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Note #8002 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Panel named to probe abuse allegations
03476
November 6, 2003

Panel named to probe abuse allegations

3-member group will look into cases arising from Egypt, Cameroon

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - A three-member panel has been appointed to investigate claims of
physical and sexual child abuse by Presbyterian Church (USA) missionaries in
Egypt and Cameroon between 1945 and 1980.

The Independent Abuse Review Panel (IARP) will follow up on allegations
mentioned in an earlier report documenting extensive, prolonged abuse of
children by now-deceased Presbyterian missionary William Pruitt while he
served in Congo.

The abuse in Egypt is said to have taken place between 1945 and 1980. The
allegations from Cameroon concern events from the 1960s.

The Independent Committee of Inquiry (ICI) that investigated the Congo abuses
concluded that the Egypt and Cameroon allegations were beyond its scope, but
recommended in its report that another panel be named to investigate those
charges.

Those IARP members are:

* Nancy Poling, of Evanston, IL, a Presbyterian deacon and abuse survivor who
has worked extensively on abuse-related issues and is the author of Victim to
Survivor: Women Recovering from Clergy Sexual Abuse;

* Ann Thomas, of Richardson, TX, a Presbyterian who has worked for many years
as a social worker and health-care professional; and,

* Lois Edmund, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, a Mennonite and a clinical
psychologist with a special interest in human development, trauma and
healing, and conflict resolution.

Poling and Edmund served on the ICI.

Poling and Thomas have been contracted to serve for six years. Edmund is
under contract for only one year. All will be paid $675 per month. The
committee will begin its work at the start of 2004, and will report its
findings to the executive committee of the General Assembly Council.

All of the IARP's business will be conducted in strict confidence. Any files
it creates will be sealed.

According to the panel's charter, its assignment is to "pursue the truth,
encourage healing and promote justice on behalf of those making allegations
and those accused," and to "work to further the integrity of the mission and
witness of the PC(USA)."

The charter also includes the comment, "It is likely (that) allegations
beyond those of Cameroon and Egypt will also arise."

The IARP will have no disciplinary authority, but the GAC executive committee
may refer the panel's findings to PC(USA) governing bodies and/or civil
authorities.

On the ICI's recommendation, a hotline has been established in Louisville for
abuse-related calls. The toll-free number is (888) 728-7228, ext. 5207.

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