Specific Cases of Child Abuse By Physical Punishment:
The "Boy in the Box" Case (1987): One documented case involves Retha Skyles, a WCG member, who was implicated in severe child abuse in Tacoma, Washington. Her step-grandchildren, Tim and Donna, were subjected to extreme neglect and abuse, including Tim being confined in a box. The case gained media attention after Child Services intervened, following reports from a concerned individual, Glen. The WCG minister in Tacoma was aware of the situation but reportedly did not refer it to authorities, highlighting a potential failure in addressing abuse within the church.
According to reports, Skyles kept her 8-year-old grandson in a box, described as coffin-like, from May 1, 1985, until he was discovered on April 29, 1987.
The boy was discovered by a caseworker and a police officer following a referral from a relative. He was found in a 6-foot-long, 3-foot-wide, and 2-foot-high box. Reports indicated he was only let out for specific purposes and had no toys or books.
Skyles stated her belief that the boy had brain damage and that she kept him confined to prevent others from learning about his situation. The boy's sister, also living with Skyles, was not kept in a box and showed no signs of abuse, though she was also not attending school. Both children were placed in foster care. Despite having head lice, the boy appeared otherwise normal.
Background: Graydon Drown (age 48 at the time) and Robyn Drown (age 41) lived in a rural area of Turner, Oregon, with their nine minor children, ranging from 7 weeks to 16 years old. The family resided in a manufactured home with a chicken coop and small garden. The couple also had three adult children living out of state.
Charges and Arrest: In June 2008, Marion County deputies arrested the Drowns following an anonymous tip about an injury on one of their sons. The couple was initially charged with criminal mistreatment. A grand jury later escalated the charges to assault, alleging the Drowns used switches, plastic pipes, and two-by-fours to punish their children, causing injuries. The children reported regular punishments involving boards or pipes, according to jail documents filed by Detective Martin Bennett.
Court Proceedings: During a court appearance in July 2008, a Marion County judge ordered the Drowns held without bail due to concerns for the children’s and community’s safety, as argued by Deputy District Attorney Sarah Morris. Defense attorney Stephen Lipton, representing Graydon Drown, contested the no-bail decision, noting the charges did not involve murder, but the judge upheld the ruling, leaving open the possibility of a future bail hearing.
Children’s Placement: The nine minor children were removed from the home and placed with four foster families. The Oregon Department of Human Services ensured the children could gather for at least one meal per week to maintain sibling connections.
Specific Cases of Sexual Abuse
Joseph Wagner Case A former United Church of God (UCG) member, Wagner who later joined the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA), was sentenced to life in prison for raping two young girls. The individual, Wagner, was described as grooming his victims and had a history of mooching off church members. There were also allegations of other victims who did not come forward. According to the Sandusky Register, Judge Binette told Wagner he groomed the victims "in your own sick ways" and made his bedroom "a torture chamber for those two children."
Robert Teitgen Case: Another UCG member, Robert Teitgen, whose father was a minister, was identified as a child molester. Limited details are provided, but this adds to the narrative of individual cases within Armstrongist churches.
Robert David Teitgen, 52, is facing three charges of gross sexual imposition and one charge of luring a minor by a computer. If convicted of gross sexual imposition, the more serious of the charges, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for each of the three charges. He faces an additional maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted of luring a minor.According to court documents, Grand Forks police received a follow-up on a Suspected Child Abuse of Neglect report that 12-year-old Jane Doe told her older brother she had been "molested" by Teitgen.The girl's father told police that he and his son then located sexually inappropriate texts, photos and videos on Doe's phone. See rest of story here: St. Paul man pleads not guilty to sexually abusing a Grand Forks 12-year-old
He is the son of the late UCG minister named Herb Teitgen. He is also attended UCG's, Ambassador Bible Center and worked briefly for LifeNets.See: UCG Member Arrested For "gross sexual imposition and one charge of luring a minor by a computer."
Background and Charges: Kevin Owen Dean, born around 1951, was accused of molesting multiple children over several decades. He held positions of authority, including as a pastor, school principal, and summer camp director, which allegedly provided opportunities for his crimes. Dean was charged with aggravated child molestation and additional counts of sexual battery, primarily in Bartow and Cobb Counties, Georgia. The allegations included abusing a relative starting at age 4 for nearly a decade (2000–2010) and molesting other girls in California dating back to the 1980s.
Legal Proceedings and Flight: In 2012, while awaiting trial in Bartow and Cobb Counties, Dean fled the United States after cutting off his ankle monitor, evading authorities for seven years. He was captured in Mexico in 2019 by U.S. Marshals. In Bartow County, Dean pleaded guilty in 2019 to 11 counts, including eight counts of child molestation and two counts of sexual battery, receiving a 40-year sentence, with at least 20 years to be served in prison. In 2021, he pleaded guilty in Cobb County to additional child molestation charges, receiving a 25-year sentence without parole. Authorities noted that he admitted to showing pornography to victims and engaging in sexual acts.
Connection to the Worldwide Church of God: Dean was described as a prominent figure within the WCG, reportedly a close associate of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong, and involved in the church’s youth programs, such as the Youth Opportunities United (Y.O.U.) camp in Orr, Minnesota. Victims alleged that Dean abused multiple girls at these camps, with some claiming church leaders failed to act on reports of abuse, potentially enabling further misconduct. There are also claims that some church members may have helped Dean evade authorities during his time as a fugitive, though these are unconfirmed.
Victim Testimonies and Impact: Several women came forward, including one who spoke in court about Dean robbing her of a healthy childhood. Others reported abuse at Imperial Schools and church-affiliated camps, with some allegations involving severe trauma, including a case where a victim was impregnated and coerced into an abortion. The bravery of victims was highlighted by prosecutors, who credited their testimonies for holding Dean accountable.
Church Response and Criticism: The WCG and its offshoots, such as the United Church of God (UCG), faced criticism for allegedly protecting Dean and other abusers. Former members and victims claimed that church leaders, including high-ranking figures like Viktor Kubik, ignored or downplayed abuse allegations to avoid scandal.
Current Status: As of the latest reports, Dean, now in his mid-70s, is serving his sentences and is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison due to the severity of the charges and his age. Additional allegations from victims continue to surface, particularly through online platforms and survivor networks, suggesting the scope of his abuse may be broader than initially documented.
Did a pedophile help start the Global and Living Church of God's?
David Havir III and the Church of God Big Sandy/CEM
KENNESAW, Ga. -- A pastor was sentenced to prison Thursday when a jury determined he molested at least two young girls and took "no responsibility whatsoever" for his actions.Jurors deliberated half an hour before convicting 78-year-old John Aubrey Pinkston of two counts of child molestation. Pinkston is the founder and former leader of Congregation of God Seventh Day in Kennesaw."Mr. Pinkston, you've been convicted of the unforgivable sin of molesting the most vulnerable members of your flock. You've taken no responsibility whatsoever," Cobb County Superior Court Judge Robert D. Leonard II said before sentencing Pinkston to 20 years with 10 to serve in prison.Stephen Gough, Christian Biblical Church of God
A former Auckland teacher posed as a God-fearing churchgoer but behind closed doors molested children while reading passages from the bible, a court has heard.
Stephen Gough - who can be named for the first time after name suppression lapsed - was jailed for three and a half years at Waitakere District Court yesterday after admitting nine sex charges.The 79-year-old man, who propped himself up in the dock with the aid of a walking stick, committed "persistent, relentless and repeated" offences against three girls and a boy between 1976 and 1987.
The London Daily News carried this story: He Used Children As Sexual ToysThe New Zealand Herald has this: Teacher Molested Children While Reading From BibleChristian Today: Teacher Scentenced To Prison For Molesting Chidlren While Reading The Bible
William Koeneke, Church of the Eternal God
United Church of God Elder Molestations:The Eastbourne Herald is reporting about a former deacon in the Worldwide Church of God who was convicted for child molestations. Koeneke is a minister in the Church of the Eternal God, also known as Global Church of God in England and the Church of God, A Christian Fellowship in Canada. He has ties to Raymond McNair, Wray Zehrung, Rod Meredith, Norbert Link and Ed Pope. He has also co-authored booklets promoting the myth of British Israelism and the supposed prophecies in the book of Revelation, among many others.
Several years ago there was an entire UCG congregation in West Virginia which seceded from the mothership after a local elder molested a young lady in the congregation. The local elder had a history of doing this sort of thing. He had repeatedly been admonished by church leaders to stop, but as is so often the case, he didn't because he knew they would never discipline him. Keep in mind, this was back around 2004 - 2005 when all the leaders of COGWA were still running United. Doug Horchak, Jim Franks, Richard Pinelli, Clyde Kilough, etc., were all aware of what had taken place with this elder and how he had molested a young girl.
There are three reasons why I’ve waited until now to shine somelight on this very troublesome situation. First, the church asked allfamily members to not discuss the case until a decision was reachedor else they would drop the appeal. Second, I really believed thatthe leaders of our church would take at least some just action toresolve the issue of an elder and sexual harassment. Third, afterreading Mr. Pinelli’s misleading response I felt it necessary toshare some relevant facts in this matter.It is a fact that an elder in WV has sexually harassed my sister-in-law. The “hugs” were accurately described in posts byLindap, the elder would sneak up from behind, lock his arms directly under thebreasts and then squeeze very tightly and lift for an extended periodof time. There was indeed touching that could be categorized, at thevery least as grossly inappropriate, and more accurately asmolestation. I can absolutely guarantee you that such hugs would begrounds for severe discipline or reprimands were they to take placeat one of our UCG Youth Camps. This situation involves an ordainedofficial in UCG, are the standards less? This act of touchinginappropriate body parts is in and of itself defined as sexualharassment in UCG’s own Sexual Misconduct Guidelines (Section Nreads: “No lewd touching or other inappropriate contact of asexual nature is permitted with minors”).There will still be some who will defend this elder’s actions asMr. Pinelli did by describing them as “signs of grandfatherlyaffection” or by arguing that the elder meant nothing perverse by them. Ialready believe the prior paragraph alone, would require for UCGleaders to take some kind of action. But to those who are stillskeptical let me provide the following evidence that has led me tobelieve his actions reflected his intent. UCG West Virginia: Sexual Abuse and Embezzlement
Nathan Albright, who is not shy about publicly addressing problems in the COGs, sent Richard Pinelli an email about the problems created by the Council's lack of action to resolve the situation:
Dear Mr. Holladay and Mr. Pinelli The attached message concerns a lively thread about the alleged fondling of a young lady in [...] by a local church elder. The situation has led to a lot of discussion, not all of it friendly, and the situation needs to be dealt with, as some people are threatening to call the police on the situation. Some of us know some (or all) of the parties involved in this particular situation, and I hope that the case is dealt with fairly and faithfully (and, at this point, quickly). Nathan Albright
Sexual Abuse at SEP:
This hits close to home, as I was 13 at SEP, first time away from home so far and so long, and me and two other girls were molested and I was almost raped by an 18 year old guy in our brother dorm. He got no real punishment, but me and the two other girls had to tell our stories, emotionally falling apart but with no support or guidance, in front of Dr. Kermit Nelson (director of SEP), Mr. Dennis VanDeVanter (who baptized my parents and was our minister for a while, but by this time had been transferred to the upper ranks in Pasadena), and Mr. Burnett (our dorm minister and the women's BB coach at Pasadena AC). Our phone and mail privileges were revoked as they didn't want the word of this "to get out and spread through the congregations, then parents will be reluctant to send their children to SEP which could save them spiritually." (as SEP was fun at times, but it was indoctrination-based)
When they said we couldn't call/write our parents anymore or anything else, it felt like *we* were the ones getting punished because we came forward, they said, "If this gets out, it will spread like wild fire through the congregations worldwide. Do you really want the eternal lives of who knows how many young people on your head?" Guilt squashed our need to contact anyone or seek emotional healing. They even made me dance with him at the end of camp to show there were "no hard feelings" - and he managed to do even more damage during and after that dance.
No cops were called. No parents.
My parents got worried when my every-other-day phone calls stopped abruptly.
They called the camp. Dr. Nelson and Mr. VanDeVanter both lied to them initially and said they didn't know of anything going on, and that we were just probably caught up with the fun of camp.
Finally, my parents got the truth out of them when they demanded to speak to me. My parents were furious, but still didn't occur to them to call the cops, and at this point there had not only been the molestation, but neglect and coverup by the church.
I was told that this matter went all the way up to Mr. Tkatch from Dr. Nelson when they were deciding how to handle this.I relate with so much of this girl says in the Nightline story. Hopefully this will open the door for more lawsuits won against cults and their slimy legal/PR tactics. And hopefully people will see that the JW's and Mormons and other cults aren't just "nice people that believe things a little different" but their secrecy and closed door policies when it comes to these issues. Sexual Abuse In the Church of God Summer Educational Programs
Living Church of God/Living University
There is plenty of proof, for starters how about one of the female victims at lcg hq who told me face to face, while crying, that she was sexually assaulted while working at lcg hq? How about several LU female students who told numerous people that I know well, that they were sexually harassed by the same son of RCM? How about that same RCM son who walked around lcg hq half drunk and smelling like booze? Believe me, there's more, but I think you get the point. There is also my own witness, since I worked there for many years and heard and saw plenty of filthy and evil behavior. One of the women sexually assaulted worked under me, I was her supervisor. Why didn't anybody do anything? Because people working at lcg hq feared RCM and didn't want to be fired and disfellowshipped. The woman who told me personally about being sexually assaulted there, begged me not to do anything about it, she and her husband were both employed at lcg hq for many years, and didn't want to make waves and deal with the situation. There are plenty of people at lcg hq who know exactly what I'm talking about here. A prominent lcg minister there told me that it was best to "let these things go, and move on, to save the church from trouble and hurting the work of God." So basically the usual filth that happens in corporate America, happens at lcg hq just the same. I did my best while working there to protect the women working under me, as their supervisor, from the sexual assaults and harassment. Believe me, I know of plenty more skeletons in lcg's closet, and so do many others. I spent time in many private meetings over the years, with RCM and other top leaders there, and witnessed things that most people in lcg wouldn't believe, or want to believe, as the truth often hurts. There are so many sins and evil behaviours at lcg hq that have been covered up, that it's sickening. I also know that these type of things are not only happening at lcg hq, but also happening at other COG headquarters' as well... been told about it personally by employees and former employees. There's nothing new under the sun! Living Church of God: Sexual harassment victims at HQ told to "let these things go, and move on, to save the church from trouble and hurting the work of God."
How COG Ministers Routinely Covered Up Sexual Abuse:
COG leaders turned on me
The leadership in the Church of God turned on me. I was stonewalled and not spoken to. Except that I was spoken to, by the church leadership, to call me a troublemaker.
When I asked an evangelist who had intimate knowledge of the offender’s past, spanning more than 20 years of adultery and child molestation in the Churches of God, why the leader- ship of God’s church had recommended the offender to me in the first place, he cut me off and told me he was going to stop me right there because I was attacking the Church of God.
He reduced me to tears and I did not talk with him after that.
When I was at the Feast and tried to talk with another leading evangelist, he said no repeatedly.
I could not understand why he would not talk to me. He put his finger in my face and told me he would have deacons physically put me out of the hall and he would disfellowship me if I talked about the offender.
The offender stalks
The offender stalked me by calling and leaving recordings on my phone and via the Internet and E- mails, and calling me and letting me know it was he and then hanging up.
I had a crisis in faith because I was being punished by the evangelists and leaders in my church.
I developed extreme PTSD. I did not want to live. I repeatedly begged God to end my life because the shame and pain were so overwhelming.
The offender regularly moves his membership
My marriage, which I was trying to preserve through counseling with the man who turned out to be the sexual offender, ended. The offender went on to become a leader in another Church of God until it finally acknowledged the nature of the offender and put him out.
The offender to this day has a web- site trying to peddle his sermons to unsuspecting women and young girls. Church of God Leaders Turned On Me After Sexual Assault
UCG tells members to "Let go; let God" when it comes to abuse in the church.
Now, forgiving doesn’t mean that you encourage or enable someone to sin again and again. For example, spousal abuse and child abuse are serious crimes, and victims should seek out the help and protection they need. You may need to distance yourself from an unrepentant sinner. But, like the old saying goes, often the best answer is, “Let go; let God.” Instead of building up your anger at someone’s unrepented sin, trust that the matter is in God’s hands and that He will do what needs to be done. Especially when the offense is simply to your pride, or involves the other person’s selfishness or disrespect, the best response often is to let it be a matter between the sinner and God. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14–15). As Passover approaches, commit to maintaining an attitude of forgiveness. Our Passover Commitments
James Malm tells wives to submit to their husbands no matter what he does. If you provoke your husband, it is a sin on your part.
In your relationship with your wives you are to NEVER EVER strike, push, shake or otherwise physically assault your wives. Anyone who does so, should be immediately disfellowshipped until he has counseled and repented; such bullying and brutalizing should NEVER be permitted. Everything you do should be for the good of your wife and family.
Wives: Do not provoke your husbands.
This admonition follows on HWA's and GTA's understanding that wicked little Eve provoked her husband into sinning; therefore, wicked, rebellious, and contentious wives still provoke their husbands...."...I am supposed to submit to him no matter what he does..."
Living Church of God covers up for pedophiles
THIS IS PERMITTED?????
In 2002, a member of LCG was imprisoned for "sexual conduct with a minor" (he was in his 40's) His DAUGHTER was the victim!!!!!!!!!!!.
He was recently married to a member from the Minneapolis area, they never counseled for marriage, they were married by an LCG minister.
He actually broke PAROLE to come to Wisconsin. I am sure she knew about this situation and believed that he was framed, BUT does a person spend almost 3 years 6 months (indicted by a GRAND JURY) in prison if there is NO solid evidence???? He had 17 (SEVENTEEN) counts against him. He was plead guilty to FOUR. The ministers in his area (SOUTHWESTERN USA) were aware of this situation, I am certain DW knew about it and OKAYED the marriage, because the offender bragged how he knew DWinnail personally (I met the man months ago at a service in Wisconsin, before any of this came out) Very charming and sweet...(typical)
This all came to light ONE DAY before we left for the FEAST. How do I know all this?? Because the x husband of the lady the offender married...was sent AN ANOYONOUS letter with the offender's picture and REGISTRATION SHEET with 17 (SEVENTEEN) offenses listed!!!
We were floored to say the least. Our friend (Dave) stayed with us during the FEAST so this is NOT some RUMOR>>> I saw the paperwork with my own eyes.
LCG KNEW of this situation for MONTHS and never alerted the congregations and PERMITTED that marriage!!!
CHILD MOLESTERS (historically speaking) CANNOT be reformed!It is a perverted SICKNESS. Well, it is all on the heads of the ministry, that's about all I can say...BUT SHAME ON THEM! Are the shepherds PROTECTING their FLOCKS?????
Dave has a child who is a minor who was living with his mother after she was remarried to the offender. He's very upset and wonders HOW this could have happened...
There's something wrong with this picture..can you ALL SEE THIS???
They allowed that man to mingle with our children(in various
congregations) for MONTHS. This is SHAMEFUL. Child Abuse in Armstrongism is NOT an Anomaly
Global Church of God
As a mandatory reporter, it is my obligation to report any knowledge I have of sexual deviance with minors. In the state of Washington and Oregon, the same standards apply today as they did 20 years ago. Yet, the Global Church of God, which and evolved into the Living Church of God, did not report the child abuse. Further, they stonewalled me as a mother. What does stonewalled mean? It means when I called headquarters, the evangelists and ranking ministers refused to take my calls. It means when I went to my brother (the then acting pastor of the Global Church of God who has now move on to another affiliation) I was systematically diminished in the eyes of my friends. Those members who had previously said they would testify for me in a civil lawsuit, they all bailed. He, the minister at that time, said I did not need him as I had enough laymembers. In short, I had to sue Philip Shields on my own. My minister would not help me. The laymembers at that time told me no later. And even today, the wife of this minister is telling one of my children that they were ready to support me. But the reality is is that I was left completely alone to fend for myself. There was no minister or his wife to support me. They jumped ship. Is telling my adult daughter that they were there for me, when they were NOT, teaching my children to honor me? Well, respect and obedience to ministers and their wives take priority over the commandment to honor your father and mother. Yet, these ministers tout their service to God, as they lie about what really happened.
Anything that is said contrary to this is an absolute lie. If you believe the Bible, it says that you will stand before the judgment seat. What I testify is true. My minister and his wife bailed on me. As I watched those who hated Philip systematically bail as well.
Of course, I planned all of this myself. Right?
Cultural Factors and Allegations:
Authoritarian Structure and Silence: Sources suggest that the WCG’s hierarchical and patriarchal culture, which emphasized male authority and subservience of women and children, may have created an environment where abuse could be concealed. Anonymous comments on blogs claim that pedophiles were protected within the church due to its power dynamics and reluctance to expose issues that could tarnish its reputation. One commenter noted, “Pedophiles were protected in the church and they knew it,” pointing to a culture of cover-ups.
Attitude Toward Children:
Critics, including former members, argue that Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings fostered a dismissive or harsh attitude toward children. A blog post ing a few years ago cites an anonymous commenter stating that Armstrong abused his own daughter and viewed lay members, including children, primarily as resources to support his ministry.
Physical Discipline:
Armstrongism’s endorsement of strict discipline, including corporal punishment, is noted as potentially contributing to abusive environments. The church’s teachings on “extreme pain compliance” for children could led to broader forms of abuse. including sexual abuse.
Herbert W. Armstrong and Incest: A serious but unverified claim from an X post and a blog source alleges that Herbert W. Armstrong committed incest with his daughter during the early years of his ministry. This is referenced in divorce proceedings with his second wife, Ramona, according to one source, but no legal documents or primary evidence are provided in the references to substantiate this.
UPDATED: Evaluating the rumors about Herbert W. Armstrong and incest
Contextual Comparison:
While the Catholic Church’s systemic child sexual abuse scandals are well-documented (e.g., 4,815 cases in Portugal since 1950), there is no comparable scale of evidence for Armstrongism. The WCG’s smaller size and decentralized structure after Armstrong’s death in 1986 may limit the visibility of such issues, but the lack of centralized reporting or large-scale investigations makes it difficult to assess the extent of abuse.
The COG’s strict, insular culture and distrust of outside authorities (e.g., social services) may have discouraged reporting, potentially underrepresenting abuse cases.
There is evidence of isolated child abuse cases within Armstrongism, notably the “Boy in the Box” incident and convictions of individuals in splinter groups like UCG and COGWA. The church’s authoritarian culture and emphasis on strict discipline may have created conditions where abuse went unreported or flat out ignored.
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2 comments:
This is most certainly not unique to the COG movement. In my local community we just had a youth pastor of a large evangelical church, which has 1,000+ members, that was caught having installed hidden cameras in the women’s bathrooms. This is not a COG issue, this is a human (i.e corruptible) issue.
Go ahead and gaslight what was posted. This blog is not about other Christian churches but is about Armstrongism. A church that claims it is unique above all others, set aside by god as his chosen vessel in the end times. It is filled with loads of corrupt people and those that cover up for them, such as you.
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