Sex Abuse Victims Join Lawsuit Against Salem Mormon Church

It's horrifying, the crimes these boys--now men--endured. They are brave for coming forward. I wish them and everyone hurt by Dykes the very best. That's most important here--not the pictures used in a news story, by a reporter who I generally agree with and whose stories I enjoy, regardless. I particularly wish this picture wouldn't be used because I know the person who made it, and while that person would probably never speak up, it is or will if that person ever finds out, be very, very painful to see used this way. The picture means alot to that person. And that's why it's important to me. There are plenty of photographs of churches that don't have the same personal and spiritual punch to individuals as a personal watercolor. Thank you for your story, Tim. I've been following this case closely and it's nice to see this covered. My problem with the picture has NOTHING to do with the bravery of those who came forward about the horrible abuses they were subjected to. It's one of my deepest wishes that this is brought forward in all churches; the harm it inflicts on the heart is incredible and no child should ever, ever, ever have to endure such things. I am grieved by this and outraged. Justice will be served here.

The church in the picture is not a Mormon church but an Adventist church. I'm sure the Adventist church has severe problems with sex abuse as well, but it seems unkind to members of this particular church to have their church hung as a prototype of sex scandal. The conference probably deserves it, though.