In this video, I share the unfortunate experience of being removed as a speaker from the upcoming DeCult 2024 Conference, despite already being publicly announced as part of the program. After receiving an email from Anke Richter, the event’s director, explaining the decision, I felt compelled to respond publicly.
This decision was made after members of the ex-Jehovah’s Witness (JW) community raised concerns about my inclusion in the event, resulting in DeCult’s decision to retract my speaking slot. The reasoning? Concerns that my participation would keep a large portion of the ex-JW community from attending. While I understand the need to consider the audience’s comfort and safety, I believe this situation has been handled unfairly, as no one from DeCult approached me directly to hear my side of the story.
In this video, I speak with Dennis Parker, one of the event co-organizers, via Zoom, where I express my frustration and disbelief at how this has unfolded. I’ve always aimed to use my platform to expose harmful organizations like Jehovah’s Witnesses, raising awareness of cult practices and helping people break free from controlling environments. I believe it’s ironic that DeCult, an organization dedicated to exposing harmful cults, is shunning me in a manner all too similar to the cult-like behavior we seek to expose.
I’ve been deeply involved in exposing cults for years and have even done a successful interview with Lara Kaput, which DeCult themselves promoted. And the day of the committee meeting I conducted another interview with Rachel Lees
Yet, despite this, more recent accusations have come forward that I’ve never had a chance to address with the organizers. It feels like an entire community has made a decision about me based on misinformation, and I wasn’t even given a platform to defend myself.
Additionally, Rob Woolley, a colleague and respected figure from the Toastmasters and Rotary communities, wrote a heartfelt letter in support of me to Dennis Parker. In this letter, Rob highlights my professionalism and my ability to handle controversial topics with grace and humor. However, Dennis claims that this letter wasn’t passed on to Anke, leaving me even more perplexed as to how this situation has been handled.
Key Points in This Video:
I share the email from DeCult Director Anke Richter explaining their decision to remove me as a speaker due to concerns raised by the ex-Jehovah’s Witness community.
My conversation with Dennis Parker, where I plead for a meeting with the DeCult committee to address these concerns and have my voice heard.
My feelings of being treated unfairly and shunned, similar to the behavior cults impose on their members, ironically by an organization meant to fight against cult practices.
A heartfelt letter from Rob Woolley supporting my character, professionalism, and ability to handle controversial topics, which was not passed on to the decision-makers.
I believe everyone should have the chance to tell their side of the story before decisions like these are made. In this video, I ask for your feedback and invite you to share your thoughts on how this situation has been handled. Do you believe this decision was justified, or do you think I should have been given the chance to present my side of the story to the DeCult committee?
Your input is valuable to me, and I encourage you to engage in the conversation. Let’s stand up against censorship, hypocrisy, and the very cult-like practices we’re working to expose.
CURRENT SPEAKERS LIST FOR DECULT CONFERENCE 2024 (27th Sep 2024)
Dr. Janja Lalich, Dr. Gillie Jenkinson, Craig Hoyle, Caroline Ansley, Adam Dudding, Scott Homan, Sarah Steel, Ekant Veer, Tore Klevjer, Ulrike Schiesser, Luke Hollis, Lindy Jacomb, Maria Esguerra, Andre Afamasaga, Virginia Courage, Laura McConnell, Laura Muir, Bronwyn Rideout, Stephen Judd, Dennis Gates, Sunita Torrance, Anusha Bradley, Rachel Lees, Pearl Valor, Bec Sonkkila, Dhyana Levey, Ciaran Fox, Shayne Mechen, Natalie Malcon, Dave Booda, Lara Kaput, Adam Elmasri, Dr. Nicole Matejic, Micki McAllen, Ursula Cheer, Dr. Duncan Webb, Dame Sue Bagshaw.
#DeCult #JehovahsWitness #Cults #Shunned #PublicSpeaking #ExJW #Conference #CultAwareness
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