The Judgment of Lord Justice Ward 1.An Assessment of The Family

1. An Assessment of The Family

To the members of The Family, David Berg was an End-Time Prophet who was revered by his flock as a man of God. He was treated as an icon. Consequently, in the eyes of the members he could do no wrong. Since obedience was a clarion call and since murmuring was a cardinal crime, members faithful to him were unable to articulate criticism of him. There is little emanating from Maria or World Services strongly to suggest that they were prepared openly to disagree with him. Now he is dead. I have no evidence giving me any clear indication as to how his death will affect The Family's future. Whilst his Letters were never sacrosanct, they did constitute The Family's theology and they were influential in shaping attitudes and behaviour. Unless they are repudiated, they are likely to continue to hold sway.

The Family have considered themselves to be the objects of world-wide persecution. This case is an instance of persecution. It threatens the very life of The Family. Consequently they regard themselves free to deceive the authorities and I have not always had the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from The Family in the evidence they have presented to me. It is, however, significant that their response to persecution has changed in important respects. Most importantly for my purpose, NT has submitted to the jurisdiction of this Court and has defended herself, rather than run away. A second important change is that The Family have undoubtedly begun to seek open contact with church, local authorities, academics and society generally. The more the threat of persecution is dispelled, the less the need to deceive and the greater the reliance that can be placed upon their word.

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