.

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Jehovah Witness victims of Childhood Sex Abuse - and all supporters from California - Urgent Action Alert! Contact Assembly members today!

by Sol Reform in

41 assembly votes are needed.

please contact all assembly members today!

ask them to vote yes on sb 131. call, write, fax, share this flier, talk to your colleagues, hold a press conference, write to newspapers.

Sol Reform

http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2013/08/california-bill-sb-131-must-win-next.html

California State Senate and Assembly representatives, please vote YES to SB 131...Contact/ Write to your State Senate and Assembly representatives - let them know you support the bill! Updated August 30, 2013 Children should not be treated as “less sacred, worth less or less important” than Popes, Bishops and priests and their “holy robes, sacred vessels and exclusive male-club basilicas and churches”. Children who are the most vulnerable and voiceless class in our American society should have first place in our State Senate legislature and Assembly and in every heart of all senators and representatives. It is the moral duty of the California State Senate and Assembly representatives to vote for SB 131 in order to expose ALL pedophiles (priests) - especially in court - with SB 131 and render the only justice which many of our suffering American children will ever know in their lifetime . California State Senate and Assembly representatives, you must render the final and only justice to victims of pedophiles (priests) in California - History has revealed to us as the largest numbers of victims from the systemic cover-up by the Roman Catholic Church. There are more victims out there, and therefore, you must release them from their prisons - secretly coerced and established by pedophiles (priests and their complicit Bishops). You hold the moral power to vote for this bill SB 131 which will be one of the most important bills you will ever pass in your life and which you shall bring to your grave - and unto your eternal life! We humbly invite all members, each member of the California State Senate and Assembly representatives who will vote for SB 131 - to listen – and ponder upon - this radio broadcast - of personal stories of victims of pedophile priests, albeit in Minnesota because the secretive Modus Operandi of all pedophiles (priests) are the same whether it be in Boston, Minnesota or Los Angeles, (click to listen) "Community Round Table" with New Director Bev Alquist” . There are also news updates below of more secret pedophiles (priest)s files in California, Iowa and Australia, see below. Please do not be complicit to the aftermath crimes of JP2 Army – the John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army named aptly after the longest reigned pope for 27 years who said nothing and did nothing to protect children from pedophiles and he did nothing to remove (not even one among countless) pedophile priests in California and in the USA. If you are complicit, the Sacrament of Confession will not save you because the Sacrament of Confession protects criminals and persecutes their victims (read our related article)http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2012/11/sacrament-of-confession-protects.html Children and women must not be “less sacred” than priests and their males’ only sacred robes and churches which have become crimes scenes of priest pedophilia. The secret hidden “living Hell” the pedophiles (priests) coerced on vulnerable voiceless children must be brought to light in California and - justice must be served NOW - for those voiceless victims. With your moral conscience - and compassionate hearts, vote YES to SB 131 because the crimes against American children systemically covered-up by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and throughout California must not be hidden in the dust of history -- nor must it be given the chance to be shredded and forgotten forever into oblivion ….

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Jehovah Witness victims of Childhood Sex Abuse - and all supporters from California - Urgent Action Alert! Contact Assembly members today!

by Sol Reform in

41 assembly votes are needed.

please contact all assembly members today!

ask them to vote yes on sb 131. call, write, fax, share this flier, talk to your colleagues, hold a press conference, write to newspapers.

Sol Reform

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2013/08/kevin_vann_diocese_of_orange_sb131.php

Orange Diocese Bishop Kevin Vann Doing His Damndest to Stop CA Bill that Would Help Child-Abuse Victims By Gustavo Arellano Fri., Aug. 30 2013 at 7:30 AM 7 Comments Categories: Ex Cathedra It's been almost a year now since Kevin Vann became bishop of the Diocese of Orange, and what has he accomplished? There was a profile in one of the Orange County Register's magazines that read like a press release. He approved the removal of memorial stones at the former Crystal Cathedral, memorial stones that the sheep of the Rev. Robert H. Schuller spent thousands to install under the idea they'd be up there for centuries. And now he's joining his fellow bishops in trying to defeat a California State Senate bill that seeks justice for child-abuse victims. SB 131 would open a one-year window lifting statutes of limitation so that victims of pedo-priests can file civil lawsuits against the Catholic Church regardless of when their abuse happened. A similar window occurred in 2002, exposing the Church as a pedophile factory. And that's why Vann doesn't want it to happen again. Under his direction, the Orange County Catholic, the "newspaper" of the Diocese of Orange, has published five articles opposing SB 131 since June, including a commentary from retired OC Superior Court Judge Francisco Firmat calling it "bad legislation," a column by Vann, and a whole other bunch of gobbledygook. The rag is pushing its stories on Twitter, and also retweets stories that support its view. This past week, Vann directed parish priests to send out emails to their congregation urging them to contact their state assemblymen to vote against SB 131. Vann's position? SB 131 discriminates against Catholics and does nothing to protect children. And why should you believe him? "Dioceses throughout California have worked to atone for past mistakes," Vann writes, "and have implemented robust procedures to ensure children and young people are as safe as we can make them." In other words: yeah, we let pedo-priests rape children, then covered it up. But NOW you should really, really trust us! Never mind that the reason they ever bothered to pretend to care for children raped by its priests was EXACTLY because the statute-of-limitations break in 2002 allowed victims to come forward to sue, and allowed lawyers to ask for personnel files that proved what so many had previously claimed were anti-Catholic conspiracies: that the Church protected pedophiles and never gave a damn about kids. And Vann's current push to shield the Orange diocese from further scrutiny only proves this anew. Heckuva job, Vanny!

2 protests this past week in the Catholic community - 1 'Hilarious'

by Sol Reform in

http://www.wkbn.com/2013/08/29/snap-demands-more-info-from-diocese/.

snap demands more info from diocese by wkbn staffpublished: thursday, august 29, 2013, 3:08 pm one day after challenging youngstowns catholic bishop to reveal the name of a former parochial school teacher accused of sex abuse, a victims advocacy group is demanding information on a former local priest.

members of the survivors network for those abused by priests held another protest in the area thursday, this one outside saint edwards parish on the citys north side.

Sol Reform

http://www.wkbn.com/2013/08/29/snap-demands-more-info-from-diocese/

SNAP demands more info from Diocese By WKBN Staff Published: Thursday, August 29, 2013, 3:08 pm One day after challenging Youngstown’s Catholic Bishop to reveal the name of a former parochial school teacher accused of sex abuse, a victim’s advocacy group is demanding information on a former local priest. Members of the Survivors Network for Those Abused by Priests held another protest in the area Thursday, this one outside Saint Edward’s Parish on the city’s North Side. The group is asking Bishop George Murry to explain where former priest John Warner, 69, is now living and if he is still undergoing treatment. Warner was removed from his duties in the diocese two years ago after being accused of abusing a victim more than 30 years ago. “He could be living amongst kids and abusing children right now,” said SNAP coordinator Judy Jones. “Child predators need to be kept away from children forever. That is a well-known fact, and the Bishop is still the one who is responsible for him” In 2011 the Diocese of Youngstown received an allegation of sexual misconduct with Warner and a “minor child” over 30 years ago, according to a news release. Their investigation revealed the allegation was credible and Warner was placed in a facility for treatment. “He is now living in another state in a restricted community and is engaged in ongoing treatment,” the release stated. According to the release, Legal reasons prevent the Diocese from disclosing Warner’s whereabouts. A Boardman man said Wednesday he was abused in 1976 by a teacher and deacon while he was an 8th-grade student at St. Christine School in Youngstown. Jerry Arnal, 51, said he reported the abuse in 1987 and 2008 to school and diocese officials and to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s office, but no action has been taken. Arnal, who was with the advocate group the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said prosecutors told him the statute of limitations has run out so they are unable to file charges. Arnal and SNAP officials refused to name the deacon they claim abused Arnal. http://www.themediareport.com/2013/08/28/archbishop-myers-rally-nj-star-ledger/ Hilarious: ‘Rally’ to Oust Newark Archbishop Myers Draws 3 People (Plus a NJ Star-Ledger Reporter and a Cameraman) [w/ PHOTOS] August 28, 2013 By TheMediaReport.com 21 Comments A 'rally' to drive out Newark Archbishop Myers is a bust. Recent reporting from the New Jersey Star-Ledger about Newark Archbishop John J. Myers and his handling of a now-deceased priest in the Diocese of Peoria back in the 1990s would have you believe that New Jersey Catholics are rabidly up in arms to the point that they are fervently seeking Myers' removal. However, the meager gathering for an August 20, 2013, "rally" outside Newark's archdiocesan headquarters, apparently organized by local gadfly/ex-priest/"Catholic Whistleblower" Robert Hoatson, suggests that anger against Archbishop Myers has barely extended beyond the editorial rooms of the Star-Ledger and the basements of the usual Church cranks, such as Hoatson. A whopping three people showed up for the rally last week seeking the prelate's resignation. New Jersey Star-Ledger arrives for support Yet the paltry turnout did not halt New Jersey Star-Ledger ace reporter Mark Mueller from eagerly arriving on the scene to work the crowd of three and lend his tacit support to the cause. Dogged NJ Star-Ledger reporter Mark Mueller (blue shirt) pushes through the crowd for an interview. Moments later, Mueller was even joined by a cameraman from local community television's "NJ Today," who dutifully recorded the historic event: A "NJ Today" cameraman gives angry ex-priest Bob Hoatson (brown pants) media exposure for the big event. After Mueller escaped the throng, and the cameraman somehow managed his departure from the frenzy, well … the excitement finally subsided. Time to order a pizza? A busted rally finally draws to a close. Filed Under: FEATURE ARTICLES Tagged With: anti-Catholic, anti-Catholicism, media bias, New Jersey Star-Ledger

2 protests this past week in the Catholic community - 1 'Hilarious'

by Sol Reform in

double post.

Sol Reform

double post

25

ALBUQUERQUE | Child Sexual Abuse Case Filed Against Former Jehovah's Witness Elder Michael Brunner

by jwleaks in

child sexual abuse case filed against former jehovah's witness elder michael brunner.

an albuquerque woman filed a lawsuit claiming a church leader sexually abused her as a child.. monica jaramillo said michael brunner, an elder at the jehovah's witness church in los lunas, sexually abused her when she was just 8 years old.. jaramillo, now 35, filed a lawsuit claiming other elders of the church knew about the incident but chose to do nothing.. the complaint also alleges jaramillo's mother was raped by brunner.. jehovah's witnesses in los lunas told kob eyewitness news 4 that brunner left the congregation years ago.. .

video news interview: http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s3130582.shtml?cat=500.

Sol Reform

The Watchtower 1st November 1995, pages 25-29

"Or perhaps the one accused will confess, and a reconciliation may be achieved. What a blessing that would be!

Even if more than one person "remembers" abuse by the same individual, the nature of these recalls is just too uncertain to base judicial decisions on them without other supporting evidence. This does not mean that such "memories" are viewed as false (or that they are viewed as true). But Bible principles must be followed in establishing a matter judicially."

http://www.quotes-watchtower.co.uk/molestation.html

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ALBUQUERQUE | Child Sexual Abuse Case Filed Against Former Jehovah's Witness Elder Michael Brunner

by jwleaks in

child sexual abuse case filed against former jehovah's witness elder michael brunner.

an albuquerque woman filed a lawsuit claiming a church leader sexually abused her as a child.. monica jaramillo said michael brunner, an elder at the jehovah's witness church in los lunas, sexually abused her when she was just 8 years old.. jaramillo, now 35, filed a lawsuit claiming other elders of the church knew about the incident but chose to do nothing.. the complaint also alleges jaramillo's mother was raped by brunner.. jehovah's witnesses in los lunas told kob eyewitness news 4 that brunner left the congregation years ago.. .

video news interview: http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s3130582.shtml?cat=500.

Sol Reform

As a result of psychological coping mechanisms, Jaramillo repressed her memory of the abuse and did not understand that she had been sexually abused by the elder until April 2007, the lawsuit said.

The Watchtower 1st November 1995, pages 25-29 "Still, an accusation should not be made hastily if it is based solely on "repressed memories" of abuse. In this case the most important thing is for the sufferer to regain a degree of emotional stability.

After the passage of some time, he may be in a better position to assess the "memories" and decide what, if anything, he wants to do about them.

If there is some valid reason to suspect that the alleged perpetrator is still abusing children, a warning may have to be given. The congregation elders can help in such a case. Otherwise, take your time. Eventually, you may be content to let the matter drop." http://www.quotes-watchtower.co.uk/molestation.html

1

A U.S. Court of Appeals - West Bloomfield (MI) parents allowed to sue prosecutors over faulty sex-abuse case.

by Sol Reform in

http://www.freep.com/article/20130829/news03/308290026/julian-thal-wendrow-us-court-of-appeals-lawsuit-autistic-daughter-rape-allegations-facilitated-communication.

west bloomfield parents allowed to sue prosecutors over faulty sex-abuse case.

8:51 am, august 29, 2013 | 34 comments .

Sol Reform

http://www.freep.com/article/20130829/NEWS03/308290026/julian-thal-wendrow-us-court-of-appeals-lawsuit-autistic-daughter-rape-allegations-facilitated-communication

West Bloomfield parents allowed to sue prosecutors over faulty sex-abuse case

8:51 AM, August 29, 2013 | 34 Comments

AA Purchase ImageJulian And Thal Wendrow talk to the Free Press about their ordeal in their lawyer's office in Bloomfield Hills on Feb. 8, 2011. Julian Wendrow was falsely accused of repeatedly raping his severely autistic daughter and Thal Wendrow was accused of failing to stop it.

/ Susan Tusa/Detroit Free Press By John Wisely

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer
Filed UnderLocal NewsOakland CountyRelated LinksGraphic time line: Significant events in the Wendrow family's caseGraphic time line: Significant events in the Wendrow family's case Zoom

A U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on Wednesday allows a West Bloomfield couple's lawsuit to proceed to trial over claims that their constitutional rights were violated after the father was accused of raping their autistic daughter, leading to a prosecution that a judge later described as a "runaway train."

The appeals court said governmental immunity doesn't shield Oakland County prosecutors, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools officials and staffers from the Michigan Department of Human Services from liability for their actions in the case.

The case, involving Julian and Thal Wendrow, drew nationwide attention because the rape claims were made using a controversial method known as facilitated communication. Their daughter, then 14, has severe autism and cannot speak. Through facilitated communication, known as FC, the girl would type messages on a keyboard with a facilitator holding her arm and guiding her movements.

¦ Related: Read "A Family's Nightmare," the Free Press' 2011 series on the case
¦ Graphic time line: Significant events in the Wendrow family's case

Some of the messages typed in November 2007 included allegations that Julian Wendrow had repeatedly raped his daughter since age 6 and that her mother was aware but didn't stop the attacks.

Julian and Thal Wendrow, who say they've been waiting more than five years to redeem their reputations, welcomed the appeals court decision.
"It's been a long haul," Thal Wendrow said. "All we ever wanted was to get to a place where we could tell our story ... a jury trial where we can be fully vindicated."

Oakland County Corporation Counsel Keith Lerminiaux said county officials were disappointed by the ruling, which reinstated claims against former prosecutors Deborah Carley and Andrea Dean. Walled Lake Schools officials and the Michigan Attorney General's Office didn't respond to requests for comment.

"The court's opinion simply states that their conduct needs to be further reviewed by the district court," Lerminiaux said. "The court did not make any determination of wrongdoing on their part. We continue to believe that the actions of the prosecutors in this case were appropriate, and for that reason, we will continue to vigorously defend the claims made against them."

Documents have shown the investigation into the rape allegations was flawed nearly from the start.

Walled Lake Central High School facilitator Cindi Scarsella helped the Wendrows' daughter type messages in November 2007 that said her father had sexually abused her and her mother turned a blind eye.

Critics of facilitated communication say the facilitator is the true author of the messages. The messages typed using that method included a number of factual errors, such as a passage describing nonexistent relatives and an incorrect name of the family dog.

School officials alerted police and state protective services officials. Both parents were arrested, and the girl and her brother, who has a milder form of autism known as Asperger's syndrome, were removed from the family home.

Thal Wendrow was jailed for six days before being released on an electronic tether with the condition that she not contact her children. Julian Wendrow spent 80 days in the Oakland County Jail before the case collapsed. The family was separated for 106 days.

But a nurse's exam of the girl found no evidence of sexual abuse. And the use of facilitated communication caused problems. At a district court hearing, the judge had Scarsella leave the room when the girl was asked questions and then return to help her type answers. The girl was unable to answer a single question correctly when Scarsella couldn't hear it.

Still, prosecutors pressed ahead, saying the family had advocated for facilitated communication to the point of demanding that the school district use it. FC isn't widely used because studies have concluded the facilitator is actually typing for the disabled person, and the method has resulted in a number of false sexual abuse allegations.

The two Oakland County prosecutors, Carley and Dean, removed the girl's brother from his classes during school hours to question him during the investigation. Even though he was considered a suspect in the case, he had no lawyer or guardian present with him.

"It was objectively unreasonable for Dean and Carley to subject (the brother) to an interview of this type without consent," the court ruled.
The ruling went on to note: "There is evidence to suggest that Dean and Carley were aware of significant issues with the use of FC, as well as (the girl's) cognitive abilities and that they chose to ignore appropriate protocols and chose not to make any effort to safeguard against the known dangers of FC."

The ruling also said Rebecca Robydek, a social worker with the state Department of Human Services, isn't entitled to immunity for removing the children from their home based solely on the girl's statement made through FC.

"Robydek's actions are especially troubling in this situation given the multiple documented errors in the facilitated statement used as the sole basis for Robydek's recommendation," the court ruled.

The ruling criticized Robydek for turning the girl's 13-year-old brother over to police for questioning without alerting his guardian or a lawyer. During a taped interview, West Bloomfield Police Detective Joseph Brusseau attempted to get the brother to corroborate the rape allegations and repeatedly lied to him, telling the boy that investigators found videos of Julian Wendrow raping the boy's sister.

No such tapes were ever found. The boy cried at points during the two-hour interrogation, saying he could never trust his father again.

The West Bloomfield Police Department was originally named in the Wendrows' lawsuit, but in December 2010, the township's insurance carrier settled the claim for $1.8 million. Township lawyer William Hampton told the Free Press the settlement was "nothing more than a business decision by the insurance carrier," and the police acknowledged no wrongdoing.

The Wendrows' lawyer, Deborah Gordon, said she was happy with Wednesday's ruling, but even a trial can't replace what the Wendrows have lost.

"You'll never completely get your name back - there will always be allegations," Gordon said. "Till the day they die, that will be part of their public face and public records."

Julian Wendrow agreed, saying that on a recent visit to his native South Africa, the case followed him there through computer record checks.
"I was detained for more than two hours because this stuff is still in the system," Wendrow said. "It really hurts. It's very difficult to describe."