The Family still active

We appreciate your objectivity in giving us an opportunity to respond to an article your paper has printed about our volunteer group, "The Family".

Please allow me to comment on an article released by Reuters wire service, which your paper carried in its Nov. 26, 1994 edition. The article reported that David Brandt Berg, founder of The Family, has passed away at the age of 75. Sad to say, this article was extremely biased and contained many slanderous accusations, which gave a very false representation of his life and work.

I was rather dismayed to see that the Cult Awareness Network (CAN) and "disaffected members" were the only sources quoted as so-called "experts" on The Family. In reality, a number of studies of CAN and its modus operandi have shown that CAN does not respect individual rights to religious freedom, but rather devotes its time and sources to harassing and slandering small organizations and religious groups, even to the extent of using coercion and force to alter personal convictions. By contrast, a number of empirical studies have been done on The Family around the world by reputable academics, sociologists and psychologists, which have effectively disproved the allegations of these so- called experts.

The news of Mr. Berg's death was sudden though not totally unexpected since he had been in failing health for the past several years. David Berg retired from direct administration of The Family several years ago for health reasons and spent the last years of his life in seclusion, devoting his time to writing. We can only rejoice that after a long and fruitful life our founder has been called to his heavenly reward.

Mr. Berg's life was spent in service for others. In 1968 he founded The Children of God movement in California. Initially composed of disillusioned youth who were reached through Berg's positive alternative to their problems, and motivated to help others, the group later drew members from all walks of life, and subsequently became known as The Family. Today, The Family has members in over 40 countries around the world, where they are engaged in volunteer activities and relief work.

Berg's principle legacy is undoubtedly the movement he founded and led. However, he will also be remembered for his controversial views and frank opinions on a wide variety of subjects as expressed in his writings for nearly three decades. The article was correct in stating that legal investigations of The Family have taken place in several countries, however what was omitted was the fact that in every single case members have been exonerated from all charges.

Mr. Berg's death will have little effect on the continuation of The Family as an active volunteer group. His main goal was to inspire others with a message of hope and love, maintaining that by showing outgoing concern for our fellow human beings, each of us can help make this world a better place. This will continue to be our goal for the future.

ESTHER YOUNG

Jakarta