Stories, Testimonies and Writings by Exiters

Recovery from an exploitive and abusive religious group is one of the hardest things we will ever do. We cannot bury our experience and move on. It is important to give ourselves time to heal. While we each heal at different times and in difference ways, the journey is still painful. Writing and speaking out is an effective way to counter the disinformation, propaganda and lies and is helpful in our healing.

Where Do the Feelings Go? (covering processing painful thoughts)

Healing Through Grief (healing from grief, trauma and loss)

The following insightful writings and stories* tell about the deception, fraud, abuses and traumas suffered at the hands of "ministers of God." They are valuable in validating exiters' experiences, helping them to understand their involvement, and to know that they are not alone. All are written by former members of Worldwide Church of God, but a few are from those deceived by controlling splinter groups.

"We felt shame, but we were not the shame. The thing that happened to us was the shame."- Anonymous

Survivor's Rights

*Pseudonyms have been furnished to protect the writer.

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Personal Writings About the WCG Experience
Many helpful writings for exiters of WCG or any abusive offshoot. Covers "Exiting," "Deceit" and "Abuses Suffered," plus recent and validating writings, i. e. "Questioning Why I Was in a Deceptive Cult."

Stories & Testimonies by Those Impacted by Philadelphia Church of God
(includes Mike's Testimony)

Looking Back on My Experiences (by Lindsey)
Many articles which are validating for exiters and very helpful for understanding our involvement and breaking free.

Trauma With Another Church
These writings reveal what happened to one exiter who attended a Christian church too soon. Includes: "The Twilight Zone"; "Other Christians and Cult Deception"; and more.

God's Love in My Love
There are times when God makes His love known to us in special, unexpected ways. Some of these are miracle stories.

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
~ John 1:17

Stories & Testimonies by Former Members of WCG and Offshoots

Stories & Testimonies From Child Survivors

Personal Stories About Grief (By survivors of Armstrongism)

Good to Be Free From the WCG (by Will)
Several writings which validate exiters' experiences.

An Open Letter to Our Acquaintances in The Church of God This courageous letter enabled many to question deception and exit the WCG and all authoritarian offshoots; shows how WCG used thought reform in order to instigate their new changes.

D. William's Letters to Janis Hutchinson Valuable research info to understand what really transpired during the WCG changes; reveals deception and cover-up.

Kelly Marshall's Letters to Janis Hutchinson Valuable research info to understand what really transpired during the WCG changes; reveals deception and cover-up.

Iris

Survivor's Rights

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DISCLAIMER: All information posted is for educational and informational purposes only. Opinions expressed in letters and stories not necessarily those of ESN. We encourage our readers to use discernment and research widely in order to make their own evaluation. Information is not intended to supplant or replace consultation with a qualified therapist or medical professional. ESN does not endorse all views on offsite links. No portion of this website may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever. If in doubt, please email us. All rights reserved © Exit & Support Network™