| Author | Message | ||
     strength New member Username: strength Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 69.156.58.11 |
Dear Primate, Anglican Church of Canada An August 31st article in the Globe and Mail described allegations of cult practices and a myriad of abuses at Grenville Christian College, a private Brockville high school lead by two Anglican Priests. The Right Rev. Peter Mason, (Anglican bishop overseeing the school’s region,) is quoted as saying that he had “heard allegations from former staff members of cult behavior at the school but had not been aware it involved students.” It was an Anglican school. We were forced to attend twice-daily Anglican Worship Services, using the Anglican Prayer Book, and conducted by the school's Headmasters, who actually became Anglican Priests after the school was established. Upper leadership from the Anglican Church of Canada would come to visit the school. There was no way that the Church did not know about the vulnerable children living behind those walls. Yet even though Rev. Mason was told (directly by staff), that cult behavior was occurring, he did not consider that abuses would be directed at students. Grenville students had no power. We had no money, no family or friends accessible, and no control over our time, our relationships, our sleep patterns, or our conversations. Shame, fear, and harsh punishments were used to control our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. That’s what happens in cults. The adult cult leaders use intimidation and discipline to subdue the children and vulnerable adults. No one would have believed us. Even Rev. Mason heard about it, and yet didn’t stop to think about the children. A powerful national church stood idly by, while its Priest's abuses spiraled out of control. This letter is a formal complaint to the Anglican Church of Canada. I am requesting that the Church review the information given to Rev. Mason, (and any other Anglican personnel), and ascertain why nothing was done to investigate and intervene in the abuses and cult behavior at Grenville Christian College. The Anglican Priests involved in this should be similarly investigated, and remediation determined. A plan for prevention of cults within the Anglican Church needs to be formulated. I would also like to meet immediately with representatives of the Church to discuss therapeutic strategies for students who were abused at Grenville Christian College. This is urgent, as there are many past students who are reeling from the national publicity. The school is holding closing ceremonies soon; the potential for further emotional crises at this event is alarming. Sincerely, | ||
| sheilac Junior Member Username: sheilac Post Number: 50 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.54.16.129 |
Right on, Jeff! | ||
| kathleen_millar New member Username: kathleen_millar Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 70.66.197.66 |
Thank you for this.....tears came to my eyes when I saw the part about therapeutic strategies for students/staff.....I never got any help and was a rudderless ship for 15 years after leaving. Needless to say all this sudden focus on Grenville and the validation of what I experienced has unearthed alot of repressed memories. I have a feeling I've stored lots more somewhere and would need professional help to unleash them. Thanks again, Kathleen | ||
| bettyboop Junior Member Username: bettyboop Post Number: 34 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 69.205.224.127 |
Strength - Thanks so much for posting that letter you sent. It was right on on all levels. From what I know, Bishop Mason was made aware of the abuses that happened at gcc after the fact. things had changed considerably by that time and FF was no longer in power. Still, I agree that they (Anglican Church) should have been more aware earlier on (ie. During Bishop Reid's years). I personally think they turned a blind eye... | ||
| bettyboop Junior Member Username: bettyboop Post Number: 35 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 69.205.224.127 |
Kathleen - I'm so sorry to hear of all that you experienced and the recent onslaught of repressed gcc memories. I know therapy has helped me out a great deal since I left. I think elsewhere on factnet some therapists that have dealt with cult survivors list their names, numbers, etc. Can anyone help me out on this? I wouldn't doubt there are many others right now who are experiencing the same things as you, Kathleen. I know I am. | ||
| dignityquest New member Username: dignityquest Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.245.112.186 |
Bravo Strength, this is ag reat and courageous step. Hated the part in the artcile that the Bishop seemed to take no real responsibility. I know that he was caring and listening to the staff who approached him, but more should have been done. | ||
| tabby1979 Junior Member Username: tabby1979 Post Number: 36 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.69.121.31 |
Great Letter Strength. Let's hope we get some positive feedback from the Church, but I think it is going to be a long process if they plan on investigating etc...but will be well worth it in the end. | ||
| rozpriceenglish Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 79 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.162.160.102 |
Bravo, Strength! Kathleen - so good to 'see' you! I wondered what you were up to. I know what you mean about repressing and having fear about opening the floodgates. My husband and I were just talking about that last night. The need for a counselor who is trained in cult repercussions is paramount. I'll be interested in the reply to Strength's letter... | ||
| grenvillegrad New member Username: grenvillegrad Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.48.251.7 |
I've been reading all the posts, but not posting myself. Very overwhelmed. In any case, I have also contacted church authorities and something will be done. I'm staying on it. Will keep you posted. | ||
| purgatory Junior Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 27 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.120.15 |
What I am concerned about is this opening of the new school.I know many of us on here have discussed our concerns, because although it is only a day school the people in charge are the very same people who were apart of the old regime. I would hate for this concern to be put on the back burner in light of all the media coverage in the past few days regarding GCC. Should authorities with in the Anglican church of Canada be aware of this new school. Will the new school be spewing out abusive rhetoric, and what is the policy regarding discipline???? Anyone have any ideas??? | ||
| bluesman Junior Member Username: bluesman Post Number: 31 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 68.83.79.247 |
My take is that the Anglican Church in knowing that their was an unhealthy environment at GCC, certainly could have put the pieces together...that the greatest impact would have been on the students. Looking further would have been the next logical step. And what about the priest that they ordained who ran the school that was still wearing his collar and representing the church? | ||
| bluesman Junior Member Username: bluesman Post Number: 32 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 68.83.79.247 |
To all who have written to the Church for an explanation and an accounting, thank you. | ||
| purgatory Junior Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 28 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.120.15 |
Thanks bluesman for answering, but I was also wondering about the new school opening this fall.There has been so much about GCC in the past few days,and I worry the new school will open with no checks/balances inplace. Does anyone think the new school will be watched closely, as it really is just an extension of GCC, but on a much smaller scale. I just can't imagine some of the staff that made my life a living hell will be opening up another school(different name), and be in a position to wreak havoc on other young lives. | ||
| pax1 New member Username: pax1 Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 74.99.3.182 |
I was staff kid in the 80s and 90s who was largely released from that status around the turn of the millennium (yeah!). I was very fortunate (and occasionally unfortunate) to witness the massive restructuring and reforming of GCC. By my graduation, the school had gradually morphed into something extremely different from when I started Grade 7 (pretty much like high school at that time). You would be in utter shock if you knew all the things that were allowed or even organized by the school in my senior years!! The school was largely liberated, as were most of the staff, although there were naturally many lingering effects. I still have some close ties at GCC and I can assure you that the new school will bare little resemblance to GCC. It is being formed by a handful of new and old staff, some of which simply come from the local area and have nothing to do with GCC's darker periods. It will probably have nothing to do with the Anglican Church and it will be using some of the facilities of the Standard Church. I have great respect for one of the main leaders - Michelle Jones-Bushnell - awesome lady. | ||
| pax1 New member Username: pax1 Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 74.99.3.182 |
I was staff kid in the 80s and 90s who was largely released from that status around the turn of the millennium (yeah!). I was very fortunate (and occasionally unfortunate) to witness the massive restructuring and reforming of GCC. By my graduation, the school had gradually morphed into something extremely different from when I started Grade 7 (pretty much like high school at that time). You would be in utter shock if you knew all the things that were allowed or even organized by the school in my senior years!! The school was largely liberated, as were most of the staff, although there were naturally many lingering effects. I still have some close ties at GCC and I can assure you that the new school will bare little resemblance to GCC. It is being formed by a handful of new and old staff, some of which simply come from the local area and have nothing to do with GCC's darker periods. It will probably have nothing to do with the Anglican Church and it will be using some of the facilities of the Standard Church. I have great respect for one of the main leaders - Michelle Jones-Bushnell - cool lady. | ||
| pax1 New member Username: pax1 Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 74.99.3.182 |
I was a staff kid in the 80s and 90s who was largely released from that status around the turn of the millennium (yeah!). I was very fortunate (and occasionally unfortunate) to witness the massive restructuring and reforming of GCC. By my graduation, the school had gradually morphed into something extremely different from when I started Grade 7 (pretty much like high school at that time). You would be in utter shock if you knew all the things that were allowed or even organized by the school in my senior years!! The school was largely liberated, as were most of the staff, although there were naturally many lingering effects. I still have some close ties at GCC and I can assure you that the new school will bare little resemblance to GCC. It is being formed by a handful of new and old staff, some of which simply come from the local area and have nothing to do with GCC's darker periods. It will probably have nothing to do with the Anglican Church and it will be using some of the facilities of the Standard Church. I have great respect for one of the main leaders - Michelle Jones-Bushnell - cool lady. | ||
| strength New member Username: strength Post Number: 10 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.22.41 |
Hi everyone; I have had two responses from the Anglican Church of Canada regarding my letter of complaint. Also, a Globe and Mail reporter phoned me today, and asked me questions about the complaint. In thinking about these communications, I now realize that it is vitally important for other people to ask, plead, beg, and / or demand that the Anglican Church offer some assistance and guidance to anyone who has been hurt by cult behavior and abuses at GCC. I am worried that people are going to re-live their experiences. The media attention and the internet disclosures are necessary and cathartic, but they also carry risks of re-traumatizing victims. The Anglican Church must deal with the impacts of its Priests' behavior. Please, start writing directly to anyone within the Anglican Church. Ask them what is being done to help former GCC students and staff cope. Point out this website to them, and let them read for themselves. Google the Anglican Church of Canada, and find an email address of someone in administration. Or just google your local church, find the Minister's email, and start to push for something to be done. Write back in when you have sent a letter. Post a copy of it on this board. Then we can all read them, as a public record of our collective effort. Apply pressure. Remember that there are likely tons more people out there who are in real crisis, (and still in real silence.) It will be YOU who makes the difference in helping the victims. | ||
| strength New member Username: strength Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.22.41 |
Here's the letter I sent to Bishop Bruce, who is in charge of the Brockville area. I also sent it to a man named Valpy (another big-wig in the church). Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2007 07:26:10 -0700 (PDT) From: .... Subject: Student victims of abuse To: gbruce@ontario.anglican.ca Dear Bishop Bruce; Please intervene. An internet discussion board is revealing that Father Farnsworth, (the Anglican Priest who was the Headmaster at Grenville Christian College,) is NOW doing very strange and disconcerting things. With so much information about abuse (at the school)pouring out of the media, ex-students are fragile and upset. I'm worried that Father Farnsworth's current behavior will re-victimize. Please read the following, and let me know what you think: http://www.factnet.org/discus/messages/3/33814.html?1188822781 Sincerely, ..... He didn't respond. | ||
| strength New member Username: strength Post Number: 12 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.22.41 |
Oops. I got that last post wrong. I sent the copy to Ven. Wayne Varley, Diocesan Executive Officer, Diocese of Ontario. | ||
| menla New member Username: menla Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 24.226.29.124 |
I live in Kingston, where I have lived most of my life, and attended a local Anglican church as a boy. I also attended GCC for one school-year. Although I am not an Anglican now (or a Christian) I object to this singling out of the Diocese and the Bishop. AFAIK the relationship between the Bishop and the school was purely formal, analagous to the presentday relationship between the Queen and the nation of Canada, and the only thing the church could have done to FF was to have him defrocked, which would have been a very difficult feat for the late Bishop Reed to have accomplished. Defrocking would have likely required involvement from the archbishop together with an official church trial. The same thing goes for the present Bishop Bruce. What exactly do you want the poor guy to do? BTW Bishop Bruce is an immensely popular and well-regarded man. | ||
| bettyboop Junior Member Username: bettyboop Post Number: 46 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 69.205.224.127 |
menia - It doesn't matter how "popular" or "well-regarded" Bishop Bruce is. The things that FF did and condoned as an Anglican priest of Canada were wrong. The Anglican church is wrong for being aware of them and not doing enough to stop FF and the cult practices at gcc. And by the way - the bishops visited gcc a lot more than the queen visits canada. another fyi - bishop reid was on gcc's board of patrons for many years. | ||
| tabby1979 Member Username: tabby1979 Post Number: 56 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 207.216.241.43 |
Saw this in the Anglican Journal...doesn't really address the issue here http://www.anglicanjournal.com/issues/2007/133/sep/07/article/grenville-closes-doors/ | ||
| tomrossini Junior Member Username: tomrossini Post Number: 31 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.238.4.31 |
Strength I used your email as guidance i hope you dont mind. This was an email I sent this evening to the Anglican Church of Canada. Their website is www.anglican.ca To the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz My name is Thomas Rossini and I was a student at Grenville Christian College (GCC) from 1985-1989. During my years at GCC, our headmaster was the Rev. Charles Farnsworth and the Right Rev. Peter Mason was the Anglican Bishop of the region. This was made quite clearly during an advertisement / article about the school in one of my parents Christian publications. This impression was further confirmed by services performed in accordance with the Anglican faith, as well as Compline prayer services. As I am sure you are now well aware, on August 31st an article in the Globe and Mail described allegations of cult practices and a myriad of abuses at GCC. I can not speak for everyone but only from my experiences. On several occasions, I was removed from my bed in the middle of the night and was lectured by various members of the staff that I was a sinner and that I needed to repent for my actions and ask the Lord my God for saving grace. I was punished repeatedly for days on end for not conforming to the ways of the scripture. This punishment usually included undertaking physical tasks which was called discipline, repeatedly being ridiculed by my classmates and kept from talking to anyone except for a staff member. Also, during my stay at GCC, I was caught being in a relationship with another student at the school. I was immediately placed on discipline and subsequently I was paddled 15 times in Father Farnsworth’s office. It was not until I fell to my knees, had tears coming from my eyes, did I realize or feel abandoned. I was scared for my life. I had the fear of God instilled in my brain for years. Every action, every word and every gesture was closely scrutinized while at GCC. I was scared and I feared for my own safety and well being as well as for other classmates. My thoughts, feelings, actions, and beliefs were being controlled. I felt at times like a puppet. I was vulnerable. From what I understand, there are 4 forms of battering - sexual, physical, emotional/psychological and destruction. Also, the definition of abuse is Abuse is an attempt to control the behavior of another person. It is a misuse of power which uses the bonds of intimacy, trust and dependency to make the victim vulnerable. It pains me to inform you that these are only some of the actions that have occurred to me at GCC but I hope that the end has come with the closing of GCC. This email is a formal complaint to the Anglican Church of Canada and that the Anglican Church of Canada reviews this information as well as any other complaints it has received and immediately holds these men accountable for their acts. These men need to be investigated immediately and if the investigation shows probable cause then the Ontario Provincial Police and Attorney General Michael Bryant and is office be notified immediately. Sincerely, and Respectfully Submitted Thomas Rossini | ||
| strength Junior Member Username: strength Post Number: 44 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 192.197.95.253 |
Tom; Your letter was great, really powerful. Did the Bishop respond to your demand about the OPP / Attorney General? | ||
| tomrossini Junior Member Username: tomrossini Post Number: 50 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 71.238.4.31 |
The Bishop stated that by law he would have to report all of this to the OPP if we are at this time children. BUt as we are adults now we have to report it. | ||
| rozpriceenglish Intermediate Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 122 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.167.67.15 |
AND, now that people have done just that, the Anglican church response is to SUSPEND its investigation. So, because there finally is some OPP involvement, the church is abdicating its responsibility? Seems like twisted logic to me. | ||
| nochor New member Username: nochor Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.193.90.67 |
I wouldn't really say twisted, I would say that they are trying to do a couple of things. 1. Cover themselves 2. Not taint the current investigation 3. Get themselves in order just in case something comes their way From the letter that was sent to you, it doesn't say that they're abdicating their responsibility, but instead withholding their decision until the OPP investigation and the class action suit are completed. There are two possible outcomes to this (in my mind): 1. More evidence could be garnered by both of these avenues which in turn will provide a greater depth of evidence of guilt 2. or the opposite might happen where innocence may be shown I should state that I am NOT anglican, and have friends on both sides of the "fence". I have my own feelings on the whole matter, but at this point am just trying to say that you may be jumping the gun on this one Roz.  | ||
| rozpriceenglish Intermediate Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 123 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.167.67.15 |
It's possible. I should have added, that I'm not saying I'm 'right', just that it's how I feel. | ||
| sinderella Member Username: sinderella Post Number: 91 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 99.224.11.219 |
How would any lawyer, of any potential defendant, advise otherwise? To investigate such allegations, and publicly admit it took place, to which you yourself are named in potential litigation, would be absolutely foolish. They are being prudent and wise. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. You cannot name the Church in an action and expect them to co-operate with you. Come on! Wake up! What did you expect? | ||
| sinderella Member Username: sinderella Post Number: 92 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 99.224.11.219 |
Roz wrote "I'm not saying I'm 'right', just that it's how I feel" Dear Roz, Thank you for encapsulating this forum with those words, specifically about not saying you are right but expressing your feelings regardless. The fact of law and its process, is about right and wrong and to approach it with your feelings, will disappoint you. It's nice to see the lions behind the cage and make faces, however to play with them in their cage may get you eaten. Just be cautious, and use your head more than you heart when deciding to climb over that fence and play on their turf. Although I do have issue with you, I still do not want your suffering to end in unresolved misery. | ||
| sinderella Member Username: sinderella Post Number: 93 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 99.224.11.219 |
Menla wrote "BTW Bishop Bruce is an immensely popular and well-regarded man." I am sure he is popular and well regarded, as many other people associated with the school over the years are. To some of the participants on this forum, he is, like many others, collateral damage in this war for healing. Its that disregard for these people that has "turned my stomach upside down" over the past few months. | ||
| purgatory Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 73 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.122.93 |
Once again Sinderella has made some very valid points, and although it may be very difficult to put emotions on the back burner it would serve well anyone going the legal route to do just that.As sinderella also mentioned the church is doing exactly what any defense lawyer would tell them to do, and although it may not be the "moral" way to go it is the wise way to go if one is interested in" saving" themselves legally. It may be difficult for some to listen to what Sinderella is saying given some of the heated discussions of the past, but this is a perfect example of being able to put emotions aside, and just truly listen to what she is saying...Don't shoot the messenger so to speak. | ||
| rozpriceenglish Intermediate Member Username: rozpriceenglish Post Number: 125 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 172.129.153.167 |
Very valid points to someone actually involved in anything other than the church investigation. For the record, I am neither involved in the OPP nor lawsuit. It's interesting that there are people who have been so quick to 'box' up my actions and my intent, all without any clarifying comments from me. Interesting that people, so misinformed are now the self-proclaimed experts. Your credibility wanes... | ||
| sinderella Member Username: sinderella Post Number: 95 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 99.224.11.219 |
Roz lied "Very valid points to someone actually involved in anything other than the church investigation"  Roz (friend of Valpy  ) forgot to say, .... other than the church investigation and the press which is feeding the court of public opinion, and making this whole issue larger than life. | ||
| purgatory Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 74 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.122.93 |
Roz, if I came across as speaking to you directly then I am sorry-that was not my intention.I was speaking only in the most general of terms to anyone who is feeling rather discouraged or angry in light of the church's most recent response.I personally donot agree with the latest response as I feel the church, and state are separate, and should be treated as such.Clergy are employees of the church, and if doing there job comes into question then their employer should investigate, and if their actions/or lack of actions may be criminal than the courts/OPP should as well do their job, and investigate.I see no reason why therre can't be more than one investigation going on at the same time, and so I am left with the conclusion the church has taken this stand for their own legal reasons.I myself am quite upset with the latest response from the church, but am only trying to understand why this response would made in the first place.I know for myself I am rather ignorant when it comes to the law, but i'm trying to figure this out, and only throwing out ideas so that I may be able to understand this whole horrid situation. | ||
| wagener84 Member Username: wagener84 Post Number: 98 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 199.214.192.50 |
Don't forget people..we are talking about the Church. They protect their own regardless of the allegations and are not likely to face allegations. Roman Catholics and Anglicans have the worst record when it comes with dealing with conduct of clergy......hence my growing disdain for organized religion. God forbid you masterbate or take birth control but God turns a blind eye when his ordained priests bend some young choir boy over a pue with a bucket of KY in tow!! God's gift of forgiveness to the clergy for their service to him! wtf Let the Police do their work and see what happens with that investigation. At the end of the day, please remember that nobody here should feel the need to validate their hurts and scars in the eyes of your brothers and sisters on these sites. In this life or the next, everything will be taken to account and rectified. Peace. | ||
| purgatory Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 75 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.122.93 |
What I don't understand is why can't the church continue its investigation as an employer, while the OPP/the courts do their investigation.Why does it have to be one or the other so to speak?On a personal note the church i belong to opened an investigation of our minister, as many in the congregation felt the minister was not doing his job, and wanted him fired. During the course of this investigation by the United Church of Canada this very same minister was charged with a "criminal" offense involving abuse. The Church continued their investigation of the minister's "work" performance, while the Toronto Police/the courts investigated him from a legal/criminal angle.So why can't the Anglican church do the same thing??In the end this minister was found not guilty of the criminal offense, but was found guilty in the eyes of the church for not doing his "job", and was fired from his ministerial duties. | ||
| sinderella Member Username: sinderella Post Number: 97 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 99.224.11.219 |
I agree with Wagener84..... Priests use KY | ||
| sinderella Member Username: sinderella Post Number: 98 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 99.224.11.219 |
Purgy asked "What I don't understand is why can't the church continue its investigation as an employer,..." Was FF an employee? | ||
| purgatory Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 76 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.122.93 |
That's a good question-maybe he wasn't an employee in the sense that he got paid from the church. I was thinking along the lines that if he was ordained by the Anglican church, and in a sense a representative of that denomination then would he not have to answer to the organization that granted him permission to use "their " title. | ||
| late_lights Junior Member Username: late_lights Post Number: 40 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 192.197.178.2 |
I noticed this in the History: Part 1" thread, and it could be relevent for discussion now... "Their situation, of course, was unique... Whereas, Mr Spencer-Lee would be appointed to a Parish, as was the norm the two Grenville men would be ordained to function within their own Community. Which seems to be another way of saying that they would be affiliated with the Anglican church, but would be more of a seperate entity unto themselves. I'm also quite unclear why there is a push to de-frock Rev. Mintz? | ||
| gcc_1981_grad Member Username: gcc_1981_grad Post Number: 89 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.51.137.19 |
In Canadian Christian.com http://www.canadianchristianity.com/nationalupdates/071101closed.html |
