| Author | Message | ||
| Snaggle Registered user Username: Snaggle Post Number: 13 Registered: 7-2006 |
I received some news today from a friend that an SDA Pastor in the south pacific conference has died after he committed suicide. This person used to pastor one of the Churches I went to. The SDA Church position on this is unfortunate in that they deny the death was a suicide and are referring to it simply as a 'tragic death'. Yet I know from those close to the family that it was a suicide. It got me thinking about how many other sda pastors out there must be suffering in silence. After all, where can they turn for support? Most of them would shun seeking help from outside the Church. - Mike. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3767 Registered: 3-2004  |
That is so sad. Let us remember the family in our prayers. Diana | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 411 Registered: 12-2004 |
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about this very sad story. Suicide seems to be such a shunned topic for so many. I don't know the particular circumstances of this situation, but I can understand how often times suicide might seem like a very attractive alternative for someone in severe emotional pain, depression or other mental illnesses. You are also right, in that I suspect he would feel that seeking help from the church/employer, potentially could put a livelihood and career at risk. Many on this forum have felt the blackness and helplessness of depression. My heart goes out to his family. | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 1099 Registered: 4-2000  |
The perfection required to clear one's name (i.e., not even an "idle moment" allowed) under the investigative judgment often creates severe depression among Adventists. The South Pacific Conference, in its denial of the above-mentioned pastoral suicide, reminds me of how Ellen White was carefully shielded from relatives, church members, and friends during the last two or three years of her life. Dudley Canright reported that Ellen White suffered from severe dementia. Consequently, Willy White acted as the "Spirit of Prophecy" for that time period. Willy always corresponded with the brethern and reported what "mother" said or wanted. Apparently, they felt it was a major stigma to have their beloved prophetess being out of her mind. Dennis Fischer | ||
| Rejoycing Registered user Username: Rejoycing Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2007 |
Thanks for this information Dennis. Not surprising. I am sorry to hear about the pastor. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 6050 Registered: 12-2003  |
So interesting, Dennis. Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about this pastor. I do believe others also suffer deeply. How very sad. Colleen | ||
| Snaggle Registered user Username: Snaggle Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2006 |
Yes, your prayers for the family would be appreciated. Although separated, the pastors leaves behind a former wife as well as two young children. - Mike | ||
| Reb Registered user Username: Reb Post Number: 134 Registered: 5-2007 |
This is so sad. How toxic Adventism is! This underscores just how dangerous Adventism can be. | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 150 Registered: 8-2005  |
When I worked at the GC there was a young man in Dec 2000 who leapt to his death from the second floor. The GC covered it up so his widow could receive the life insurance. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG story behind this but the church is very good covering up scandal. |
