Nichols’ excommunication, Amish and Mennonite communities

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Nichols did the right thing, even at the cost of excommunication

Having worked with a state agency that investigates allegations of all child harm, I can say, in Dr. Nichols’ defense, that maltreatment can be extremely difficult to investigate.

For one thing, the grooming can start at infancy and slowly progress, while the child is subtly sexualized and becomes very confused. On the one hand, people are impressed with anyone who “loves” children, as they are often like the child they are seducing. They are tender, gentle, easily hurt, vulnerable. They will weep, stare at the floor, slump their shoulders. The body language is clear: You have an evil mind.

It takes years to prove some of these crimes. Dr. Nichols and his wife did the right thing in supporting their child, even if it meant being excommunicated.

Praying for wisdom,

Helen Willis

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Amish story is familiar to some Mennonites

I agree wholeheartedly with Jonas Kurtz’s article, “There’s more to the Amish story.”

I’m from a Mennonite background, and there is a lot of spiritual abuse taking place in their community as well. They are rules-based, although they do believe in being born again. If you break their rules you will be excommunicated, and if that takes place you are hell bound! Therefore people are afraid to leave their church and kids are afraid to not become members for fear of going to hell.

I was told personally that if a person believed on the Lord Jesus Christ they would not be saved unless they became a member of their denomination and followed their rules, which is a lie from hell itself!

Thank you for publishing an article that refutes their way of life as an example of growing their congregations.

Sincerely, 

Glenda Hagelberger