MK forum

Historical Reviews







Jesus had many things to say about His love and care of children and NTM USA desires to give that same place of honor to the children of our members and also to those children in the ministries we undertake. Sadly, there were times in our history when individuals took advantage of situations and the vulnerability of children to commit acts of abuse.

Since the mid-1990s NTM USA has worked to build and improve child safety procedures. Today, NTM USA trains all members in the area of child safety and is committed to ongoing vigilance and awareness.

Believing that we are responsible to our members and their children, to our ministry partners, to the laws of the countries in which we minister and ultimately to God, NTM USA will continue to review our policies and safety procedures to better safeguard children.

Review of East Brazil 1983-1998

As a part of our commitment to child safety, NTM USA continues to commission independent reviews of historical allegations of abuse. Most recently, a review of the eastern region of Brazil was finalized and given to the NTM USA Executive Board. The review confirmed that there were incidents of abuse, in the time period between 1983 and 1998. In response to the review, NTM USA has amended the employment records of five former members to now indicate dismissal and/or permanent removal from membership from NTM USA as a result of their actions against children. The board has also carried out additional recommendations from an independent panel including notifying the Sending Churches of the outcomes of the review and sending letters of apology to those indicated by the review team. Information from the review has been shared with those directly involved and with law enforcement.

In the future, as reviews of other regions are concluded, we will follow through on recommended outcomes in the same manner. Our prayer is that God will use these reports to make us more aware and vigilant in our efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment for children.

Since I know so little about legal matters, I have been seeking input from others about this issue.

Here is a quote from an attorney friend, posted with permission:

"The explanation this organization has provided makes no sense to me. As long as they keep the identities of the victims confidential, I can think of no legal reason why they cannot make available the entire report - assuming they have one. It almost sounds to me like they have had to think of some "reason" to provide the public why they are not releasing a written report that so many had hoped would be released. As an attorney, my hunch is that whatever report they possess, it focuses exclusively on the perpetrators and says little to nothing about the response of the institution.

I've never understood why this organization allows their hired investigator to be both investigator and jury - deciding the legal standards and then applying them. In my opinion, this gives them too much control over the process and the outcome. This sounds a lot more like an "internal" investigation that is being called an "independent"."

I personally think your learned friend has hit the nail on the head.

It's the Pontious Pilate response. "There is a problem before us, we should do the right thing, but if we wash our hands of it and are seen to be washing our hands, then we can claim that we have at least done something, when actually all we have done is wash our hands"

Hmm!

Good one, Bemused!

Washy, washy!

?????????

Wakey, wakey!!

Amazing. The only time a Triber man gets his hands in the sink, is to wash his hands of problems. Ask them to do the dishes and that is woman's work!!!!!!

Ooops bad generalisation. Aussie is Red Carded

Hey, now, I get MY hands in the sink on occasion! Although the carburetor was dripping fuel, I was concerned that if I didn't cover the drain I would lose some parts down it ... Fortunately my wife's tea towel was handy and I covered the drain with it.

You're a good man, Paul!!

If NTM were confident in their investigators (as they want to imply to the mks that they are) then why would they be worried about defamation? Wouldn't the one who is being defamed have to prove that the allegations were not true in order to be defamed?

I think NTM's concern is deeper. A defamation lawsuit by one of our alleged abusers might reveal what NTM is desperate to keep quiet - their hand in the abuse as a not-for-profit corporation, employer, church. These alleged abusers would have the inside tract into information such as the transfer of said alleged abuser, possible correspondence from HQ to the alleged abuser revealing prior knowledge, etc. Where a criminal case against an historic abuse might be impossible at this point, a case against NTM alleging collusion might be viable.