| Author | Message | ||
     adelicatebalance New member Username: adelicatebalance Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 64.40.180.98 |
Now that Factnet users have approached the media with their stories, the GCC Factnet message board is undergoing significant change. By going public, the Factnet community has opened the door for anyone to discuss their GCC experience. So the stories that are emerging are from a larger base of people and show dramatically different experiences of GCC. This is a good thing. A small group with a loud voice can certainly sway public opinion especially with connections to the media and other influential groups. Now, though, more people with positive GCC experiences are trying to find a vehicle to tell their stories and hopefully a more balanced and truer picture will emerge. Any journalist attempting to portray the truth of what happened at GCC would do well to represent the shades of grey rather than the formulaic ease of black and white. But a story that shows all sides is not as “sexy in media terms” (to quote a Factnet user) as good old fashioned sensationalism. Hears hoping that the rich tapestry of everyone’s truths can be told and those with ears to hear will listen. | ||
| 87expellee New member Username: 87expellee Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 66.78.125.144 |
What relevance do any of the 'perceived' positive experiences have, especially in this forum? Of the three posters (I can think of) with positive experiences, one is a complete moron, one is an attention-seeking brown-noser, and the last is in serious denial. Why would you want to paint a rosy picture over something that was so obviously corrupt and evil? YES, EVIL!! Should any potential positives that came out of GCC somehow dilute the illegal activities that occurred??? There is NO excuse for child abuse.. plain and simple.. and a thousand positive experiences wouldn't begin to hold a candle to even a single case of abuse. | ||
| strength Junior Member Username: strength Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 192.197.95.253 |
Hi "adelicatebalance"; Its funny that today, of all days, you should say that the message board is undergoing significant change, and that you attribute this change to Factnet users having approached the media so as to have our stories in print. I might have agreed with you yesterday, but when I read your post I had just finished looking through all the earlier threads, from the "pre-Globe and Mail era". Those original posts, when people were starting to reach out to each other as individual truth-seekers.... well, I think those initial factnet communications actually contain some of the most heart-breaking reflections and terrifying disclosures of all. Go back and read them. You will see that nothing has changed in what people write. People aren't writing to Factnet to grab the media's attention; we are writing to each other. We are trying to understand what happened to us and to people that we love, at GCC and C. of J. And we need to figure out how and why some very good & normal people got caught up in what seems to many of us to be a blatent abuse of power and control. Its also not true that the stories are now more balanced. People at the beginning were also talking about the good times, the benefits, the friends we made, the staff we loved, - all the "grey areas" were there back then as they are today. Let the media make up is own mind about which stories they chose to cover. And let us make up our own minds about what to say on Factnet. | ||
| dignityquest Junior Member Username: dignityquest Post Number: 38 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.228.175.126 |
Adelicatebalance: I believe that this "balance" that a few posters are talking about is tricky and worth challenging. Everyone's experience shows ranges of very positive to very negative and some in the middle. The purpose, I believe of the discussion here, is just to tell your story. It isn't as simple as postitive and negative. There has been (i agree completely with strength) an out pouring of pain and inward reflection since the beginning. Telling these stories should in no way inpinge on your or anyone elses positive experience. The stories here are real and important. They belong to the people who tell them. These are not "sexy" stories. It has been brutal to revist and unearth all of this. But, in the end, I believe restorative and productive. Really looking forward to seeing many of you in person after having journyed with you in cyberspace. Warmly, DQ (Jeff) | ||
| purgatory Junior Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 50 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 65.95.149.195 |
Lets not lose sight of what forum we are on-Religious cults, and sects...There are many other avenues for us to discuss GCC experiences both good, and bad. I do agree it is important to have a balance of truths, but this may not be the forum to find such balance.I know for myself sometimes I feel very heavy while on this forum, and need to chat on another forum for awhile just to give myself abit of relief, and those who know me know I can laugh, and share some crazy stories. I also know I need to respect the fact that this forum is about sharing peoples's truths, and as heartwrenching as it may be at times,this is one place where we can feel safe, and help each other to overcome.Let's just accept the fact that this particular forum may be slanted a certain way, but that is not to say there is no other public forum to share the more positive side of GCC for those who have experienced such. | ||
| purgatory Member Username: purgatory Post Number: 51 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 65.95.149.195 |
adelicatebalance...I just realized you are new to this forum, and so I say welcome...We all may not agree with everyone on here from time to time, but I do respect, and value people's opinions.I have learned much from listening to other people's truth, and at times their history has been quite different from my own.So please keep posting, and maybe I can learn something from you as well Most Sincerely, Catherine Goss Forsythe | ||
| strength Junior Member Username: strength Post Number: 46 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 192.197.95.253 |
Purgatory; Thanks for reminding us how important it is to stay open to each other. And yes, thank-you, too, adelicatebablance for sharing your thoughts. Its great to have you on board. | ||
| adelicatebalance New member Username: adelicatebalance Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 64.40.180.98 |
Purgatory -- I totally understand your point about Factnet being about religious cults and that there are many other avenues to explore differing points of view. The point I was trying to make is that, as a result of the media attention, Factnet has become "the" place for outsiders like the media, OPP and the Anglican Church to read about the allegations. It is therefore understandable that those who want to put another viewpoint out there would want to do it on Factnet. I am not saying it is right, I am just saying that if others with different experiences want to be heard, this is, unfortunatly, the place to do it. Again, I agree with you in principle but the realty is that those who want to be heard will go to where the audience is. | ||
| gcc_1981_grad Junior Member Username: gcc_1981_grad Post Number: 41 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.51.146.194 |
I believe the OPP, the Anglican Church and the media is getting its information at source. It is my understanding that one of the most obvious flaws of the internet is that there is no quality control. I suspect the OPP, the media and the Bishop are aware of this flaw. It is also my understanding that FACTnet is a place that allows a group of people who would normally not have the chance to talk due to geography and other factors can get together and talk about issues in an attempt to heal. I doubt anyone is using it to get the attention of the media, the OPP or the Bishop. If they would like to get their attention, I suggest calling them on the phone. | ||
| gcc_1981_grad Junior Member Username: gcc_1981_grad Post Number: 42 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.51.146.194 |
I believe the OPP, the Anglican Church and the media is getting its information at source. It is my understanding that one of the most obvious flaws of the internet is that there is no quality control. I suspect the OPP, the media and the Bishop are aware of this flaw. It is also my understanding that FACTnet is a place that allows a group of people who would normally not have the chance to talk due to geography and other factors can get together and talk about issues in an attempt to heal. I doubt anyone is using it to get the attention of the media, the OPP or the Bishop. If they would like to get their attention, I suggest calling them on the phone. | ||
| adelicatebalance New member Username: adelicatebalance Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 64.40.180.98 |
GCC grad -- I know that the OPP, media and Anglican church would not act on something based soley on information obtained on Factnet -- but it would be naive to say that they are not monitoring the activity here. The OPP has stated their email to Familylove: "Thank you for your email dated the 07Sep07. As you can appreciate we take calls of this nature quite seriously and yes we are aware of the information contained on www.factnet.org" | ||
| jes_noonan Intermediate Member Username: jes_noonan Post Number: 112 Registered: 7-2007 Posted From: 67.70.18.204 |
adelicatebalance: I understand your point with regard to having the positive posted on here for those who wish to do so. In my humble opinion, it's fair and it's fine. Having said that, it is also somewhat redundant in the sense that I don't believe the positives which can be drawn from some posts offset the allegations made. They are mutually exclusive for those which are trying to understand the nature of the allegations. Despite the fact that this is a site dedicated to religious cults and sects, I can appreciate your point that because it is an open forum and there certainly are those who wish to defend GCC on the whole, it is to be expected that one would find some element of debate or difference of opinion on here....especially post G&M articles. Nature of the beast. | ||
| wagener84 Member Username: wagener84 Post Number: 84 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 199.214.192.50 |
Speaking as a law enforcment official with over 20 years of experience...the Police are simply doing their job...that is an obligation to make inquiries, investigate all avenues, interview potential victims, and at the end of the day...determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence on REASONABLE AND PROBABLE GROUNDS to file criminal charges. If there was an aura of abuse without specifics including identified victims, dates, actions, etc. there will be no charges. On the other hand, if the Police investigation identifies even one individual with some supporting evidence that suggests he/she was abused physically or sexually..charges will be filed against the individual perpetrator. Sorry folks but based on my knowledge of the CC..there is no charge that would apply for emotional or psychological abuse. The legal argument would in defence would be that parents who sent their kids knew that it was a religious facility as as such could expect certain approaches to be different from the mainstream. | ||
| priest_of_satan Member Username: priest_of_satan Post Number: 55 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.229.62.21 |
hey 87expellee - care to get "specific" with your comments i.e. Moron, brown-noser etc. and who you are? Going to to closing? Cause there's more than enough room... | ||
| tmw Member Username: tmw Post Number: 65 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.154.80 |
POS Just what exactly are you suggesting when you say "hey 87expellee - care to get "specific" with your comments i.e. Moron, brown-noser etc. and who you are? Going to to closing? Cause there's more than enough room..." | ||
| priest_of_satan Member Username: priest_of_satan Post Number: 57 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.229.62.21 |
I'd like to know who he is referring to as all...calling me a moron, or a brown noser and would like to know who he is. Why TMW? Who art thou? I have received a few "anonomous" threats through email - starting to get annoying and under my skin. People know who I am, time to return the favor. | ||
| priest_of_satan Member Username: priest_of_satan Post Number: 58 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 99.229.62.21 |
I'd like to know who he is referring to as all...calling me a moron, or a brown noser and would like to know who he is. Why TMW? Who art thou? I have received a few "anonomous" threats through email - starting to get annoying and under my skin. People know who I am, time to return the favor. | ||
| 87expellee New member Username: 87expellee Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 66.78.123.102 |
This is an anonymous forum. If I don't want to give you my identity that is my choice. Just because you chose to give yours in no way means I should, or have to, give you mine. And btw, I have never emailed you, nor would I. Originally you were the one in denial. Now I am inclined to think all three fit the bill. | ||
| sheilac Intermediate Member Username: sheilac Post Number: 103 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 70.54.19.161 |
I'm guessing that it is *you* 87expellee is referring to as the "attention-seeking brown-noser" though I suppose "moron in serious denial" could just as easily be ascribed. Go ahead. Threaten me with physical violence. I dare you. | ||
| tellitlikeitis Junior Member Username: tellitlikeitis Post Number: 30 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.97.222.116 |
hey guys-- seems like this is getting off-topic a bit.... do we really want to drag an online school playground fight here? It would be sad to see this thread be denigrated to that level. Personally my view is that none of us are going to force anyone to see things from our points of view -- nor should we. If you want to get things to a personal level, take it elsewhere. This particular discussion board (CoJ/GCC) was desinged with anonymity in mind --if you want to "Out" yourself, that's your choice, but not the norm. PLEASE can we tone down the name calling and insults? Please. | ||
| tmw Member Username: tmw Post Number: 66 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 67.71.154.80 |
POS I can assure you that I have never, nor would I ever send you an email, least of all an anonymous threatening email. I find your style of posting and certain comments that you have made in your posts to be of a threatening nature, and for that reason alone I would not identify myself to you. I have no interest in you knowing who I am so you can approach me in any fashion (ie email, on the 29th) and verbally berate and threaten me the way you do to the others on this forum. You seem to be easily triggered by what people are posting here when their opinions differ from yours. I find myself regularly asking myself, why is he putting himself through this? I can accept that your opinion may be different from the others here, why can't you accept that people may have a different opinion than yours? Why do you feel the need to convince others that they must be wrong, and you are right? And then when you feel as though you seem to be losing the battle, resort to "calling them out". Your behaviour is reminisent of a childhood bully, in that when things don't seem to go your way, you threaten them. My suggestion to you is this. I have no problem with you posting on this site, however, in the future wait until you have "cooled off" before formulating your post. It will give you the time and forethought to spell out a reasonable "argument". Rather than the knee jerk reaction posts you seem to be posting as of late. | ||
| grenvillan88 Junior Member Username: grenvillan88 Post Number: 32 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 74.99.246.147 |
better yet - if you have issues and cannot deal with comments and taking a different point of view try webmaster@factnet.org to make a complaint. he or she will know you're so right and make us all repent before we post again. thanks for letting us all know there's room at the last supper. we will now all bow to the head table and waste our time and money to attend the Grenville is great ceremonies. No offence to anyone going for closure of our previous abuses (Message edited by grenvillan88 on September 27, 2007) | ||
| bossman Member Username: bossman Post Number: 56 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 24.64.223.204 |
I guess if we were still at school it would be time for one of those chapel meetings or a walk behind the sewer pit in the back forty | ||
| papillon Member Username: papillon Post Number: 62 Registered: 7-2007 Posted From: 70.62.111.2 |
For those of you who continue to disrespect the posters on this board (Wayne and POS, jump immediately to mind), here are two quotes to consider: "Everyone should now know that no one is above the law, religion is not an excuse for abuse and every victim has a right to be heard," said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, who endorsed the prosecution (of Warren Jeffs) in Washington County. "Between individuals, as between nations, the RESPECT for the rights of others leads to PEACE". --Benito Juarez | ||
| stephenklein86 New member Username: stephenklein86 Post Number: 12 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 130.63.237.59 |
I must admit that I am really saddened and disappointed with how this discussion has turned. Has everyone lost their mind? I say to EVERYONE on this list that there must be underlying respect for different opinions AND perspectives (from the present and past). There is much I never witnessed at GCC that I have read in this forum. I would never dream of stating an opinion on someone else's opinion. My opinion is mine and I expect respect as I would give it to others. Both sides of this mud-slinging contest should back off and cool down. "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire I have found a lot of healing reading many of this posts and I want them to continue. | ||
| sandrabrownearly Junior Member Username: sandrabrownearly Post Number: 46 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 162.83.61.245 |
"Treat others as you'd like to be treated" |
