Re: Struthers Memorial Independent Pentecostal Church
Date: April 26, 2024 08:57AM
Hi Rainbow
This is thrilling news about you having been contacted by the BBC with a view to speaking about your past experiences at Struthers for an investigative documentary. I’d encourage you to Go for it! Yes, it feels a bit scary but, as you say, it will help other people. People who are still in SMC but unhappy and unsure there, and people who have left SMC and are still suffering from the consequences of the abuse they suffered there. You have a story to tell as we all do. Remaining anonymous is the best option. I understand completely how you feel about that.
I am wondering whether anyone else on the Forum has been contacted by the BBC. My concern is that one person telling their story is not enough. I guess the investigation team have read the Forum posts so they will be able to see how many contributors there are and that the Forum has been going for many years, taking off in a big way around 2010/2011. From what I gather on here, it looks like the BBC have already approached folk in Struthers. My concern is that the documentary would cover the accounts given by SMC leaders and other members and only have Rainbow giving her true story. What do other folks think?
I’d certainly be willing to contribute to an investigative documentary by the BBC, if they needed any more information.
Struthers leaders have known about this Forum from the beginning and some of them read the posts. Many other Struthers members read the Forum posts too. The leaders tell folk not to read it but they still do. Good on them! The leaders have always hoped and prayed that this Forum would die out but it never has. And now, it has taken off in a big way! I’m really enjoying reading all of your posts in recent days. Thankyou for these.
Yes, I think there’s a right time for someone to feel able to open up and tell of their experiences in SMC. You can’t do it until you feel ready. No pressure on anyone.
Can’t wait to hear what’s going to happen next……..